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Turf Wars: The Fight for the Soul of America's Game
An upcoming book to be published by Penguin Random House.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published August 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 16, 2025
Strong 3/verging on 4
Really interesting memoir style telling of De’s time as head of the NFL Players Association and many of the relationships built with players, owners, and Goodell as well as insights into many of the rights he advocated for and some of the larger scandals that happened during his time (Deflategate, Bountygate, Deshawn Watson, etc).
I don’t think anyone would be surprised to find out that a lot of the owners, especially some of the high visibility ones like Kraft and Jerry, have questionable morals and bypass the best interest of the players and fans to make more money. It was interesting seeing a closer look into Goodell’s relationships with the owners and how it’s shaped his decision making and the public’s perception of him.
Really sad to see how the Ravens owner Bisciotti leans in his beliefs and some of the poor decisions he’s made. Also really great to see some more prominent players advocating for players rights with their participation in the NFLPA and equally as disappointing hearing about other loveable players siding with owners instead of their fellow teammates.
Would definitely recommend for sports fans interested in the behind the scenes and politics of sports. And yes, it is highly policial in many ways. And also yes, Aaron Rodgers is still a weirdo.
Really interesting memoir style telling of De’s time as head of the NFL Players Association and many of the relationships built with players, owners, and Goodell as well as insights into many of the rights he advocated for and some of the larger scandals that happened during his time (Deflategate, Bountygate, Deshawn Watson, etc).
I don’t think anyone would be surprised to find out that a lot of the owners, especially some of the high visibility ones like Kraft and Jerry, have questionable morals and bypass the best interest of the players and fans to make more money. It was interesting seeing a closer look into Goodell’s relationships with the owners and how it’s shaped his decision making and the public’s perception of him.
Really sad to see how the Ravens owner Bisciotti leans in his beliefs and some of the poor decisions he’s made. Also really great to see some more prominent players advocating for players rights with their participation in the NFLPA and equally as disappointing hearing about other loveable players siding with owners instead of their fellow teammates.
Would definitely recommend for sports fans interested in the behind the scenes and politics of sports. And yes, it is highly policial in many ways. And also yes, Aaron Rodgers is still a weirdo.
January 2, 2026
Interesting book, Smith is a very intelligent guy and links his time as the president of the NFLPA with race, class, and history very well. He, at times, can come across as preachy but what he says is correct and perhaps repetitive.
The book offers a good insight into the owners of the NFL and I would recommend it for any fan.
The book offers a good insight into the owners of the NFL and I would recommend it for any fan.
August 9, 2025
If you're looking for a book that portrays the National Football League as all seashells, ponies, balloons, and America's Game, you will not find that here. The author is a labor leader from the Marvin Miller School, and he is unstinting in portraying the NFL as run by a collective of greedy bastards out to wring every possible dollar out of the sport, aided by a compliant commissioner and a public that just wants the damned game every fall weekend. His devotion to the cause is absolute, even when it comes to cases like Ray Rice, Deflategate, and Bountygate, and the author doesn't shirk away from his sour feelings about abusive players, even as he recognizes his responsibilities to protect the rights of those players. With all that, perhaps the most interesting thread in the book is the author's realization that many of the players he represents do not share the same commitment to labor justice. You wonder what he would make of the current turmoil surrounding the NFLPA's leadership.
September 20, 2025
This book is pretty partisan, almost like Smith is arguing a case more than telling a story. It definitely has that NPR or New York Times kind of vibe.
That said, if you’re really into the NFL there’s some great insider stuff here. Smith was in the middle of things for years and he shares stories you won’t hear anywhere else. The behind-the-scenes look at how the league actually runs is the best part.
Worth a read if you want those details, just don’t go in expecting a neutral take on football.
I have a feeling Smith will be first in like to see Him this weekend.
That said, if you’re really into the NFL there’s some great insider stuff here. Smith was in the middle of things for years and he shares stories you won’t hear anywhere else. The behind-the-scenes look at how the league actually runs is the best part.
