Aggressively Human: Discovering Humanity in the NFL, Reality TV, and Life

by Steve Wright, Lizzy Wright

Could Steve Wright navigate the uneasy intersection between aggression and empathy without losing himself? The answer to this question determined the course of his NFL career and his life. Steve spent over a decade taping his knuckles and preparing for battle with the Cowboys, Colts, and Raiders. But his journey didn't begin or end there. In a world where masculinity is a moving target, Aggressively Human exposes a deeply personal quest to become a healthy, well-adjusted man and fully realized human being. Steve's experiences as a professional athlete, entrepreneur, reality television contestant, and spiritual seeker deliver an entertaining trial-and-error guide. It will take you into spaces no camera can go and bring you out in stitches.

218 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Steve Wright, a playful and innately curious soul, enjoyed an eleven-year professional football career with the Cowboys, Colts, and Raiders, yet these years did not define him.

Driven by his entrepreneurial instincts, he created an innovative misting company, Cloudburst, that cooled professional sports, the US military, NASA, and the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.

His motto to leave people, places, and things better than he found them also led to his work on behalf of Globall Giving to provide gently used sports equipment to over a million children across thirty-five countries and counting.

Forever a lover of adventure, Steve joined the cast of Survivor for thirty-one days of starvation where he embraced the jungle of Nicaragua and emerged more passionate about life. His journey of continuous growth includes an unparalleled passion for physical and mental fitness which he practices and shares with his community in Malibu, California.

Steve now brings his voice to the public debate on healthy masculinity and more broadly humanity through his memoir, Aggressively Human, inspiring others to embrace empathy and kindness as a complement, not a challenge, to aggression.

Reviews

[Linda Santavicca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As spectators watching an NFL game, we know the players by how they block, kick and make a touchdown. What we don’t know is what goes on in the heart of each player. “Aggressively Human” gives us a deeper look into the life of Steve Wright, former offensive tackle for the NFL. With brilliance, Lizzy Wright shows how grit and determination spurred her husband on to reach his dream. Yet, “Aggressively Human” is not just about a strong athlete challenged by the game but more about the challenges he faced through setbacks, mistakes, and life’s oppositions. “Aggressively Human” proves that no matter the journey, if our hearts are in the right place, we’re still in the game.

[Mike Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Steve is an Interesting guy with real life experiences that have taken on quite an adventure externally and internally. Hard to put down

[Monique Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us move through life without ever examining our past, sometimes forgetting to embrace life and all the new opportunities that may open to us in the future. In Aggressively Human, Steve and Lizzy Wright collaborate to take us on a journey of adventure. They open the world of professional football and the required mindset to succeed as well as the challenges and revelations in a transition to a quieter life that embraces everyday living without hiding behind objects, mindsets and running with the crowd. The end result is a true appreciation for all the experiences life has to offer while honoring the body that takes us on that journey.

[Michael Sisti · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the capable help of seasoned writer Lizzy Wright, Steve Wright tells his compelling story of life in the brutal trenches of the NFL. You’ll feel the hits, pains, and injuries, as well as the rewards of winning that he experienced. And you’ll learn how the aggressive mindset of this football warrior morphed into a sensitive, compassionate entrepreneur who set out to help people less fortunate. Read this book. It’s a marvelous triumph!

[Stephen Panus · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Steve Wright, the underweight, undrafted kid from Northern Iowa, may have been a long shot to make a career in the National Football League, his candid memoir "Aggressively Human" is a sure fire, first-round pick. Steve's approach to living life to the fullest, embracing the present moment, and juggling the paradox of the intensity of life-on-the-field with an empathetic and open heart off-the-field reveals the fine line between being a competitor and being a fellow soul on a human journey. Steve's self-deprecating sense of humor and engaging story-telling will keep you turning from one page to the next. Congrats to Steve and Lizzy Wright on their collaborative effort.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aggressively Human was such a fun and insightful read. I really enjoyed the peek in to the world of a professional football player, with all its triumphs, challenges, temptations and setbacks. I highly recommend this book not just to a fan of professional football but to someone who wants to read about one human's amazing journey.

[Kristy Crippen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book written by a former NFL player. What makes it so good is that he is able to take you inside his life and his mentality as he is going through various points in his life. You get a real understanding of him as a person. I highly recommend this book!

[Arthur Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, interesting and ultimately inspirational account of Steve’s life in and after the NFL.