Wrestling with Fatherhood: My Championship Journey to My Greatest Title: Dad

by Titus O’Neil

After a decorated career in college football and WWE, Titus O’Neil considers being a father his greatest accolade. In 2015, O’Neil was named the Celebrity Father of the Year, but like all parents, he realizes he is far from perfect. In Wrestling with Fatherhood, O’Neil shares his successes and failures in parenting his three children, hoping that others can learn from his experiences.

O’Neil first became a father 19 years ago with the birth of his first son, and his second followed two years later. Having grown up fatherless, he learned on the fly how to raise two babies into thriving young men and later adopted a teenage daughter. This book details the numerous trials and tribulations along the way, offering guidance for those facing similar circumstances. Each chapter tackles an important parenting topic, replete with revealing anecdotes, advice, and commentary from celebrity friends.

O’Neil’s journey allows him to relate to a diverse audience of parents facing a multitude of challenges. This is his second book aimed at enriching the lives of children and families. His first, There Is No Such Thing as a Bad Kid, was published in 2019.

224 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

Thaddeus Bullard, best known as WWE superstar Titus O'Neil, imparts valuable wisdom about fatherhood and his thoughts on what it is to be a man in an imperfect world. His upbringing was challenging and could have led him down a darker path, but with the guidance of strong father figures in his community, he overcame his obstacles and thrived. While his WWE career might not look as successful has his peers, his values and commitment to 'paying it forward' and helping other disadvantaged youth in this community and beyond shines brighter than any championship belt could.

His cadence and writing style is not overly preachy and he is honest about his doubts and trepidation of being a father of two boys and an adopted father of a girl, while juggling his career as a sports entertainer / professional wrestler.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of you will read this book because you are a fan of Titus O'Neil the WWE superstar. You will not be disappointed in what you read. It is a glimpse into the man behind the persona. But I have know Thaddeus Bullard since his freshman year at UF. Thad is the man behind the persona. While I knew some of his story, there was so much more in this book about the man that made me even more impressed by his accomplishments. Not the work on the shows, or even on the field. The work off the field, in the community, and in his home are the real accomplishments. Thad has risen to staggering heights after starting in some of the toughest circumstances imaginable. He is open and honest with his struggles and his successes in the book. You will find this book an encouragement to do your best as a father whether by birth, adoption, or just as a father figure. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Lance Lumley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book discusses his life growing up poor, having anger issues until he was mentored and went to college to play football for the Florida Gators, and then into wrestling, working his way up from then- then-developmental Florida Championship Wrestling, and making it to the main roster in the WWF on both Smackdown and Raw shows. The book has some wrestling stories in it, along with his friendship with former wrestler- turned actor Dave Bautisa, but focuses on his outside-the-ring life as a father to his children, lessons he has learned, and advice to parents.
Even though he hasn't been seen in the wrestling ring for years, O'Neil has done many respectable things in his community and beyond.
For an in depth review, visit my page at : https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...

[Matt Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read overall. Titus gives his perspective of being a parent and the trepidations he had before becoming a parent. There are some fun and heartwarming stories in this book. I want to go back and read his prior book now.