First Down and a Billion: The Funny Business of Pro Football

by Gene Klein, David Fisher

The owner of the San Diego Chargers takes readers inside pro football, into the locker rooms, owner's meetings and front offices to reveal all the joys, crises, frustrations, fun, and feuds of the business of sports

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Football

Paperback

Published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Mike Pesarchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great look at the early NFL through the 1980s. His stories and insight at the owner's position are hilarious, especially the stories of the early owners' meetings (and Klein's relationship with Al Davis).

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and at times funny book on the business side of football.

[Donny Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More laugh out loud lines than any book I can remember. Highly recommend.

[Jay Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly hilarious account of pro football from a bygone era told in the style of a loudmouthed car salesman. Klein has a wonderful proclivity for one-liners, self-deprecation, and insults, and he is a keen observer of human motivation. Oh, and he absolutely HATED Al Davis, which of course also makes him a decent, morally upright human being. A surprisingly good read, as it taps into themes of Old West mythology, gunslinging lifestyles, and the sheer power of the American entrepreneurial spirit. An absolute must for Chargers fans.

[Jbussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny. Great editor. Reads easy. Lots of insight to the time period.