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Balls: How Trump, Young Men, and Sports Saved America
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER!
Bestselling sports and politics commentator Clay Travis explains how Democrats are alienating men and why Trump really won. And it all comes back to sports.
Democrats don’t have a Trump problem. They have a man problem. And Trump was just the guy to exploit it. How did he do it? When it got right down to it, Trump had balls. And the Democrats didn't.
This sharp, provocative, funny book breaks down how Trump used the woke intrusion into sports as his secret weapon to win over male voters. From Colin Kaepernick’s protests, to men competing in women’s sports, to Bud Light’s collapse and ESPN’s woke meltdown, Trump seized every opportunity to win over men as Democrats pushed them away. Even after surviving an assassination attempt, with his fist raised, Trump proved once again he was a fighter — and America’s men took notice.
Clay Travis doesn’t hold back. As the founder of the massively popular sports website Outkick, the co-host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, and one of the most influential voices in sports and conservative media, he’s interviewed Trump more than ten times—including on Air Force One. Now, Clay's bringing the unfiltered truth about why men turned on the Democrats—and why they’re never coming back.
Bestselling sports and politics commentator Clay Travis explains how Democrats are alienating men and why Trump really won. And it all comes back to sports.
Democrats don’t have a Trump problem. They have a man problem. And Trump was just the guy to exploit it. How did he do it? When it got right down to it, Trump had balls. And the Democrats didn't.
This sharp, provocative, funny book breaks down how Trump used the woke intrusion into sports as his secret weapon to win over male voters. From Colin Kaepernick’s protests, to men competing in women’s sports, to Bud Light’s collapse and ESPN’s woke meltdown, Trump seized every opportunity to win over men as Democrats pushed them away. Even after surviving an assassination attempt, with his fist raised, Trump proved once again he was a fighter — and America’s men took notice.
Clay Travis doesn’t hold back. As the founder of the massively popular sports website Outkick, the co-host of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, and one of the most influential voices in sports and conservative media, he’s interviewed Trump more than ten times—including on Air Force One. Now, Clay's bringing the unfiltered truth about why men turned on the Democrats—and why they’re never coming back.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 28, 2025
I only read a few paragraphs throughout the book and could not stop giggling at how bad the writing was
April 6, 2026
Clay Travis’s Balls is a sharp, fast-moving look at the ways modern sports culture has changed, and not always for the better. Travis writes with energy and conviction, and he is willing to take on some of the biggest media and sports controversies of the last decade.
What makes the book work is its pace and clarity. Even when covering familiar stories, he keeps things engaging and direct, and he captures the frustration many fans have felt watching the conversation around sports drift away from the games themselves.
Whether readers agree with every argument or not, Balls is never dull. It is passionate, provocative, and written in a way that keeps the pages turning. For readers interested in the intersection of sports, media, and culture, it is a lively and memorable read.
What makes the book work is its pace and clarity. Even when covering familiar stories, he keeps things engaging and direct, and he captures the frustration many fans have felt watching the conversation around sports drift away from the games themselves.
Whether readers agree with every argument or not, Balls is never dull. It is passionate, provocative, and written in a way that keeps the pages turning. For readers interested in the intersection of sports, media, and culture, it is a lively and memorable read.
February 14, 2026
Spot on
Clay Travis is not afraid to say out loud what a lot of men think. It's not being a cave man to advocate for boys & young men. Both boys and girls need some advocacy, even anonymously.
Clay Travis is not afraid to say out loud what a lot of men think. It's not being a cave man to advocate for boys & young men. Both boys and girls need some advocacy, even anonymously.
January 9, 2026
Audiobook- not as good as sneakers
November 5, 2025
If you told January 1 2025 Neils that I would be rating a non fiction book 5 stars, and most likely in my top 5 book of the year--I would have said, You Crazy! But Clay Travis has so elequantly (with some spicy language thrown in) exposed how Woke America destroyed Sports, and Donald Trump used that to win the 2024 election.
Let's face it-Sports are a uniting factor-even if you have two people from rival teams arguing at the core the are sharing a common passion and at the end of the argument they respect one another. There is no politics, there is no social agenda on the court it is just one team (player) against another fighting to be the best. Sports bring people together (I say that as a former Junior tennis player-IYKYK) they just do. Just this past week I was staying up hours past my bedtime to watch the Toronto Blue Jays and LA Dodgers fight it out in the World Series--but guess what? I found myself having great discussions and bonding over that crazy 18 inning game-Sports are great for so many reasons outside of your health and well being (Well thats a lie if you are a golfer you probably have your therapist on speed dial).
I lived through the craziness of Covid and the Chaos on gender idenity these past few years, but like I said I didn't know the evil that was rooted in this movement. The plotting and deceit was outstanding. If you have a daughter/sister/mother in sports you will be enraged at how the left pushed biological males into our competitions. Travis Clay lays out the absurdity of this.
He continues to argue we need men to be proud of being men. YES! I don't want a man with a man bun or afraid to lead/protect. It was so encouraging to hear that college age men are tired of being looked down on and judged and put down because of "girl power". Just like Travis says girls are great but so are boys!
One of my favorite parts of the books was when he describes his Challenge to the WNBA (See here: https://www.tiktok.com/@outkick/video...) This guy does not hold back. He says whats on his mind! No apologies and I love it!
Going into this book some may have certain bias, but listen/read to what the man is saying. It just makes sense. Another nugget, I dont want to spoil this book, but I am just gushing.....it will make you see what a kind of person Trump really is, sincere and authentic, no BS.
If you read it and disgree, I would love to know....I am confident you will walk away a changed person! Thank you for writing this book and exposing the "woke"-ness....now let's MAKE AMERICAN GREAT AGAIN
THank you Net Galley and Clay Travis for allowing me to review this advanced copy. I was not paid for my review. All thoughts are original and my own.
Let's face it-Sports are a uniting factor-even if you have two people from rival teams arguing at the core the are sharing a common passion and at the end of the argument they respect one another. There is no politics, there is no social agenda on the court it is just one team (player) against another fighting to be the best. Sports bring people together (I say that as a former Junior tennis player-IYKYK) they just do. Just this past week I was staying up hours past my bedtime to watch the Toronto Blue Jays and LA Dodgers fight it out in the World Series--but guess what? I found myself having great discussions and bonding over that crazy 18 inning game-Sports are great for so many reasons outside of your health and well being (Well thats a lie if you are a golfer you probably have your therapist on speed dial).
I lived through the craziness of Covid and the Chaos on gender idenity these past few years, but like I said I didn't know the evil that was rooted in this movement. The plotting and deceit was outstanding. If you have a daughter/sister/mother in sports you will be enraged at how the left pushed biological males into our competitions. Travis Clay lays out the absurdity of this.
He continues to argue we need men to be proud of being men. YES! I don't want a man with a man bun or afraid to lead/protect. It was so encouraging to hear that college age men are tired of being looked down on and judged and put down because of "girl power". Just like Travis says girls are great but so are boys!
One of my favorite parts of the books was when he describes his Challenge to the WNBA (See here: https://www.tiktok.com/@outkick/video...) This guy does not hold back. He says whats on his mind! No apologies and I love it!
Going into this book some may have certain bias, but listen/read to what the man is saying. It just makes sense. Another nugget, I dont want to spoil this book, but I am just gushing.....it will make you see what a kind of person Trump really is, sincere and authentic, no BS.
If you read it and disgree, I would love to know....I am confident you will walk away a changed person! Thank you for writing this book and exposing the "woke"-ness....now let's MAKE AMERICAN GREAT AGAIN
THank you Net Galley and Clay Travis for allowing me to review this advanced copy. I was not paid for my review. All thoughts are original and my own.
July 15, 2026
Excellent book by Clay Travis on how far left wokeness in sports ended up galvanizing men, especially younger men, and drove them towards supporting Trump in 2024 and helped propel him to a huge victory. From Lia Thomas winning the women's swimming championship, to Colin Kaepernick kneeling for our National Anthem, to Dylan Mulvaney becoming the spokesperson for Bud Light, to the left's push to allow men to compete in women's sports, Travis details so many examples of far left ideology taking over sports and how and why so many people, especially young men got to the point of saying, "enough is enough", and fighting back against the insanity, and voting for Trump in 2024.
Travis provides some specific examples of why allowing men to compete in women's sports is so insane, and so wrong. The following is an excerpt from the book:
"Consider this for a moment: Every single Texas State boy's track champion in 2024 was faster than the women's Olympic champion. If you consider basic track and field records, a fourteen or fifteen year old boy is faster than the women's Olympic records in the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, and 1500 meter races. And it keeps going: They also beat the mile, the 5000 meters, the 400 meter hurdles, the high jump, the pole vault, the long jump, the triple jump, the shot put, the discus, the hammer throw, and the javelin. Again, fourteen and fifteen year old make athletes, all still minors and all only recently having begun puberty, are better than the greatest women's athletes of all time in track and field."
It is Travis's contention that this insanity, plus being lectured to with left wing ideology when you turn on the TV to watch a sporting event, created a backlash that ended up putting Trump in the White House again. He also contends that the wokeness in sports has come to an end. He thinks that for the most part, those in charge of outlets such as ESPN have finally come to the realization that prompted Michael Jordan to say, "Republicans buy sneakers too." I hope he is right, but I am not so sure.
Travis provides some specific examples of why allowing men to compete in women's sports is so insane, and so wrong. The following is an excerpt from the book:
"Consider this for a moment: Every single Texas State boy's track champion in 2024 was faster than the women's Olympic champion. If you consider basic track and field records, a fourteen or fifteen year old boy is faster than the women's Olympic records in the 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000, and 1500 meter races. And it keeps going: They also beat the mile, the 5000 meters, the 400 meter hurdles, the high jump, the pole vault, the long jump, the triple jump, the shot put, the discus, the hammer throw, and the javelin. Again, fourteen and fifteen year old make athletes, all still minors and all only recently having begun puberty, are better than the greatest women's athletes of all time in track and field."
It is Travis's contention that this insanity, plus being lectured to with left wing ideology when you turn on the TV to watch a sporting event, created a backlash that ended up putting Trump in the White House again. He also contends that the wokeness in sports has come to an end. He thinks that for the most part, those in charge of outlets such as ESPN have finally come to the realization that prompted Michael Jordan to say, "Republicans buy sneakers too." I hope he is right, but I am not so sure.
October 9, 2025
I don’t like reviews where the reviewer starts out talking about themselves and makes it about themselves. But bear with me.
I live in the suburbs of Nashville. I remember listening to sports talk one day and some brash young guy is their guest, some former lawyer, named Clay Travis. He was a jerk.
They had him back the next week and I couldn’t handle it and turned off the radio. He just struck me as a jerk that says whatever he thinks will shock people so they will listen to him so they will hear the next provocative thing to come out of his mouth.
Then the station started a show “3 Hour Lunch” or as it is called now, 3HL. He was on there with Brent (one of my faves) and one of my favorite former Tennessee Titans. So, I listened. And then I had to admit, increasingly, I may not like how he says it, but if you get past the brashness, this guy makes sense. After a while, I began to appreciate how much of it was tongue firmly placed in cheek.
You need to know this because you have had the same feelings about Clay in the past from viral videos or social media posts that turned you off. Listen to (I listened to the audiobook) or read this book. Once you get past the Clayness of it all, you will hear facts way more than opinions and hot takes.
You don’t have to like everything Clay says but listen to what he is saying. Wrestle with it. You don’t have to agree, but you will be entertained.
And remember this, no matter how much you may love Clay, you will never love Clay as much as he loves Clay. But that is part of the draw of Clay Travis. You will
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
I live in the suburbs of Nashville. I remember listening to sports talk one day and some brash young guy is their guest, some former lawyer, named Clay Travis. He was a jerk.
They had him back the next week and I couldn’t handle it and turned off the radio. He just struck me as a jerk that says whatever he thinks will shock people so they will listen to him so they will hear the next provocative thing to come out of his mouth.