Worth a read if you want those details, just don’t go in expecting a neutral take on football.
I have a feeling Smith will be first in like to see Him this weekend.
April 17, 2026
I enjoyed hearing Smith's side of the story for things I remember happening well. It seems like kind of a thankless position, and I do kind of worry about the NFLPA with the scandals Pablo Torre broke last August. This is definitely a labor book as much as a football book, and caring about both those things can be real hard.
October 23, 2025
loved this book. super interesting, the author has an extremely approachable and engaging style of writing, and it gives so much insight into a side of football that few of us even think abt much less get to experience. extremely easy to understand too especially as someone who has zero knowledge of football. highly recommend!
November 26, 2025
Would be 4 stars if this was marketed as a memoir.
Overall enjoyable! I like the writing style and some of Smith’s takes - especially the more candid ones. Some parts dragged on, and I think some sections could have been cut to include more stuff actually happening, rather than him regurgitating points on how he was ultimately in the right (this especially rang hollow in his writing on Deshaun Watson).
I also wouldn’t recommend writing “I didn’t want to write a football book” in a book marketed as a football book. Maybe this was my fault for not knowing much about Demaurice Smith, but it did take me out of it to know that he’s not much of a fan of football in the first place.
Overall enjoyable! I like the writing style and some of Smith’s takes - especially the more candid ones. Some parts dragged on, and I think some sections could have been cut to include more stuff actually happening, rather than him regurgitating points on how he was ultimately in the right (this especially rang hollow in his writing on Deshaun Watson).
I also wouldn’t recommend writing “I didn’t want to write a football book” in a book marketed as a football book. Maybe this was my fault for not knowing much about Demaurice Smith, but it did take me out of it to know that he’s not much of a fan of football in the first place.
December 14, 2025
May have killed the last vestige of interest I had in the NFL. Terrific insider account of the business of NFL from the side of the players union. Some truly despicable people, some unexpected heroes, and a lot of people that surprised me. with many who didn't unfortunately.
April 7, 2026
Audiobook. 4.5/5 stars. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Smith eviscerates the mythical reputation of the NFL, club owners, and commissioner with behind the scenes access and conversations. Smith articulates his point of view and that of his union from the classic capital vs labor perspective. Smith displays his intelligence and cunningness as he describes many battles with club owners. Smith does get hung up on personal gripes and insults he received as union boss throughout the book which took something away from his claim of being above that kind of behavior. Beyond that, an excellent read and I enjoyed Smith’s narration of the audiobook.
February 20, 2026
Fascinating read, not really a sports book as much as a societal and legal review of the 31 NFL owners (Green Bay has thousands of owners, hence they don't count among the 32 teams) and their de facto stooge, Roger Goodell. De Smith got this job (NFLPA Executive Director) based largely on his status as a high profile attorney in Washington DC. He didn't even play college football, let alone NFL. He confesses in the book he really didn't follow the NFL that closely. What he did follow was anti-trust law, labor relations and the behavior of billionaires who operate with few restraints. By the end of the book, it feels like Smith actually hates the NFL, as he sees the game through a lense of racial and societal injustices.
I found myself conflicted throughout this book. Smith is Black and I am not. He went to the same small, Christian liberal arts college in Ohio as I did. I would have never thought of my alma mater as racist, but then again, I am a white male. Smith traces his many experiences operating in a white world, and none so more than his time navigating the 31 white owners of the NFL, along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The players he represented were overwhelmingly Black. Smith weaves his personal racial experiences throughout the book. I tried very hard to retain an open mind and have empathy rather than judgement.
Smith is a fantastic writer, and this book actually becomes a page burner as he weaves through the collective bargaining negotiations, the Jon Gruden controversy, Deflate-gate, The Colin Kaepernick story, the Ray Rice incident, etc. The owners come across as maniacal plantation owners, with only Robert Kraft being handed an occasional ounce of respect. Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones gets the brunt of the criticism. Smith also doesn't hold back on the star QBs who often do the owner's bidding, since they are the highest paid players in the league and often don't need the Union's help (Drew Brees becomes a notable exception, as does Tom Brady). Smith has little good to say about African American broadcasters, including dunking on Tony Dungy, Mike Tirico and James Brown, all of whom failed to indict Gruden, but instead praised him and took up for him.
If you're looking for an NFL-sanctioned puff piece on America's most beloved sport, this is not your book. If you want a very challenging look behind the curtain of the NFL sausage making machine, I highly recommend this book. It is interesting that the book has received very little publicity, and it is not hard to believe that the League itself has likely done all it can to make sure that partners like FOX, ESPN, NBC and CBS don't mention it in their coverage.
I found myself conflicted throughout this book. Smith is Black and I am not. He went to the same small, Christian liberal arts college in Ohio as I did. I would have never thought of my alma mater as racist, but then again, I am a white male. Smith traces his many experiences operating in a white world, and none so more than his time navigating the 31 white owners of the NFL, along with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The players he represented were overwhelmingly Black. Smith weaves his personal racial experiences throughout the book. I tried very hard to retain an open mind and have empathy rather than judgement.
Smith is a fantastic writer, and this book actually becomes a page burner as he weaves through the collective bargaining negotiations, the Jon Gruden controversy, Deflate-gate, The Colin Kaepernick story, the Ray Rice incident, etc. The owners come across as maniacal plantation owners, with only Robert Kraft being handed an occasional ounce of respect. Cowboy's owner Jerry Jones gets the brunt of the criticism. Smith also doesn't hold back on the star QBs who often do the owner's bidding, since they are the highest paid players in the league and often don't need the Union's help (Drew Brees becomes a notable exception, as does Tom Brady). Smith has little good to say about African American broadcasters, including dunking on Tony Dungy, Mike Tirico and James Brown, all of whom failed to indict Gruden, but instead praised him and took up for him.
If you're looking for an NFL-sanctioned puff piece on America's most beloved sport, this is not your book. If you want a very challenging look behind the curtain of the NFL sausage making machine, I highly recommend this book. It is interesting that the book has received very little publicity, and it is not hard to believe that the League itself has likely done all it can to make sure that partners like FOX, ESPN, NBC and CBS don't mention it in their coverage.
September 6, 2025
This is not fundamentally a sports book. The setting is sports but it's really about how the oligarchs try to screw over their workers, and how workers can fight back if they realize their power.
Smith spent 14 years as the head of the NLFPA, taking over shortly after Gene Upshaw (the union's founder) died. During Smith's tenure, the NFL had tons of high profile incidents and controversies, ranging from Ray Rice to COVID, from Colin Kaepernick's protests to battles over two new collective bargaining agreements. In terms of labor issues, the most interesting part of the book comes early, where Smith helps the union overcome an effort by the owners to lock them out, thanks to an inspired idea on his part to create lockout insurance.
Smith enters the job fairly idealistic and leaves more weary and worn out, though still maintaining his core ideals. He just couldn't do the job any more, as later chapters note how he had begun drinking too heavily, not taking care of himself, and feeling way to stressed out.
A lot of very famous individuals appear here. They rarely come off as just good or bad, but as shades of gray and with some levels of nuance. Early on, Smith clearly has a low opinion of Roger Goodell, but by the end he's actually grudgingly impressed by him, arguing that Goodell grew a bit along the way. Smith has some clear sympathy and respect for Robert Kraft, even mentioning him in the acknowledgements section. Jerry Jones is sharp, but Smith opinion of his isn't as strong. Many other owners are just filler, and overall Smith has extremely low opinions of them as a bunch of self-absorbed billionaries. Most players come off very well. The only prominent players who come off poorly are Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers, who both have a knack for saying things that undercut the union overall.
He brings up his family history and politics in it as well, which I'm fine with. The "just stick to sports" crew can go cram it.
He notes at the end that he intentionally stayed out of involvement in the hiring of a new union head. I assume he wishes he was a little more involved, given what a complete disaster the ensuing, scandal-ridden regeime was. Lloyd Howell is just mentioned in passing here. J.C. Tretter is noted only a little bit more, as somone Smith respects but isn't sure about his judgement. Smith thought much more highly of many previous union leaders.
It opens up with a very nice quote from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" -- Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter."
Smith spent 14 years as the head of the NLFPA, taking over shortly after Gene Upshaw (the union's founder) died. During Smith's tenure, the NFL had tons of high profile incidents and controversies, ranging from Ray Rice to COVID, from Colin Kaepernick's protests to battles over two new collective bargaining agreements. In terms of labor issues, the most interesting part of the book comes early, where Smith helps the union overcome an effort by the owners to lock them out, thanks to an inspired idea on his part to create lockout insurance.
Smith enters the job fairly idealistic and leaves more weary and worn out, though still maintaining his core ideals. He just couldn't do the job any more, as later chapters note how he had begun drinking too heavily, not taking care of himself, and feeling way to stressed out.
A lot of very famous individuals appear here. They rarely come off as just good or bad, but as shades of gray and with some levels of nuance. Early on, Smith clearly has a low opinion of Roger Goodell, but by the end he's actually grudgingly impressed by him, arguing that Goodell grew a bit along the way. Smith has some clear sympathy and respect for Robert Kraft, even mentioning him in the acknowledgements section. Jerry Jones is sharp, but Smith opinion of his isn't as strong. Many other owners are just filler, and overall Smith has extremely low opinions of them as a bunch of self-absorbed billionaries. Most players come off very well. The only prominent players who come off poorly are Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers, who both have a knack for saying things that undercut the union overall.
He brings up his family history and politics in it as well, which I'm fine with. The "just stick to sports" crew can go cram it.
He notes at the end that he intentionally stayed out of involvement in the hiring of a new union head. I assume he wishes he was a little more involved, given what a complete disaster the ensuing, scandal-ridden regeime was. Lloyd Howell is just mentioned in passing here. J.C. Tretter is noted only a little bit more, as somone Smith respects but isn't sure about his judgement. Smith thought much more highly of many previous union leaders.
It opens up with a very nice quote from Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" -- Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter."
October 10, 2025
Strong effort.
I appreciate that Smith willing to name names, pointing out instances in which Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre undermined the union. He thoroughly explained his differences with Troy Vincent.
We get a better idea of Colin Kaepernick.
He explains his disappointment with Tony Dungy, Mike Tirico and James Brown during the Jon Gruden controversy.
And Smith explains why he's not a big fan of the billionaires running these teams, with specific examples of misbehavior.
He's not pulling punches.
Just a couple of errors that I noticed. There was mention of the league not cancelling games after 9/11. Not true. And there was mention of Gene Upshaw leading three strikes. I believe that to be inaccurate (Upshaw was a player during the 1974 strike, but I don't think he "led" that strike (I don't think he was even his team's player rep at that time; not sure about 1982, either, but definitely a key guy in 1987).
Nonetheless, it's well written, and we're getting a true insider on dynamics of some of the key NFL issues of the last 15 years. Smith has knowledge of the labor laws, adding focus and insights into these labor disputes.
I appreciate that Smith willing to name names, pointing out instances in which Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre undermined the union. He thoroughly explained his differences with Troy Vincent.
We get a better idea of Colin Kaepernick.
He explains his disappointment with Tony Dungy, Mike Tirico and James Brown during the Jon Gruden controversy.
And Smith explains why he's not a big fan of the billionaires running these teams, with specific examples of misbehavior.
He's not pulling punches.
Just a couple of errors that I noticed. There was mention of the league not cancelling games after 9/11. Not true. And there was mention of Gene Upshaw leading three strikes. I believe that to be inaccurate (Upshaw was a player during the 1974 strike, but I don't think he "led" that strike (I don't think he was even his team's player rep at that time; not sure about 1982, either, but definitely a key guy in 1987).
Nonetheless, it's well written, and we're getting a true insider on dynamics of some of the key NFL issues of the last 15 years. Smith has knowledge of the labor laws, adding focus and insights into these labor disputes.
March 19, 2026
I found there were two books here. The first was DeMaurice Smith's rise, and that of his family, from tremendous poverty and racism, and the climb to great success. He also gave a keen insight into how power really flows in Washington DC and his views on what it's like to be wealthy and black is really eye-opening to me.
Unfortunately, what could have been a great book was focused on the very slow and dull stories from his time as head of the NFLPA. He was an absolute advocate for the players, come hell or high water but one could see that he represented millionaires fighting billionaires. Yes I know the players were not all millionaires, but anytime he got back to the players the book became tedious. I found it clear that the players he represented didn't care. Except for those who were passionate.
If I was in a union I would want him to head it up in a second but being the head of a union doesn't make for a good book. His life story up until the present day would make a much better book I think and yes I would buy it. Or take it out of the library like I did with this.
Unfortunately, what could have been a great book was focused on the very slow and dull stories from his time as head of the NFLPA. He was an absolute advocate for the players, come hell or high water but one could see that he represented millionaires fighting billionaires. Yes I know the players were not all millionaires, but anytime he got back to the players the book became tedious. I found it clear that the players he represented didn't care. Except for those who were passionate.
If I was in a union I would want him to head it up in a second but being the head of a union doesn't make for a good book. His life story up until the present day would make a much better book I think and yes I would buy it. Or take it out of the library like I did with this.
November 30, 2025
This is a must read book for any NFL fan, who is willing to have their perspectives changed. DeMaurice smith came into the league as an unbiased source previously working in US government. A perfect choice for the job, Smith would come in with the mindset that his job was to protect players, and not the billionaire owners. This book does a great job of reminding NFL fans that billionaires look to take advantage of the players, a majority of whom are black. Tying his job back to social justice for players through the Colin Kapernick era, to protecting the leagues best like Brady in deflategate, Smith looks to make this not a football book, but a book that reminds us that the NFL is only a microcosm of the real world. The book is long, and information dense and takes a while to read. I was especially thrown off expecting a football book, but was very pleasantly surprised at the social justice aspect and the fight against the top 1%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
An interesting look behind the curtain of the NFL. I didn’t learn much about the owners who for the most part appear to care only about money. Who knew, right? But there was good insight that shifted the opinion that I had previously had of some players, Tom Brady being a prime example. On the other hand, Aaron Rodgers comes off exactly as I had expected.
The author did a great job of conveying how difficult a job he had. The players he represented had so many different ideals of how their agreement with the NFL should be structured and balancing how to split a fixed pot of money between superstars and practice squad players seems incredibly difficult. The fact that he led the organization for so long without a work stoppage is incredible. Kudos to him.
The author did a great job of conveying how difficult a job he had. The players he represented had so many different ideals of how their agreement with the NFL should be structured and balancing how to split a fixed pot of money between superstars and practice squad players seems incredibly difficult. The fact that he led the organization for so long without a work stoppage is incredible. Kudos to him.
January 19, 2026
Man NFL fans are familiar with deflategate, spygate, bountygate, and the almost lockout. But, our perspective is likely colored by how the media and owners wanted things portrayed. This was an interesting look from the other side, the NFLPA’s view, and I enjoyed learning more about how much work went into unifying the players and working through those struggles. Taking an insurance policy out to pay players in the case of no season? What a checkmate move. De Smith is an excellent writer, and tells us about his own life to give context to his thoughts and decisions. For any avid football fan this is an excellent read.
October 20, 2025
Mr. Smith makes a very compelling argument here and provides a wonderful counterpoint to the information the NFL and it's media machine spits out. We need more books like this, books that challenge our conceptions and pre-conceived notions. Regardless of the side of the aisle you sit on, this book provides a lot of thinking points, and an open-minded reader might come away smarter, more aware of world issues, and maybe, just maybe, better prepared to make a difference. This is not a book about the NFL, but about politics.
June 25, 2025
I got an arc from Netgalley and I can not suggest this book enough. It was incredibly well written, and was a fascinating look into the background of the NFLPA, it's fight to support the players, and the author's background and upbringing. Really fascinating to get a behind the scenes look into some of the biggest NFL scandals of the past 10 or so years: Ray Rice, Bountygate, Spygate, Deflategate, Colin Kaepernick, Deshaun Watson, and more.
February 11, 2026
Any fans of the NFL will enjoy this.
DeMaurice Smith is incredibly intelligent and perceptive. He pulls back the curtain to unveil the league's hideous truths over the years. The writing style can come across a bit preachy at times, but he does an incredible job of linking race, class, and socioeconomic status into the league and why it's important. It makes you reconsider how we think about the most popular sport in America.
DeMaurice Smith is incredibly intelligent and perceptive. He pulls back the curtain to unveil the league's hideous truths over the years. The writing style can come across a bit preachy at times, but he does an incredible job of linking race, class, and socioeconomic status into the league and why it's important. It makes you reconsider how we think about the most popular sport in America.
August 18, 2025
An incredibly visceral account of DeMaurice Smith’s career, life, and most captivating stories about dealing with NFL owners and Roger Goodell. Smith made eye-opening parallels between the NFL and American society, substantiated by facts that should get the reader pissed off.
One of the best books I’ve ever read.
One of the best books I’ve ever read.
August 28, 2025
Though Smith was the executive director of the NFL Players' Association, this is not a story about football. It is about labor relations. It is about collective power of many as a means to fight the power of the wealthy. One does not need to care about professional football to find this a worthy read.
September 11, 2025
if you are an NFLr you should like this book’s behind the curtain insights. Smith’s perspective is that of a labor lawyer sensitive to cultural issues. regardless of your politics this book is good commentary on how the 32 billionaires who own the NFL rake in profits and politicians at the expense of the fans 🏈
November 22, 2025
I knew I was going to like this book just a few pages in but I didn't expect to absolutely love it from start to powerful finish.
It's a book that meets the moment of our times and is stepped deeply in unions against oligarchy while dressing up as a book about football. My only complaint: this book made me (partially) like... Tom Brady.
It's a book that meets the moment of our times and is stepped deeply in unions against oligarchy while dressing up as a book about football. My only complaint: this book made me (partially) like... Tom Brady.
December 28, 2025
Eye opening
I appreciate how DeMaurice Smith took me behind the billionaires scene to expose, how these men really think and act. Turf wars can enlightened readers, such as to successful people who are well affluent, that they will ask themselves is it worth to become like the NFL owners.
I appreciate how DeMaurice Smith took me behind the billionaires scene to expose, how these men really think and act. Turf wars can enlightened readers, such as to successful people who are well affluent, that they will ask themselves is it worth to become like the NFL owners.
February 15, 2026
A really fascinating look at NFL events I grew up around but never investigated too heavily. De can be a little preachy and heavy handed with biases at times, but loved hearing these stories from a first-hand account. Very powerful and moving look at representing labor movements.
March 22, 2026
For a guy who rightfully ridicules owners and the commissioner throughout the book, it would be nice to see him acknowledge that players like Ray Rice and Richie Incognito are garbage humans rather than gloat about how he helped protect them.
September 8, 2025
smith’s searing account of his time leading the NFLPA is deliciously captivating and quite juicy.
September 10, 2025
I liked this behind the scenes look. I think a lot of what he says is more true than people want to admit. Makes me think twice about how big the sport has got.
October 7, 2025
Very Good book on the NFL and how the billionaire owners fight to control everything about the game.
October 17, 2025
Full of great stories. A must read for anyone interested in the business side of professional sports.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews