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Headstrong
In the wake of increasing concern over brain trauma in professional athletes, Patrick Link has crafted a story about a retired NFL linebacker who must deal with a family tragedy and his own suffering because of the violence of his chosen sport. Includes a conversation about brain injuries and sports with Dr. Robert Cantu, the Senior Advisor to the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Deidrie Henry, Ernie Hudson, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Scott Wolf. Directed by Bart DeLorenzo.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Deidrie Henry, Ernie Hudson, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Scott Wolf. Directed by Bart DeLorenzo.
Audio CD
First published December 15, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 6, 2015
This was performed remarkably well, but there were just a few moments that did not work as a radio play. The story is a powerful one, but the last scene did not seem entirely necessary.
April 7, 2016
Read Harder Challenge Item: A Play
This is one of those "books" I never would have listened to if a) I hadn't gotten it free from SYNC and b) it didn't fit one of my challenge items. I mean, it's about sports -- and of all sports, football. So, yeah, not really up my alley (this is from the former cheerleader who used to secretly hope her team would lose so the cheerleading season wouldn't extend into "finals" ...)
But this play is definitely worth a listen, even if you totally tune out the moment you hear the word "sports." What it's really about is the balance our culture needs to strike between a game that is revered and the very real suffering that occurs because of it. Specifically, it's about the danger of long-term brain damage from both major concussions or chronic, minor head trauma that occurs within the sport of football. Although it very clearly DOES have an agenda and ALMOST veers into being didactic at times, what keeps it from being so is the thoughtfulness with which it approaches the subject, allowing its characters to give real voice to the reasons changing the game of football is anathema to some and the lingering shame that comes with permanent injury. Also, the characters seem perfectly "cast" -- I could "see" them in my mind, along with the setting, so vividly even though there were no stage directions; it's basically like listening to a radio show.
Should probably be read or performed in all high schools, freshman year, even if it means ticking a bunch of people off.
This is one of those "books" I never would have listened to if a) I hadn't gotten it free from SYNC and b) it didn't fit one of my challenge items. I mean, it's about sports -- and of all sports, football. So, yeah, not really up my alley (this is from the former cheerleader who used to secretly hope her team would lose so the cheerleading season wouldn't extend into "finals" ...)
But this play is definitely worth a listen, even if you totally tune out the moment you hear the word "sports." What it's really about is the balance our culture needs to strike between a game that is revered and the very real suffering that occurs because of it. Specifically, it's about the danger of long-term brain damage from both major concussions or chronic, minor head trauma that occurs within the sport of football. Although it very clearly DOES have an agenda and ALMOST veers into being didactic at times, what keeps it from being so is the thoughtfulness with which it approaches the subject, allowing its characters to give real voice to the reasons changing the game of football is anathema to some and the lingering shame that comes with permanent injury. Also, the characters seem perfectly "cast" -- I could "see" them in my mind, along with the setting, so vividly even though there were no stage directions; it's basically like listening to a radio show.
Should probably be read or performed in all high schools, freshman year, even if it means ticking a bunch of people off.
July 26, 2014
I listened to the free download of Headstrong through YA Sync. I've always enjoyed a full-cast audiobook performance like this, especially one with sound effects to really immerse you in the scene.
This drama follows a retired NFL linebacker as he and his daughter come to terms with the loss of a loved one, a fellow football player, and his own mental deterioration most likely due to the violence of the sport they both loved.
Overall, this is a very thought provoking narrative that balances well between the science/medicine aspect and the real-world/sport aspect. It also includes a short discussion on brain injuries and sports with Dr. Robert Cantu. Although, I'm not much for sports, I recommend the tale told here.
This drama follows a retired NFL linebacker as he and his daughter come to terms with the loss of a loved one, a fellow football player, and his own mental deterioration most likely due to the violence of the sport they both loved.
Overall, this is a very thought provoking narrative that balances well between the science/medicine aspect and the real-world/sport aspect. It also includes a short discussion on brain injuries and sports with Dr. Robert Cantu. Although, I'm not much for sports, I recommend the tale told here.
January 14, 2015
Powerful dialogue about football and traumatic brain injury. This play touches all the sore spots and represents the different perspectives fairly and completely in a short production. I feel the author lets you draw your own conclusions.
Also, an interview with a researcher at the end made me want to work on strengthening my neck muscles...
Also, an interview with a researcher at the end made me want to work on strengthening my neck muscles...
May 19, 2015
Written as a short play, but seems a bit like an educational documentary when you're listening to it. Which is a great thing. I found it very interesting, which I never expected, it being about football.