Then the station started a show “3 Hour Lunch” or as it is called now, 3HL. He was on there with Brent (one of my faves) and one of my favorite former Tennessee Titans. So, I listened. And then I had to admit, increasingly, I may not like how he says it, but if you get past the brashness, this guy makes sense. After a while, I began to appreciate how much of it was tongue firmly placed in cheek.
You need to know this because you have had the same feelings about Clay in the past from viral videos or social media posts that turned you off. Listen to (I listened to the audiobook) or read this book. Once you get past the Clayness of it all, you will hear facts way more than opinions and hot takes.
You don’t have to like everything Clay says but listen to what he is saying. Wrestle with it. You don’t have to agree, but you will be entertained.
And remember this, no matter how much you may love Clay, you will never love Clay as much as he loves Clay. But that is part of the draw of Clay Travis. You will
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 30, 2026
This was a great perspective from Clay Travis, who has so much “inside baseball” (pun intended) from the sports world into the woke culture. I enjoyed learning about Clay’s beginnings. I was only vaguely familiar with his background because, as a sports fan, I have heard his commentary.
The book was very insightful and offers a unique perspective. Some of the connections that Clay draws, I had not drawn before.
Most women probably won’t like this book because most tend to let feelings cloud the hard truths and will miss the entire point of Clay’s writing piece. But I hope not.
My critiques: I would like to have seen some examples or references attached to some of the statements Clay makes. Not because I don’t agree. I actually think he’s correct on most of the statements. But because everyone has an opinion….Give me a why.
(Not a criticism, but I do think it would be helpful to bring in how all of this woke stuff hurts, not helps women. But maybe that is for the next book … maybe cowrite it with Sage Steele!)
Lastly, on the audio… the author’s voice would all of the sudden get louder and more passionate in some sentences. My guess it was editing voice overs. But really needed continuity. I know that sounds petty, but It was really distracting.
Overall, interesting, insightful book and thought provoking.
The book was very insightful and offers a unique perspective. Some of the connections that Clay draws, I had not drawn before.
Most women probably won’t like this book because most tend to let feelings cloud the hard truths and will miss the entire point of Clay’s writing piece. But I hope not.
My critiques: I would like to have seen some examples or references attached to some of the statements Clay makes. Not because I don’t agree. I actually think he’s correct on most of the statements. But because everyone has an opinion….Give me a why.
(Not a criticism, but I do think it would be helpful to bring in how all of this woke stuff hurts, not helps women. But maybe that is for the next book … maybe cowrite it with Sage Steele!)
Lastly, on the audio… the author’s voice would all of the sudden get louder and more passionate in some sentences. My guess it was editing voice overs. But really needed continuity. I know that sounds petty, but It was really distracting.
Overall, interesting, insightful book and thought provoking.
November 17, 2025
Took me only about 2 days to read this book - it is short and quick.
I pretty much agree with everything Clay Travis wrote in this book, he is accurate, has facts and figures to make his arguments, he tells you when he is opining, he tells you when he is telling facts - well-written.
My only problem is I don't think we, as a country, are as far down the road to recovery as C Travis does. I hope and pray he is right and I am wrong. The MSM is somehow still alive and kicking AND lying like no ones business. The recent elections in NYC, VA, NJ, and CA did not go well. If we are relying on young people to vote to save us, the God help us.
The woke fungus is deeply rooted in foolish people and ww3eding it out is very hard. Why? They are stupid.
I pretty much agree with everything Clay Travis wrote in this book, he is accurate, has facts and figures to make his arguments, he tells you when he is opining, he tells you when he is telling facts - well-written.
My only problem is I don't think we, as a country, are as far down the road to recovery as C Travis does. I hope and pray he is right and I am wrong. The MSM is somehow still alive and kicking AND lying like no ones business. The recent elections in NYC, VA, NJ, and CA did not go well. If we are relying on young people to vote to save us, the God help us.
The woke fungus is deeply rooted in foolish people and ww3eding it out is very hard. Why? They are stupid.
January 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book. Clay Travis talked about many of the issues that may or may not have had a large part to do with Trump winning the 2024 election, contrary to what many members of the media portrayed. He talked about these issues and how for many years these issues were impacting sports and changing them from the part of society that unites everyone to an issue that drove many people away from some of the biggest networks and sports events in America. Travis also talks about how young men had a big change in their views politically or at least felt okay to share their views publicly.
There was a subtle tone of bias towards Trump in some of his statements but I felt that most of the ideas discussed were from either a neutral point of view or had many facts to back them up. I would definitely recommend any conservatives who would like a simple, easy to read book.
There was a subtle tone of bias towards Trump in some of his statements but I felt that most of the ideas discussed were from either a neutral point of view or had many facts to back them up. I would definitely recommend any conservatives who would like a simple, easy to read book.
November 15, 2025
I listened to the audio book of this one. One thing I loved is he has the stats and can back them up. I don’t agree with all things Clay but I will say I believe he wants the best for our Country and he gives you the information, you just have to do the research and find the stats that seem to be on the up and up. It’s up to you to do your research but from my own he is spot on with so much. Very much worth the read if you have an open mind. Don’t go into with your mind made up he’s a right wing nut. I do not believe he is and a social discussion would help us all.
January 9, 2026
Clay is spot on!
Quoting a 2024 political ad: "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you."
"Isn't it amazing how so many people on the left value diversity in everything but thought? They want an entire world where people look different but think the same. Meanwhile I just want a world where everyone can say exactly what they think and are willing to do so no matter what the consequences are."
Quoting a 2024 political ad: "Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you."
"Isn't it amazing how so many people on the left value diversity in everything but thought? They want an entire world where people look different but think the same. Meanwhile I just want a world where everyone can say exactly what they think and are willing to do so no matter what the consequences are."
January 22, 2026
When I'm in my husband's vehicle we listen to his book. I heard bits here and there, then downloaded Balls to listen myself. Clay Travis is witty, fun & pointed out lots of things happening in the world of politics and sports that needed pointing out. The language is quite spicy but the ideas regarding ESPN, Silver as NBA commissioner and his many missteps and men in sports taking the place of women. Great points, well said.
March 1, 2026
This person was new to me and obviously not for me. It sounded like a positive take but it turned into another one promising to protect women from things that don't hurt us but supporting people who hurt women. The author also sounded very egotistical
This is a review of the audiobook.
This is a review of the audiobook.
August 27, 2026
This book was great. I'm not entirely sure that young men and sports saved America, but after reading this book I am 90% convinced.
I'd love to read this book again... and listen to it. The author narrates and he has a great voice.
I'd love to read this book again... and listen to it. The author narrates and he has a great voice.
October 11, 2025
Unapologetically raw and honest, Clay Travis makes sense of the last eight years.
November 22, 2025
Great Insights Into Escaping Woke Sports
Fun read and a lot of behind-the-scenes tidbits into the 2024 election. Maybe there is hope for the American electorate.
Fun read and a lot of behind-the-scenes tidbits into the 2024 election. Maybe there is hope for the American electorate.
February 11, 2026
This book I wish many would read. There is so much hate, very refreshing to read good things, and hope.
March 6, 2026
I learned so much!
If you want to really understand how Trump took America twice, read this! I’m still thinking about what I read over a week later.
If you want to really understand how Trump took America twice, read this! I’m still thinking about what I read over a week later.
September 7, 2026
Great book about turning America back to reality by "growing balls".
January 5, 2026
Amen Brother!!
About time that patriotism and common sense returns to our beloved Republic. We’ve won a few battles but the war isn’t over. Fight, Fight, Fight!!
About time that patriotism and common sense returns to our beloved Republic. We’ve won a few battles but the war isn’t over. Fight, Fight, Fight!!
February 2, 2026
In his typical style, he astutely covers the sports-side of socio-political issues with concise accuracy and fun sarcasm. It is at times funny, at times somber, and wholly a joy to read! While some may find this one controversial, as he expertly points out, those that do are finally becoming few and far between. This is really a book about common sense and a return to normalcy in sports, with the ramifications of what that means across the socio-political landscape as the foundational conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews