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The Inside Game: Mastering the Mind, Strengthening the Spirit, Leading with a Purpose
The Inside GameMastering the Mind, Strengthening the Spirit, Leading with Purpose
by Gus “BigDawg” Felder
What does it take to go from a high school dropout in North Philadelphia to a college graduate, NFL athlete, and national leader in college football? Grit, grace, and the Inside Game.
In this powerful and deeply personal debut, Coach Gus “BigDawg” Felder shares the spiritual, mental, and leadership principles that shaped his life—from the locker rooms of Penn State and the NFL to mentoring thousands of student-athletes across the country.
The Inside Game blends Stoic wisdom, biblical truth, and real-life stories to help readers overcome adversity, stay rooted in purpose, and lead with courage. Each of the twelve chapters opens with a timeless quote, unfolds with a defining life moment, and ends with a practical leadership challenge. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this book will equip you
✅ Lead from the inside out
✅ Build unshakable character
✅ Finish what you start—with fire
With raw honesty and heartfelt faith, Coach Felder takes you behind the scenes of a life marked by struggle, growth, and unwavering commitment to family and purpose.
This is more than a sports story—this is a blueprint for life.
Perfect for coaches, student-athletes, fathers, and anyone who wants to lead with integrity, purpose, and faith.
Order your copy today and start building your Inside Game.
by Gus “BigDawg” Felder
What does it take to go from a high school dropout in North Philadelphia to a college graduate, NFL athlete, and national leader in college football? Grit, grace, and the Inside Game.
In this powerful and deeply personal debut, Coach Gus “BigDawg” Felder shares the spiritual, mental, and leadership principles that shaped his life—from the locker rooms of Penn State and the NFL to mentoring thousands of student-athletes across the country.
The Inside Game blends Stoic wisdom, biblical truth, and real-life stories to help readers overcome adversity, stay rooted in purpose, and lead with courage. Each of the twelve chapters opens with a timeless quote, unfolds with a defining life moment, and ends with a practical leadership challenge. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or leader, this book will equip you
✅ Lead from the inside out
✅ Build unshakable character
✅ Finish what you start—with fire
With raw honesty and heartfelt faith, Coach Felder takes you behind the scenes of a life marked by struggle, growth, and unwavering commitment to family and purpose.
This is more than a sports story—this is a blueprint for life.
Perfect for coaches, student-athletes, fathers, and anyone who wants to lead with integrity, purpose, and faith.
Order your copy today and start building your Inside Game.
124 pages, Hardcover
Published July 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 4, 2025
Gus tells a story of his life from a high school dropout, to a Penn State football player, to a coach, with all the hardships, challenges, ebbs, and flows that occurred in between.
When I picked up the book, I knew I'd be interested in the story, but I wasn't sure if I'd vibe with what seemed to be a self-help novel. I've read a few...and they can start to feel a bit redundant in many ways.
However, I really feel like the book resonated more often than not. The way stoic wisdom, faith, and reflection are tied together is masterful, and the questions for reflection at the end of the chapter will leave you ruminating. Even when repeating wisdom I may have heard before, Gus says it in such a way that it feels new. Other times, I'm slammed with a question I didn't know I needed to ask myself. And I also appreciated the devotions, written beautifully, and better said that I can could do myself.
I know this will not be a one-time read for me, and I suspect each time I pick it up, I'll contemplate something new.
When I picked up the book, I knew I'd be interested in the story, but I wasn't sure if I'd vibe with what seemed to be a self-help novel. I've read a few...and they can start to feel a bit redundant in many ways.
However, I really feel like the book resonated more often than not. The way stoic wisdom, faith, and reflection are tied together is masterful, and the questions for reflection at the end of the chapter will leave you ruminating. Even when repeating wisdom I may have heard before, Gus says it in such a way that it feels new. Other times, I'm slammed with a question I didn't know I needed to ask myself. And I also appreciated the devotions, written beautifully, and better said that I can could do myself.
I know this will not be a one-time read for me, and I suspect each time I pick it up, I'll contemplate something new.
July 14, 2025
The Inside Game is a powerful and inspiring read. Gus “BigDawg” Felder delivers a deeply personal and spiritual message that challenges readers to evaluate their lives not by external measures-like titles, achievements, or status-but by the strength of their character, the clarity of their mindset, and the depth of their spiritual walk.
I loved the book’s ability to push you toward a deeper connection with God. Felder encourages readers to reframe how they define success and purpose. Through honest storytelling and sharp insights, it encourages readers to ask themselves tough but necessary questions about success, purpose, and fulfillment.
I would highly recommend The Inside Game to anyone seeking motivation rooted in faith, personal growth, and lasting transformation. It’s a reminder that your true identity comes from who you are at your core-not from the scoreboard.
I loved the book’s ability to push you toward a deeper connection with God. Felder encourages readers to reframe how they define success and purpose. Through honest storytelling and sharp insights, it encourages readers to ask themselves tough but necessary questions about success, purpose, and fulfillment.
I would highly recommend The Inside Game to anyone seeking motivation rooted in faith, personal growth, and lasting transformation. It’s a reminder that your true identity comes from who you are at your core-not from the scoreboard.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews