Total Impact

by Ronnie Lott

The four-time Super Bowl champion player describes how he prepares for every game, handles his rage, overcomes pain, exploits the weaknesses of the NFL's best offensive players, and more

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography

305 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ronnie Lott was one of my favourite players ever on my favourite American Football team. A winner of 4 SuperBowl rings in 9 years with the San Francisco 49ers- Ronnie was seldom out of position- and hit offensive players with jolting abandon. This book is both a memoir and a history of those teams, as well as an explanation of Lott's rather unique training methods. Some of his training ideas are now totally debunked, while others show him to be ahead of his time. His macho approach to injuries and concussions will jarringly remind the reader of the advances of modern medicine- just since the 1990s. It's really an interesting look into the Game of Football at it was in the era of USC Dominance and the 49er glory generation. This was life before the Salary Cap (although you see it arrive with "Plan B"), modern training, the "Blue Tent" and especially the Concussion Protocol. In Ronnie's day- when I was playing Lacrosse too- you felt "a little dingy" for few minutes- and you kept playing- in case your sub took your spot. The good old days were not really better in all ways....

Frankly this book is about 100 pages too long at 300 pages- but I am not sure what I would cut. Some passages tend to peter out- might start there, but not really sure. I love Ronnie- but he does go on about a lot of stuff not really his business. Still, when he is on topic- he can be insightful. I think he understood man management better than some of his coaches- but not as well as he thinks of himself in that department. He was such a vital part of those 49er "Dynasty" years- it's an important voice to hear. I enjoyed it a lot- just wished there was less chaff.

There are few adult themes besides those involved in business- and some graphic injury passages - this is best read by the Junior Reader over 12/13 years. Almost zero content for my Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast Audience audience- unless they are looking for light relief- or are "9er faithful". For the general audience a fun read and look into the world of NFL history. USC Trojan fans, San Francisco 49er Fans, Raider Fans, and fans of 1980s-90s NFL culture will really enjoy the ride.

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ronnie Lott's Autobiography Total Impact offers a candid and revealing look back at the career of the man whom many consider to be the best Defensive Back, and hardest hitter ever to play the game. The book is mainly focused on his 9 year career with the San Francisco 49ers with whom he won 4 Super Bowl rings. Lott offers many insights into the character of these various teams and the great players he played with. He also gives the reader a glimpse into what it's like to play day-to-day in the NFL,and the sacrifice and dedication that goes into being a champion. He talks about the stoic mindset that it takes to hurl your body at others full speed, seemingly not caring whether you are injured, and then playing through the pain if need be.

The highlight of the book was Lott's game-by-game diary of the 1990 season, his last as a 49er. This section of the book lifted it above most autobiographies of former players that I've read.

The one thing that I learned about him that I didn't know before was he doesn't like horror movies.

[RB Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting autobiography about Ronnie Lott from his military family roots through growing up in San Bernardino, starring at USC and then winning four superbowls with the 49ers until he was traded in 1991 to the Los Angeles Raiders.
Lott talks about Walsh and Siefert and constantly healing himself through Chinese medicine, massage, meditation, chiropractic and even scientology. He also speaks to the importance of defensive backs training themselves to stay in their crouch and run backwards. Of course, hitting is addressed, but not as well as actually watching Ronnie Lott highlights. Briefly mentions his marial arts training and even more curiously his first son out of wedlock. Mentions Roger Craig and Frank Vitale’s son-in-law and new Cabrillo College coach Eric Davis. Most admirably Ronnie Lott played a year of basketball at USC and had courtside season tickets to the Warriors written into his football contracts. 02/15/07.
Note: Cody and I met Ronnie Lott at the Warriors game last night and shook his hand. 03/27/2007

[Garth Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ronnie Lott was pretty much a man among boys in the NFL. Ronnie Lott was known for his intensity and determination as a football player. There was a game where he had is pinky finger crushed and it was so painful that he had to make a decision to either not play or cut off part of it. He chose the latter! I absolutely was intrigued about how much personal discipline and dedication that Ronnie Lott trained with and played with. The book details Ronnie Lott's training regimine and he recounts how he geared himself up for games and tells of what it was like playing for the 49'rs during some of their worst years when he started out going on to some of their best years ever as a franchise in the late 80's. It's a great read to spark up some inspiration to get more disciplined in life!

[Tim Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first sports autobiography books that I ever read. First read it 20 years ago and have re-read it twice since. Loved the player, loved the way he played, loved the book and have been mesmerised by the photo on the cover for two decades.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's my favorite football player ever!

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, from the Greatest free-safety in the NFL.

[Josh Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Talk. The best book about the 80’s SF Niners.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave the number a personality that went beyond hard hits and interceptions...