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Touchdown in Brazil

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Amid the landmark NFL game in the electric city of São Paulo, Brazil, three very different family men cross paths and find that when it comes to what matters most, cultural differences melt away in this insightful, transporting, multi-cultural drama from New York Times bestselling, NAACP Image Award–winning author Omar Tyree.

It’s a long way from South Philly, but there’s no way die-hard Eagles fan and amateur sports bettor Tony Costa is going to pass up seeing his team play the Green Bay Packers in South America’s first-ever NFL game. Forget concerns about wildfires and gang violence, Tony needs a break from his wife and three kids—and his struggling finances need a win.

When it comes to cheeseheads, Packers devotee Arthur Braddock more than qualifies as the manager of a Wisconsin cheese factory warehouse. The game provides a wonderful chance to travel with his family—including his 11-year-old daughter, who’s become passionate about American flag football.

In São Paulo, the game promises great business for Mario Gabriel Santos da Silva and his wife, who own a sports bar and restaurant. But he’s most excited to show his 10-year-old son, already a lightning-fast flag football player, what NFL football actually looks like from the stands.

As the main event approaches, the men bond over shared meals and anticipation. Game day is epic, a drama-filled battle to the very last second. But Tony is waging an internal battle as well. The only man who’s left his family behind, Tony can’t help envying the bond between the others. And as he reflects on their perspectives, he begins to understand what winning really means …

Uplifting and fast-paced, Touchdown in Brazil re-creates the excitement of travel while reminding us of the unifying power of sports and the importance of family ties …

Audible Audio

Published September 29, 2026

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About the author

Omar Tyree

108 books986 followers
Omar Tyree, a New York Times best-selling author, a 2001 NAACP Image Award recipient for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, and a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award winner for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, has published 16 books and has sold nearly 2 million copies worldwide that has generated more than $30 million.
With a degree in Print Journalism from Howard University in 1991, Tyree has been recognized as one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the literary community. He is also an informed and passionate speaker on various community-related and intellectual topics. Now entering the world of feature films, business lectures, and children’s books, Tyree is a tireless creator and visionary of few limitations.
Tyree is a popular speaker on the university and corporate circuits. In his “Equation for Life” lecture, Tyree weaves together a full-proof formula for attaining lifelong success in business, as well as everyday living. Ideal for innovation, corporate sales and marketing teams, one attendee who heard the lecture commented, “Omar Tyree’s Equation for Life speech made me rethink my whole life - it has given me the focus I need.” The success of the speeches over the last 11 years landed Tyree his first nonfiction book deal with John Wiley, the number 1 business publisher in the world. The Equation: Applying the 4 Indisputable Components of Business Success, is being released in early January 2009.
As an author, journalist, performance poet, songwriter, screenwriter,entrepreneur, innovator of various creations, and an energetic and fiery speaker, Tyree is no stranger to the world of contemporary urban influence. Tyree became one of the dominant literary promoters of the 1990s, leading to offers of publishing deals by a number of influential mainstream book publishers. In 1995, he signed a lucrative two-book arrangement with publishing powerhouse Simon & S chuster. A few years later, Tyree signed an undisclosed long-term contract that established him amongst Simon & Schuster’s top authors.
His journey as an entrepreneur began in his early 20s when he started the book publishing company Mar Productions, to release his earliest works of fiction. Tyree’s entrepreneurial ventures have evolved to include the Urban Literacy Project as a nonprofit organization to inspire reading, writing, thinking,visualization, application and financial literacy skills among disadvantaged youth and adults. He has also formed Renaissance Entertainment Group, a partnership with self-made multimillionaire Arthur Wylie, to produce Tyree’s body of fiction novels into feature films.
Tyree’s articles have been published in the Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, Ebony, TheDailyVoice.com and several other publications

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
25 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2026
Not what I expected.

This book is a mix of sports, travel, and cultural exploration. Omar Tyree does a good job of bringing Brazil to life and introducing readers to a setting that feels different from the typical sports novel.

The story had an engaging beginning, I found the pacing uneven at times, and some sections felt more focused on the setting than on character development. The main themes of ambition, personal growth, and adapting to new environments were good, but I would have liked a deeper connection to some of the characters.

Overall, this was a decent read with a unique backdrop and an interesting perspective on sports and life abroad. It may be especially appealing to readers who enjoy the actual game of football, and stories that explore different cultures. While it wasn't a standout favorite for me, it was still an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Maczko.
99 reviews
October 31, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 STARS! WHAT A REFRESHING SPORTS-CENTERED READ! 🏈🇧🇷

🎧 Touchdown in Brazil by Omar Tyree
Advanced Listening Copy (ALC) Review

OKAY, THIS WAS SUCH A PLEASANT SURPRISE!!! 🏈👏

I went into Touchdown in Brazil completely BLIND, with absolutely no expectations, and I am SO GLAD I DID because I genuinely loved this book!

One of the things I appreciated most was that this was a SPORTS story first and foremost! Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love a good sports romance, but sometimes I want a book that truly focuses on the SPORT itself rather than using it as a backdrop for a love story. And THIS BOOK DELIVERED!

The athletic atmosphere, the passion for the game, the determination, and the overall sports-centered storytelling were exactly what I didn’t even realize I was craving!

And can we talk about the vibes?!

THE BLIND SIDE MEETS MAJOR HAYDEN PANETTIERE ENERGY!!! 🏈😂❤️

I couldn’t shake the The Blind Side vibes throughout this story! It had that same kind of heartwarming, sports-driven energy that makes you want to root for the characters and become completely invested in their journeys.

And the little girl?! OH MY GOODNESS! She was giving me MAJOR Hayden Panettiere energy! 😂👏 Something about her personality, presence, and overall vibe immediately made me think of a young Hayden Panettiere, and I absolutely LOVED IT!

There is something so refreshing about picking up a book without knowing much about it and discovering a story that genuinely surprises you in the best possible way. That’s exactly what happened here!

I loved that the sports weren’t simply an accessory to the plot. They were a huge part of what made the story so enjoyable for me. The heart, the competitive spirit, and the characters made this such an entertaining listening experience.

This is the kind of sports fiction I would LOVE to see more of!

If you’re someone who loves sports-centered storytelling, underdog energy, memorable characters, and stories that give you those feel-good sports movie vibes, I would absolutely recommend giving this one a chance!

🏈 Sports-focused storytelling? YES PLEASE!
🇧🇷 A refreshing change from traditional sports romance? ABSOLUTELY!
❤️ Heartwarming sports movie vibes? CHECK!
👏 An unexpected favorite? WITHOUT A DOUBT!

4.5 STARS FROM ME!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I went in blind, came out thoroughly entertained, and would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a sports story where the GAME gets its chance to shine!

🎧 A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced listening copy of Touchdown in Brazil by Omar Tyree in exchange for my honest review! I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience this unexpected gem. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!

#TouchdownInBrazil #OmarTyree #NetGalley #ALCReview #AudiobookReview #FourPointFiveStars #SportsFiction #FootballBooks #SportsReads #BookReview #Bookstagram #TheBlindSide
43 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 29, 2026
Let me start off by saying I love the author Omar Tyree. I have grew up on his books and he never disappoints. I was given the privilege to re-touchdown in Brazil. You have three different family men coming together for one exciting football game. This takes you on the journey of three different point of views. This is a must read you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Kristy Wilson.
32 reviews
October 3, 2026
I’m genuinely not sure what this book is trying to accomplish. If it’s meant to appeal to football fans, it doesn’t. If it’s meant to celebrate cultures coming together, it barely scratches the surface — unless repeatedly announcing “we’re in Brazil!” and pointing out “Brazilian food” counts as depth. Every cultural difference is spelled out so plainly it feels like the book is shouting at you.

And the constant, breathless reactions of “You speak English?!” every time a local appears… exhausting.

Plot‑wise, nothing happens for the entire first half I managed to get through. People like football, they fly to Brazil, they gather at a bar to watch the opening game. That’s it. Snore.

The football explanations feel like a textbook, but somehow the Portuguese dialogue is left untranslated. Add in relentless product placement — Wilson footballs, Nike jerseys — and the whole thing reads like an ad campaign with a plot stapled on. It’s hard to understand what kind of editing choices were made here.

Ultimately, I really tried to finish this book NetGalley, but when I’m skipping ahead just to get through it, that’s my sign: this one simply isn’t for me.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews