Men Don't Run In the Rain: A Son's Reflections on Life, Faith, and an Iconic Father

by Rick Burgess

Few things shape a life more profoundly than the lessons of a father.

William "Bill" Burgess was a larger-than-life personality. This was displayed on football fields across the Southeast, first as a player at Auburn University and later as a championship-winning coach at the high school and collegiate levels. But he was also a father.

His son, New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Rick Burgess, had a front-row seat to this legendary man who had a way with words like few others. Through rich storytelling, Rick Burgess captures his father's many colorful sayings and stories, taking them a step further by cleverly and clearly communicating the spiritual truths behind each one.

"Men Don't Run In the Rain" is a timeless reflection on the kind of man they simply don't make anymore.

Genres: Biography, Self Help

Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Elliot H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and concise biography that also works as a character study. Infused with Rick’s humor and story-telling but with serious asides to consider the spiritual applications from his father’s life, this book was a good read.

[Trevor Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.825/4

[Michael Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read of a sons reflection of his football coach father and lessons he taught both his sons and teams./. The book provides the reader insight of the man and the hard nose principles he utilized to train boys become men. The writers father was successful at both the High School and NCAA DII level. Throughout, the writer talks about lessons he learned along the way playing for his father but how various Bible readings often matched much of what his was teaching. It's a fast read but not what I expected.

[Lucas Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Real masculinity is humbly coming under the authority of God and obediently following where He leads.”

Men Don’t Run In the Rain is full of funny stories, life lessons, and spiritual application related to Rick Burgess’ father, Bill Burgess. This is a great book for all men who want to understand and live the life of a real man, dedicated to the only perfect man who ever walked on planet Earth, Jesus Christ.

[Becky Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am proud to be from Rick’s hometown. I didn’t grow up there and didn’t know Coach Burgess. But I raised my three kids there and loved to hear tales of the legend himself. My husband has attended Man Church and our family has been blessed by Rick’s ministry. Keep doing the Father’s work.

[Bobby Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vulnerability & Voice: 5
Character Arc & Growth: 4
Narrative Craft & Structure: 4
Emotional Resonance: 4
Universal Theme & Reflection: 5
Atmosphere & Setting: 4

Final Rating: 4.5/5.0 (Exceptional - ★★★★★)

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing not only Coach Burgess but an invitation to know Christ!

[Aaron Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed each of these 'Coach' stories for years, hearing them on the Rick and Bubba show, and it was fun reading them with the additional inspiration!

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice tribute to his father.

[Justin Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible version. Excellent.

[Tom Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read. Thought there would be more stories about his dad. Not really what I was expecting.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Burgess reflects on wisdom instilled from an iconic further nestled within a spiritual context. Many great life lessons to observe and truly immersive.