December 17, 2025
"Headstrong," penned by Patrick Link, plunges into the turbulent life of a retired NFL linebacker grappling with the repercussions of his career's physical demands and a devastating family event. The play distinguishes itself through its profound character studies and an unflinching examination of the consequences of sports-related brain trauma.
The narrative centers on Alan "A-Train" Trainor, portrayed with poignant depth, as he navigates life post-football. Alan is a man of contradictions: physically imposing yet emotionally vulnerable, fiercely protective of his family, yet struggling to connect with them. His relationship with his wife, Cheryl, is strained by years of unspoken resentments and the shadow of his deteriorating mental state. Their interactions are fraught with a palpable tension, born from Cheryl's frustration with Alan's emotional unavailability and her growing fear of his cognitive decline. The couple's son, Dave, embodies the complexities of familial expectations and personal aspirations. Dave's decision to forgo a football scholarship to pursue art creates a rift between him and Alan, who views it as a rejection of his legacy. The play's emotional core is further enriched by the presence of Dr. Cantu, who serves not only as a voice of medical authority but also as a moral compass, guiding Alan toward acceptance and understanding of his condition.
Link masterfully employs several plot twists to maintain dramatic tension and challenge the audience's expectations. One significant twist involves the revelation of the true extent of Alan's cognitive impairment, which he had been desperately trying to conceal from his family. This revelation forces Cheryl and Dave to confront the reality of Alan's condition and re-evaluate their relationships with him. Another twist involves Dave's unexpected success as an artist, which forces Alan to reconsider his narrow definition of success and acknowledge his son's talent. These plot twists serve to deepen the characters' emotional arcs and underscore the play's central themes.
The tone of "Headstrong" oscillates between moments of intense drama and quiet introspection. Link doesn't shy away from depicting the brutal realities of Alan's physical and emotional struggles, but he also infuses the play with moments of tenderness and humor. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of human interaction and the complexities of family dynamics. The play's tone is further enhanced by the use of sound design, which effectively conveys the physical and psychological effects of Alan's brain trauma.
Several interconnected themes run through "Headstrong," adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
The Price of Glory: The play explores the physical and psychological toll that professional sports can take on athletes, particularly in high-impact sports like football. Alan's cognitive decline serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma, forcing the audience to question the true cost of athletic achievement.
Family and Forgiveness: At its heart, "Headstrong" is a play about family and the challenges of forgiveness. Alan's struggles with his family stem from his inability to communicate his emotions and his difficulty accepting their choices. However, as the play progresses, Alan, Cheryl, and Dave learn to forgive each other's shortcomings and find a way to reconnect.
Identity and Purpose: The play also delves into the theme of identity and purpose, particularly in the context of retirement. Alan's identity is inextricably linked to his football career, and his retirement leaves him feeling lost and without purpose. He must learn to redefine himself and find new sources of meaning in his life.
In closing, "Headstrong" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant play that tackles important issues with sensitivity and intelligence. Patrick Link's powerful writing, combined with strong performances, makes for a compelling theatrical experience.
For those who appreciate "Headstrong," I recommend reading "Friday Night Lights" by H.G. Bissinger, which explores the pressures and sacrifices of high school football, or "Concussion" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which investigates the science behind sports-related brain injuries.
The narrative centers on Alan "A-Train" Trainor, portrayed with poignant depth, as he navigates life post-football. Alan is a man of contradictions: physically imposing yet emotionally vulnerable, fiercely protective of his family, yet struggling to connect with them. His relationship with his wife, Cheryl, is strained by years of unspoken resentments and the shadow of his deteriorating mental state. Their interactions are fraught with a palpable tension, born from Cheryl's frustration with Alan's emotional unavailability and her growing fear of his cognitive decline. The couple's son, Dave, embodies the complexities of familial expectations and personal aspirations. Dave's decision to forgo a football scholarship to pursue art creates a rift between him and Alan, who views it as a rejection of his legacy. The play's emotional core is further enriched by the presence of Dr. Cantu, who serves not only as a voice of medical authority but also as a moral compass, guiding Alan toward acceptance and understanding of his condition.
Link masterfully employs several plot twists to maintain dramatic tension and challenge the audience's expectations. One significant twist involves the revelation of the true extent of Alan's cognitive impairment, which he had been desperately trying to conceal from his family. This revelation forces Cheryl and Dave to confront the reality of Alan's condition and re-evaluate their relationships with him. Another twist involves Dave's unexpected success as an artist, which forces Alan to reconsider his narrow definition of success and acknowledge his son's talent. These plot twists serve to deepen the characters' emotional arcs and underscore the play's central themes.
The tone of "Headstrong" oscillates between moments of intense drama and quiet introspection. Link doesn't shy away from depicting the brutal realities of Alan's physical and emotional struggles, but he also infuses the play with moments of tenderness and humor. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the nuances of human interaction and the complexities of family dynamics. The play's tone is further enhanced by the use of sound design, which effectively conveys the physical and psychological effects of Alan's brain trauma.
Several interconnected themes run through "Headstrong," adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
The Price of Glory: The play explores the physical and psychological toll that professional sports can take on athletes, particularly in high-impact sports like football. Alan's cognitive decline serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma, forcing the audience to question the true cost of athletic achievement.
Family and Forgiveness: At its heart, "Headstrong" is a play about family and the challenges of forgiveness. Alan's struggles with his family stem from his inability to communicate his emotions and his difficulty accepting their choices. However, as the play progresses, Alan, Cheryl, and Dave learn to forgive each other's shortcomings and find a way to reconnect.
Identity and Purpose: The play also delves into the theme of identity and purpose, particularly in the context of retirement. Alan's identity is inextricably linked to his football career, and his retirement leaves him feeling lost and without purpose. He must learn to redefine himself and find new sources of meaning in his life.
In closing, "Headstrong" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant play that tackles important issues with sensitivity and intelligence. Patrick Link's powerful writing, combined with strong performances, makes for a compelling theatrical experience.
For those who appreciate "Headstrong," I recommend reading "Friday Night Lights" by H.G. Bissinger, which explores the pressures and sacrifices of high school football, or "Concussion" by Jeanne Marie Laskas, which investigates the science behind sports-related brain injuries.
April 15, 2019
LA Theater Works does an excellent job showing problem and giving factual scientific information.
November 30, 2025
Audiobook
December 15, 2025
I wanted a little more from this but I learned quite a bit from this short read.
November 16, 2016
I read a lot about brain injury and thought this was an interesting way of presenting information about this epidemic. I hadn't expected to hear about three characters with TBI, but thought it was effective for showing the ways it can happen and ways it can impact the individual and his/her relationships. I especially liked the widow in this story; she is strong and she is caring. This is worth a listen. The interview with Dr. Cantu was a nice addition, as it finally answered my question about why children are more impacted than adults because I often meet people who tell me we are lucky that my daughter had her TBI at a young age so she would outgrow it. He addresses the need for girls to improve neck strength too, but I wish he had given a description of how. 3.5 stars
July 31, 2014
Headstrong is a short play that explores the dangers of head injuries in football. Centering around the early death of a former football player, his ex-wife and a research team studying the effects of head injuries on the brain, this short story quickly touches on scientific as well as emotional matters.
I found the story to be a tad stilted, but it does open up an important discussion. The audio also includes an interview with Dr. Robert Cantu about brain injuries and sports. Worth the short time it takes to listen.
I found the story to be a tad stilted, but it does open up an important discussion. The audio also includes an interview with Dr. Robert Cantu about brain injuries and sports. Worth the short time it takes to listen.
December 30, 2015
Presents a strong case for making sports safer. The discussion about brain injury after the play is very enlightening--especially regarding concussions in children.
Paired with
for the 2014 Sync audiobook giveaway.
Paired with
for the 2014 Sync audiobook giveaway.June 23, 2015
Many of my students and family members have had discussion about the safety of football. Many students write persuasive papers for allowing athletes to play the sport. Patrick Link does an excellent job showing the real story behind the long term effects of concussions. Middle school students will enjoy this story. Adults will enjoy the commentary at the end of the book.
May 18, 2016
This was part of the 2015 Sync Audiobook summer giveaway.
It was an interesting though short play on concussions, football and trying to get more research to know what is truly going on. I really enjoyed the interview at the end with someone involved with researching the problem.
Not a bad listen, very short which can be quite convenient when you don't want something long.
It was an interesting though short play on concussions, football and trying to get more research to know what is truly going on. I really enjoyed the interview at the end with someone involved with researching the problem.
Not a bad listen, very short which can be quite convenient when you don't want something long.
January 31, 2015
What's not to love in a theatrical presentation of science? In this timely work, the connection between brain damage and repeated concussive syndrome is explored. It's important research and a great way to present the dangers in an entertaining and not scolding or condescending way.
June 11, 2014
Thought provoking, and manages to strike the balance between interest, suspense and hitting the heartstrings like its theme requires.
July 30, 2014
Listening to audiobooks with a full cast is a close second to watching the play. I love football but this is scary.
August 27, 2014
A 3 act play about the concerns of football and concussions.
January 31, 2015
Interesting concept but a bit too didactic for me or perhaps it was because I didn't know anything about football(gridiron)
July 24, 2014
Interesting but I wish it had been further developed.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews