Men of Sunday: How Faith Guides the Players, Coaches, and Wives of the NFL

by Curtis Eichelberger, Wes Bleed (Narrator)

Step into the locker rooms and living rooms of NFL players and their families.

See how a close relationship with God guides football’s biggest stars. In a behind-the-scenes, off-the-field glimpse into one of America’s most beloved sports, Men of Sunday reveals how Sunday’s greatest rely on God to face issues such as drug abuse, family crises, injuries, and temptations resulting from fame and fortune.

Compiled from dozens of interviews, Men of Sunday marks the intersection of two Sunday faith and football. Inspired by the league’s “systemic shift” toward embracing Christianity, Bloomberg writer Curtis Eichelberger shows how God is a source of comfort when facing the unique challenges of life in the NFL and the everyday challenges of maintaining strong families and building character.

Featured personalities
• Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis
• Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis
• Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
• Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy
• Former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Mike Singletary
• San Diego Chargers chaplain Shawn Mitchell
• New York Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson
• Danisha Rolle , wife of former Tennessee and Baltimore defensive back Samari Rolle

Men of Sunday is a must-have for any football fan, teaching the invaluable lesson of trusting in the Lord — both on and off the field.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

Audio CD

First published August 28, 2012

Reviews

[Shawn O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good, Men of Sunday talks about football players and how they become closer to God and how some of the players hate hurting other players because they felt like they are going against there Religion. I would recommend this book who likes to find more out on player and how they relate to player in their faith.

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm pretty good with words, but I'm not sure I can adequately articulate how disappointed I was by this book. Described as an exploration of the role faith has in the lives of NFL coaches, players, and wives, MEN OF SUNDAY proves to be a cursory glance at best and a confusing jumble of platitudes at worst. And the confusion stems from the very heart of the book, which is something of an internal argument Eichelberger appears to be conducting.

An intended central theme that emerges from the pages is that NFL players and their families are just like everyone else. They suffer with ailments, struggle with insecurities, fall prey to temptations, and face the same problems we all face as members of humanity. I know this, because it's written over and over (and over) throughout the book, almost as if Eichelberger is trying to convince himself that it's true.

However, this theme is betrayed by using terms like "ordinary people" and "regular people" to describe non-NFL employees. Coupled with an inherent weighting system that elevates NFL players above the fray, the stated central theme is modified between the lines to read something more like: NFL players are just like everyone else, except their problems are more severe, their struggles are more monumental, and, because of their success, fame, and fortune, they're way more interesting, wise, and worth writing about.

Further juxtaposing the intended subject matter with author's adoration of wealth and power is this gem of a quote, which I had to read several times over before I finally believed it was included in a book about living a life of faith according to God's standards.

"...it's unlikely that you'll seek out the advice of the mail room clerk, the loading dock manager, or the nightwatchman. If that's the highest he has climbed the corporate ladder, he must not be very wise." (emphasis mine)

Material success clearly determines wisdom. And yet... Well, that speaks for itself.

So that's the foundation of the book and on top of this sandy soil, Eichelberg builds his case. Or tries to. Initially, I assumed I was distracted by nitpicks that tend to bother me as I read. Then, slowly, it dawned on me that the quality of writing just wasn't at a level I expected. In addition to the aforementioned thematic disparity, the book lacks clear organization and completion of thought.

Though divided into chapters on distinct challenges NFL players face (Family Sacrifices, Temptation, etc.), several times I had to remind myself which chapter I was reading, because the stories don't always seem to align with the topic at hand. Many of the examples and quotes feel forced, or at the very least, hastily cobbled together. Further, the reader is often "left hanging" as the stories don't fully resolve and we're left to draw our own conclusions or fill in missing connections.

I don't want to make light of the struggles we all face - NFL employees and "regular folk" alike - or the importance of faith in handling these challenges. And I'm certain that, in line with the adage of "more money, more problems," these challenges can take on added weight with elevated exposure and societal status (perceived or otherwise). However, I don't think anyone enters that profession without understanding at least some of these risks. I also lean onto the promise that we are never overtaken by our temptations - that is, God always provides a way out and we face nothing we cannot bear.

MEN OF SUNDAY seems to ignore that passage of scripture and embrace something of a victim mentality on behalf of NFL players and coaches. That, along with the other annoyances I've already laid out (and a few I haven't), made this read both disappointing and aggravating.

-from TRudATmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (12/20/12)

[John Ready Reader One · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciated hearing the testimonies of the athletes. Life is hard and the hero celebrity life is even harder. These individuals have tried to hold on to faith as an anchor through life's turmoils. The book has some issues that others have pointed out but overall it tells an important message.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iteresting. I was pleased to see many of my favorites in this book.
Also pleased how much NFL teams work to help players with issues.
I did find it seemed repetitive so it came close to boring. And there were occasional remarks by author that came across as a bit arrogant.

[The Sports Book Analyst · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is worse than bad; it’s misleading.

Where do I being with this review? The book is a mess. I’m a sports psychology consultant and constantly study up on athletes and believe me, this author is way off base with a lot of his “facts”.

To start with, I question this author’s “Christianity”. I speak a lot about sports idolatry and I feel that either the author has a bad case of this, or he is a “lukewarm” Christian.

I reviewed the Kindle version of the book and location 219 has, in the author’s words, “a common Sunday prayer”. It’s sickening, yet it’s eye opening because this reveals a problem in the Christian Church.

Eichelberger’s “prayer” states, “Dear God, please make the wind blow behind Mark Moseley’s field goals, and don’t help the defense any when they are chasing Joe today. I’ll try and be better next week.” God help the Church.

People ask me all the time, ‘Hey, you’re a sports consultant and you must be really into the NFL. Do you follow Tim Tebow?” To which I reply, “No, but I follow his God.” It’s time to let the NFL idols fall.

And just to show people that their superheroes wings are made of wax, let’s talk about the biggest misrepresentation of the book: Ray Lewis. Eichelberger promotes his “leadership style built around the tenets of Christianity and God’s teachings.” (See location 172 – 174). I couldn’t disagree more. Domestic violence, having children with different women, and murder are not the marks of a true Christian.

Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker, was implicated with two friends in the killing of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar in a street brawl. The incident took place outside Cobalt, an Atlanta nightclub, after the Super Bowl on January 30, 2000.

At the murder trial Duane Fassett, the limousine driver, backed away from his earlier statements and as a result the prosecutor's case fell apart. Lewis pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice. He was given one year's probation and then testified against Oakley and Sweeting, who nevertheless were acquitted.

Lewis also has a history of domestic violence. In 1994 and 1995, while he was a student athlete at the University of Miami, two women, who reportedly were pregnant with his children, accused him of assaulting them. He was again accused of battering a woman in 1999.

To all the victims that must feel victimized all over again at the mention of Ray Lewis’s “good boy” articles, books or write ups, this is one reviewer who is not fooled with the masses. Shame on the author!

Another thing that I noticed is that these athletes really need guidance. I don’t think that some of them get what a Christian is. Take for example Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles. He thinks that Jesus would be a middle linebacker if he played football. I’m just blown away. The Bible says that God never changes. So that means Jesus’s mission wouldn’t change. This means that He would hardly be playing football, but “be about His Father’s business”.

To pick two good things to say about Men of Sunday, it would have to be the part on Tony Dungy, who led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl championship in 2006. Dungy would pick men of character rather than the most talented players on the training camp roster. Not that’s setting an example.

The second is the chapter on temptation and Justin Tuck’s (New York Giants defensive end) warnings to rookies about women. He tells them flat out that it’s not the looks that these groupies go for; they want to get pregnant. It’s all about the money. NFL rookies should head this advice. It would save them a world of trouble and they get to keep their reputation in tack.

I received this book free from Booksneeze. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson as a part of their BookSneeze program.

Because we are a "football family", I was intrigued by the idea of Men of Sunday: How Faith Guides the Players, Coaches & Wives of the NFL by Curtis Eichelberger so I quickly selected it.

The back cover promises that the book "reveals how Sunday's greatest rely on God to face issues such as drug abuse, family crises, injuries, and temptations resulting from fame and fortune."

While the book was able to put people in the NFL on the same playing field, so to speak, as an average person by showing how they suffer from family deaths, miscarriages, injuries, etc. too, the more I read the less I enjoyed the book.

The introduction states that "the primary tenets of Christianity--discipline, self-sacrifice, courage, and love for one another--aren't just elements of a righteous life; they are the building blocks of good teams and winning franchises" (xiv). I was interested to see how this would all play out among the people interviewed and the stories told, however, there was a lot that I felt was missing. Often, a story would stay a person went through something difficult, but got through it with God, yet there was no explanation as to how this happened. Or, the same idea that God is in control of everything and that injuries, miscarriages, etc. are His plan is repeated multiple times.

The biggest strike against the book came in chapter 5, "Temptation", in which the author basically blames Eve, Delilah, and Bathsheba for the downfall of their respective men (2nd paragraph, p. 109).

Overall, it's an okay book that many people in Evangelical Christianity would probably enjoy reading in order to learn about the struggles and the faith of various athletes and coaches. Not all of them express their faith the same way, and it's interesting to compare why one coach may share his faith in the locker room while another coach does not. I did find it amusing that Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles thinks that Jesus would be a middle linebacker if he played football. It is good to have a book like this to help people see athletic celebrities in another light, that though they may have more than others, they are still a human being journeying through life like everyone else.

[Allizabeth Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

Being a resident of Maryland, I am quite partial to the Baltimore Ravens (NFL) team, so when I saw a book that mentioned Ray Lewis, I was definitely intrigued! Ray Lewis is one of the team's driving forces, always cheering on and motivating teammates on and off the field. There's not a game where spectators don't see him pep-talking players, or leading them in a team prayer, which has earned him the respect and adoration of his fans, as well as some of his teammates. Besides the team prayers, I had never really pondered the connections between football and faith - two seemingly unrelated topics - but Men of Sunday put them into perspective, providing further evidence that God is with us in everything we do.

I expected to read a Christian sports biography of sorts when I first received the book, but with so many NFL players included, I was not sure how it would be set up. I was surprised to learn that Men of Sunday was more of a professional athlete's guide to staying a faithful Christian throughout the ups-and-downs of a career in the NFL. Although I may not be a professional athlete, I appreciated getting to know the "human side" of the players I watch on the field every week. Their stories stretched a variety of emotions and topics, including aspects of their home and NFL lives. I liked reading the chapters about the families of the players, as well as their coaches; it was interesting to see how God played a role in their daily lives on and off the football field. Curtis Eichelberger detailed the players' ability to glorify the Lord, play a violent game, make family sacrifices, overcome adversity and temptation, make transitions, follow God's plan, and provide leadership. I found the material easy-to-read, honest, and valuable to any readers, whether athletes or not. Great behind the scenes look at the NFL and the faith that builds the game and the league as a whole. Recommended to Christian readers and athletes who are curious about the faith behind the game.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author (BookSneeze) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Football. A rough game played between players determined to have their team win. But what are the players, coaches, and owners like off the field? How do they balance work and family? Curtis Eichelberger opens that part of their world in his new book, "Men of Sunday."

The grueling game of football can take its toll on anyone. It takes strength from outside to help fight the temptations that are placed in the path of those involved in the game, strength to have a good life off the field. Many players are successful at this despite the media hype, and in this book we get to meet a few of them. We get to peek into their world to see how they balance their work and their lives; how their families cope. Many of the men and women involved in football have strong faith in God and rely on Him to guide their lives. Tony Dungy, Ladanian Tomlinson, Mike Singletary, Trent Dilfer, and Aaron Rogers are just five of those featured in this book showing character and strength during times of temptation and fame.

I love football and was excited to receive my free review copy from the Book Sneeze. In this day and age, it seems that the only things we hear about are the bad things. This book will encourage you and lift you up. It will bring to light some of those who stand strong against adversity through their faith. If you love football, you will love this book. I recommend it to book groups as well. There is so much to discuss!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, and I don't know why but I was really surprised by the number of Christians in the NFL. I knew players like Kurt Warner, and Tim Tebow are a few, and I felt far between. I don't know the exact number of Christian men in the NFL, but there are a lot more than I knew.
I found this book to be quite an insight into the every day lives of the players. To find some meeting for prayer sessions before games, was a surprise, and a pleasant one. Some of the things going on these players lives rather made sense and I could probably predicted it, but it is written in black and white. The women who throw themselves at these players, yes they "want" to get pregnant.
We see into the family lives of these players, and how hard the separation is on them. I loved the Arizona Cardinals Woman's Bible Study group, and how they are there for one another.
I now find some wonderful Godly men are in the NFL, and are fine examples for today's youth. Thank you Curtis Eichelberger for this insightful and heartwarming read.

I received this book from the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the faith of some athletes involved in the professional sport of football. Using certain topics the author relates the spiritual to the job as a professional athlete.

Some of the titles of the chapters are Overcoming Adversity, What Does It Mean To Lead and Family Sacrifices. Some of the athletes mentioned and discussed were Trent Dilfer, Ray Lewis and Aaron Rodgers.

You do not have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. It is more of a book about Christians who play the professional sport of football. How being a Christian has helped them during different times during their lives is the basic theme of each chapter.

I gave this book 4/5 stars. Although I enjoyed the idea of the book I felt like it would be best for a Christian athlete who was going professional. There was a lot of great advice and places to go to help when trying to keep your faith and play in the sport.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Lando · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love football and I enjoy the personal stories of players, coaches and owners. I enjoy comparing the game of football to running a business - so many similarities. Men of Sunday shows how players and their wives are trying to live as followers of Jesus in this unique, high pressure, high paying environment. I appreciated the openness many expressed about their struggles in this field and the research Chris Eichelberger did in bringing us this fascinating report. Its very current too as we see Tony Dungy on TV every Sunday and Ray Lewis is in Feb 3, 2013 SuperBowl. It was revealing to hear how many players only work for less than 4 years and they're done, how injuries change everything, and how moves from team to team really upset the family and can be a tremendous strain. I highly recommend it. www.houseofjames.com

[Pathway Midland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book culminates six years of research done by Eichelberger interviewing numerous NFL players, wives, and coaches about how their faith is lived out in their profession. Many inspiring stories are shared on various topics including dealing with the violence of the sport, family sacrifices, temptations, and multiple transitions. My only criticism is that at times the narrative seems to bog down as he incorporates multiple examples to illustrate his points.

Two of the main things I took away from this book were (1) we need to glorify God with whatever we do and (2) we need to have a servant’s heart to be a good and effective leader.
Football fans of all ages and both genders will profit from reading this book.

Reviewed by Suanne Shidler

[Joshua Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can read my full review at Quieted Waters.

“NFL players aren’t any different from the rest of us,” writes Curtis Eichelberger, “but their problems are magnified a thousandfold.” Men of Sunday is the story of those NFL players, their faith, and how the NFL presents unique challenges for people striving to honor the Lord. Eichelberger wrote this book for the average person, for the folks who go to church on Sunday, come home, and change into their team’s jersey.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a great book for people who love college or nfl football and are interesting in the Christian walk. Lots of great interviews with Ray Lewis, Jonathon Tuck, Tony Dungy, Andy Reid and lots more.

Andy Reid may be the best example of being human, Christian and living the walk with respect for people of other faiths.

This a great gift for the men and women who love football in your life. It is easy to read, and got lots of truth.

I recommend 8th and above as the reality choices is here.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this for my boyfriend to read, and book sneeze was kind enough to send me a copy. I personally think college football is better to watch, but I do love the sincere love of God that these players have freely. Most of it is written in 3rd person, which I didn't love but still the complication as a whole is good. You could potentially just open up the book and start reading, instead of straight thru. Like a devotional.

[Don Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very good book though I would rate it closer to a three than a four. It kind of jumped around with the interviews . The Trent Dilfer story was tremendous and was worth reading the book just to read it. A good read for football fans that are still exploring their faith.

[ANDREA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening

[Farah Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's good to know that there are so many Christians in the NFL. God comes first in their lives and they live it, on and off the field.

[Russ Mathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about NFL players and their Christian walk. Also about NFL wives, very similar to military spouses the way they move often and sacrifice for their spouse's career.

[Aaronurfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall was inspiring and good read. However I found some remarks from players contradictory and inconsistent at times.