Lombardi: Winning is the only thing

by Jerry Kramer (Editor)

Profiles of football coach Vince Lombardi, written by twenty-three men who knew him well.

Genres: Biography, Football, Sports

268 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1973

Reviews

[Josh Hitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Kramer interviews people throughout Lombardi's life. From his high school coaching to assistant at Fordham and West Point, to assistant in pros with NY to his legendary run with Green Bay, even his one year return with Washington. He finds people who knew hin during each run to give their thoughts on one of the greatest coaches ever.

Highly recommended, just a really fantastic read filled with fun stories about Lombardi.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is conceded that Vince Lombardi was a man driven to succeed, it is ironic that most of the authors of this book admit to having hated him at one time. Lombardi tolerated little to no dissent, essentially being a dictator on the football field. He was also unsympathetic to players with injuries, forcing them back onto the field when they were better off recovering. It is unlikely that his brand of coaching could survive today, where there is a much greater concern for the health of the players.
This book is a collection of interviews of former players under Lombardi, coaches he interacted with and even his brother Joe. One common taunt that children hurl at each other is, “my dad can beat up your dad.” Joe would use the modification, “My brother can beat up your father.” A measure of just how tough Vince Lombardi was.
The content of the interviews must be read with the mindset of the context of the times. Many of the techniques used to prepare players and used on the field of play at the time of Lombardi are simply not allowed in the modern game. Yet back then they were considered part of the game. The amount of screaming at the players that Lombardi did would be considered tactless and pointless when the players earn millions. If the reader can accept the context of the game in Lombardi’s time, then this is an entertaining and educational book to read.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have rated it lower if it wasn’t entertaining in all the wrong reasons.

I don’t know Vince Lombardi or any of the original Packer players as a new Packer fan. I wanted to learn some Packers history from the interviews of players from this time period and testaments of the late and great Vince Lombardi. All I’ve learned is how much of a prick he was.

The book is very boring at first. Feeling like a two hour tribute documentary on ESPN. Nothing but somber words from past players, coaches, and family. Later on, it finally gets a little better with funny and scary stories alike. Yet everything said remained the same throughout the book, no one truly likes him. They ‘respect’ him. A fake word for ‘I couldn’t stand him but he made us succeed through torture.’

I understand coaches are meant to be this way to get the best from an athlete, but everything I’ve read is so bad. The author, Jerry, tries to cover the harsh comments at the end of the chapters interview, which goes to show how fake this book truly is. That was the only entertaining part of this whole book. Otherwise a very awkward tribute story that could use some polishing.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

#84 of 120 books pledged to read during 2020

[Kenneth Irgens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful biography for a Packer fan. Shares the life of coach lombardi and from a player's view.

[John Alsaigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book made me realize that Vince Lombardi was probably a little bit of a maniacal meanie

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fun to read about the Packers in their glory days of the 60's, because my family did not follow the Packers during those years-yes, amazing (and sad!!) Jerry Kramer, besides being a great football player, and a personality, writes an interesting book about Lombardi from interviews of people who worked with him and played for him during his playing and coaching years. It is fascinating to see how many of Lombardi's philosophies of management and coaching have morphed into popular management techniques that are taught today. He really was a man ahead of his time. A good read, even for someone not football minded.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lombardi: Winning Is the Only Thing by Jerry Kramer (Crowell 1976)(Biography). This is a biography of Vince Lombardi, who is one of the best coaches in pro football history, by one of his best-loved players. Author Jerry Kramer is best known as a captain of Vince Lombardi’s Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers teams of the late 1960’s. This is his take on the old ball coach. My rating: 7/10, finished 1979.

[Luis Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nonfiction. A look at the life of the legendary football coach as told in interviews with men who played for him and with him. Was published shortly after his death. Some of the testaments are very touching. Even a Packer hater like me enjoyed this look at a great coach and better man.

[Jordan Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was about Vince Lombardi and his life as a football coach and a player. my opinion about this book is that is was a good book but it talked about somebody else most of the time but overall it was a good book

[Mark Stratton]

LOMBARDI - WINNING IS THE ONLY THING by Jerry Kramer (1970)

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good glimpse into the life of someone who actually got it.