Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game!: A Woman's Guide to Loving Pro Football

by Holly Robinson Peete, Daniel Paisner, Marcus Allen (Epilogue)

Year after year, Sunday afternoons and Monday nights during the NFL season have belonged to men. While they cheer and argue play calls, the women in their lives are relegated to beer and chip detail. It's time for these women to join the action, and Holly Robinson Peete, star of 21 Jump Street , For Your Love , and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper , and wife of NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, has written this hip, smart, cheerful guide to help them do so. In Get Your Own Damn Beer, I'm Watching the Game! , Peete shares her infectious enthusiasm for pro football and takes the complexity out of the game by breaking it down to its component parts. She explains the role of each position player, provides a rundown of all on-field penalties and referees' hand signals, and offers an illustrated guide to some of the most common plays in the NFL. She gives her take on the most memorable plays in NFL history and dishes some inside dirt-in a breezy, girl-talkin' narrative that promises to turn the novice spectator into a well-informed football fanatic.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Football

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2005

About the author

Holly Elizabeth Robinson Peete is an American actress and singer. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Judy Hoffs on the Fox TV police drama 21 Jump Street, Vanessa Russell on the ABC sitcom Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, and Dr. Malena Ellis on the NBC/WB sitcom For Your Love. After graduating from high school, Peete entered Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She majored in psychology and French, and could speak four languages. During her time as an undergraduate, she spent a year abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. After she graduated in 1986, she considered attending graduate school and perhaps working in languages for the U.S. State Department. However, her love of acting contributed to her decision to give an acting career a chance for a few months first. Within a short time, Peete found roles on a television series and in two films, and thoughts of graduate school were left behind.

Currently, she is one of the five co-hosts of the CBS daytime talk show The Talk, which premiered on October 18, 2010. Peete's children's book, "My Brother Charlie", won her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in March of 2011

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life! Three years ago, I said, verbatim - "I hate football and I will never like it. Mark my words." Now, I am a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan - I can't wait for the season to start, and I not only love watching the Bengals, I can sit down and watch almost any game of football, and not only understand, but enjoy it! Like many of us, I thought football was such a dumb, pointless game, but after reading this book, I see that it is (to paraphrase the author) "more like a chess match than a demolition derby." She not only clearly (but not in a dumbed down way) explains everything you need to know to understand the game, she has a knack for helping ignite your interest in it, based on her lifelong passion of the game. It's such an easy, fun read, and even if you don't become a big fan like me, it might make football season a bit more bearable!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, it borders on the condescending (as its title so subtly suggests) and you can tell it's mostly written by Holly Robinson Peete's "cowriter", and the references on almost every other page to Peete's husband, ex-quarterback Rodney Peete, get a little tiresome. But the book accomplished what it set out to, at least for me: a non-scary, non-threatening, yet moderately-paced walk through of the game. If you don't know anything about football and can get past some of the annoying personal references, it's a good read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I wanted to be angry at the typical female stereotype this book is built on: While some women may be football fans, they simply don't grow up learning the intricacies of the game like men do, and many of them grow up learning next to nothing about the game. Overall, though, I found this a wonderfully accessible introduction to the intricacies of professional football.

While I wanted to be offended at the assumption that women just don't know the details of football, I have to admit that I don't really either. As a kid who grew up watching football on Sunday afternoons & Monday nights and has become an increasingly rabid fan of Hawkeye football, I can definitely follow the main action in a game. However, I couldn't tell what a nickel back was, the advantages of running a West Coast offense, or even what a West Coast offense was, for that matter, so I guess I fit the stereotype. But Holly doesn't apologize for women being so dumb when it comes to football. Instead, she seems to have decided that as a good NFL quarterback's wife (her husband is Rodney Peete), she simply needs to help us women catch up.

The book starts with the assumption that women will pick it up with varying levels of football knowledge, some with a fairly solid base like me, but others who know nearly nothing about the game & simply want to find some way to understand their man's Sunday afternoon obsession. I was disappointed with how much time Peete had to spend with the very basics of the game for less knowledgable readers, but I understand why it was necessary to the book. It also helped that little blurbsexplaining some of the most significant historical developments in the game were scattered throughout the book , breaking up some of the more tedious information. After each chapter there was also a top ten list of a significant aspect of the NFL (key players, coaches, Super Bowls, etc.) Peete's somewhat informal tone also kept the book from getting too dry & boring while remaining clear enough when explaining the important details that I was dying to learn.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend reading this book straight through, at least not the last chapter (it's simply a list of NFL teams & important items from their histories), but that's because it makes a great go-to guide for those times when something comes up during a game that you don't understand. While I wish she could have gone into more depth about different offensive and defensive formations, I still appreciate the way this book filled in the gaps in my basic football knowledge. And while the book ended much to quickly for me, Peete leaves her readers with the tools to continue to increase their football knowledge.

[Jlcampbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I grew up watching football with my Dad and brothers (my mom and sister just refused) so I could always, at least at a basic level, follow the game. Of course, I never played football, so I had a disadvantage in truly understanding the strategies that are utilized in this sport. That's why I purchased this book, to expand my understanding of the game of football.

This book is a fabulous way to fill in the gaps when it comes to basic football knowledge. In fact, after reading it, I know a few things about football that even my husband and his buddies don't. Let's face it, its more enjoyable to watch a game when you truly understand what's going on. Don't think of this book like a novel, or easy read. Think of it like an intro level textbook (although it's not as dry as a textbook) to the game of football.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for anyone new to the game. I learned so much info from this book, terminology, the psychology behind certain plays and decisions. For someone like me, who has tried to understand football for a few years, this book was a godsend. It breaks everything down, with many details, examples and metaphors to help you understand. Peete does all the legwork (including the history of ALL NFL teams) so you just get the nitty gritty.

Her writing can be corny and at times, sexist. I do wish she would have given women a bit more credit and not portray all women as being completely clueless to football.

But if you can get past these things, it's worth the read. The information I gained, outweighs the "girly moments" of this book. Now I'm ready to "talk the talk" with the boys and I feel confident giving my opinions/comments when watching a game.

[Jenn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book to learn about the ins and outs of football. However could do without the constant Rodney Peete mentions...I get it he’s your husband...whatever

[Nell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't care about sports,which is why this book is crammed into a catchall category. When the Bears won the Superbowl in 1985, I thought I might make an effort to understand the game, but they went down the tube after that so I never bothered. This year I happened to sit knitting in front of the final two playoff games. Viewed on a large screen I actually caught some of what was going on, and the Patriots had been knocked out, so in preparation for watching the Superbowl I thought I'd bone up. Turns out I'm not interested enough to slog through the cuteness (because, after all, we're women and that's what it takes to get us interested in football--not) and the history and the rest of the way too many sidebars covering the arcana of the game. And of course it was written before CTE was widely known about. The parts early on where the author illustrated the offensive and defensive positions and the basic strategy of the game were helpful, but I probably could have found that on the internet. And if I remember correctly (the book has gone back to the library), there was a page illustrating the officials calling penalties, but those penalties weren't explained in the text. Might have been in the glossary, but I didn't care enough to flip back and forth. Why not a sidebar for that, if half the book is taken up with them?

If you really know nothing about football and are interested enough to get past the cuteness, you might get something out of this book. This is nothing against the author; good for her for knowing her stuff. It was probably a marketing decision. Still, if next season I want to take another stab at it, I'd look for a Dummies book or Idiot's Guide aimed at a non-gendered audience which, one hopes, would not contain all the fluff about being a football wife.

[Marcia Shimshak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I left off on page 35. Continue reading it by getting it out of the library.

[Cozette · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are fairly new to football d want to know what is really going on then you should check this book out… I loved how Holly Peet’s kept it funny and added the needed History of the game!!

[Chelsea]

Apparently I have made my disdain for football a little too clear, as my boss dropped this on my desk along with an order to watch the Patriots game this weekend.

I'm two chapters in, and so far I've learned that the best way to become a football fan is to get bribed with ice cream by your father so you'll shut up during the game, and the best way to become a football expert is to marry a pro quarterback. Also, that Holly Robinson Peete needs a new ghostwriter, because neither of them are funny.

I had better learn some football lingo stat, or I will be forced to quit my job in self defense. (But, like, girls can totally like football! There are guys in tight pants! Ohmigod!)

[Yune · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately while checking this out the librarian was intrigued by the title, and I ended up pretending that I had a football fanatic boyfriend who roots for the Texans. "He's a lucky guy," the librarian (a Cowboys fan himself) said.

Can't I want to learn more about the game for my own sake?

A little too much of the author's personality shows through (I got tired of the requisite quarterback's wife jokes), but it's definitely informative for those who just want to throw themselves into the game.

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually pretty funny. It is great if you know absolutely nothing about football. If you do know alot about football then it is great because of the top 10 lists (top 10 running backs, Top 10 football movies etc...)Also, I liked the breakdown of the divisions and some history of the teams.

She has a really casual writing style, so it is an easy read.

Again if you know the basics and wanted to learn more- this is not the book for you. Believe me, you will not be basing your fantasy football picks because of anything you've read in this book.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a significant other who loves football or are just a fan yourself this is a fun book to read. Not only does it give us the rules of football it gives us such guidelines as to what not to say to our partner during the big game and who has the best butt in the NFL (She did rank her husband's butt as #1 but can we really blame her). Peete brings a fun and educational insight to the game of football. A moust read for any women whos live is ruled by the NFL season!!!

[Karie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more. I grew up watching football and know the basics of the game. I wanted to learn about specific defenses/offenses, at what time a running play should be called vs a passing play, and the specifics of those tricky rules such as when it is or isn't defensive pass interference. Unfortunately I didn't learn anything new but this did cover the basics well and I would recommend it for that purpose.

[Castiron · Rating 2 out of 5]

An introduction to American pro football, written for the complete novice.


I read part of this book and ended up skimming the rest because I had to return it to the library. It's not the kind of book I was looking for -- the author has a pleasant, chatty style, talking both about the game and about her experiences as an NFL wife, but I'd have prefered more football and less author. But if a mix of facts and personality works for you, definitely check this book out.

[Kyla Squires · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good explanation of NFL rules, and a nice mini-introduction to some of the plays. There is a lot of brief NFL history as well which didn't interest me as much. A good little primer though. SuperBowl 49 made way more sense than it would have had I not read this book. My husband (who is also new to football) genuinely asked me to get him a beer during said Super Bowl, and I responded appropriately!

[Candace]

So I got this book because my special friend is a football fanatic! I got tired of only being able to understand a touch down and field goal. He watches the games all the time whether I feel like tolerating it or not. In an effort to spend more time with him, I heard about this book and jumped on the opportunity. Seems easy to understand the way she breaks it down but then again, I haven't finished the book yet...Hopefully my knowledge of the game will increase and I'll impress my friend!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not as funny as I expected it to be. It is a good resource for learning about the game of football, as played in the NFL. I knew most of the information in the first half of the book, but it did teach me more about the positions and some plays. And a lot about the history of the NFL and football as a whole.

[Robyn Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book for anyone wanting to really understand professional football, as explained by the wife of an NFL quarterback. I can't say enough about it; she covered every question I had come up with.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bit outdated now in terms of some of the rules but gives an overview of the game of football in terms of rules, positions and strategy or ways to play the game. Not the best book I've ever read but has its usefulness.

[Jbussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous. Alright light reading. Guide to football rules and watching the game? Not really. Guide to watching football with your man for dummies? yes.
I most enjoyed the part where author and other NFL wives talk about what it's like to be married to a player.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally impressed the crew at our Super Bowl party after reading this book. I was spouting off facts and random football trivia left and right. It was a cute book, felt real, and easy to read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes gentlemen, I sucked it up and read it---wanted to know what kind of propaganda Rodney's wife was filling Becca's head with!!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Obviously, I have not been on goodreads in almost a year!! If you love football, or just want to understand it more...read this book :)

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny book, especially if you love football. If you don't, you will after reading!

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're an avid football fan and really understand the game (like I do), you'll probably find this book more irritating and redundant than entertaining.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting prepared for the Football season. Go Texans!! Did you know those yellow flags have weights in them a QB actually lost an eye from being hit by one of them? That was new info for me!

[Brindi Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfecct for the passionate female fan! <3

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not finish it for the same reasons stated by other reviewers. It really seemed to talk-down to women. I would rather read a "For Dummies' to learn the game.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husbands gift to me. By the time I got it he had explained everything I needed to know already. Smh. In any event, I read it. It was informative and cute.