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Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football
Freddie Steinmark played for University of Texas from 1968-1969, during which they won 20 out of 22 games. Two days after “The 1969 Game of The Century,” a come-from-behind victory against Arkansas that ensured Texas the national championship, Freddie went to the doctor concerned about a pain in his left thigh. His leg was amputated that same week due to osteosarcoma.
There are rare kinds of people who maintain positivity throughout hardship and leave a lasting torch of inspiration behind. Freddie Steinmark was one of those people. What he endured during the Longhorns’ memorable 1969 season, and what he encountered afterward, captivated not only Texans but the country at large. Americans watched closely as Steinmark confronted life’s ultimate challenge, and his openness during his battle against savage odds helped reframe the national conversation surrounding cancer and the ongoing race for a cure.
Written with unfettered access to the Steinmark family and archives, Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football is the exploration of a brief but full life, one that began humbly but ended on a grand stage. It is a fitting tribute to a legendary Longhorn whose photograph, emblazoned with the word “Heart,” flashes on the Freddie Steinmark Scoreboard’s Jumbotron prior to each home football game in UT’s Darrel K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at Joe Jamail Field.
There are rare kinds of people who maintain positivity throughout hardship and leave a lasting torch of inspiration behind. Freddie Steinmark was one of those people. What he endured during the Longhorns’ memorable 1969 season, and what he encountered afterward, captivated not only Texans but the country at large. Americans watched closely as Steinmark confronted life’s ultimate challenge, and his openness during his battle against savage odds helped reframe the national conversation surrounding cancer and the ongoing race for a cure.
Written with unfettered access to the Steinmark family and archives, Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football is the exploration of a brief but full life, one that began humbly but ended on a grand stage. It is a fitting tribute to a legendary Longhorn whose photograph, emblazoned with the word “Heart,” flashes on the Freddie Steinmark Scoreboard’s Jumbotron prior to each home football game in UT’s Darrel K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at Joe Jamail Field.
- GenresFootball
282 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 10, 2015
I don't know much about football but I enjoy a good nonfiction read. The authors interviewed family members, friends, and others who knew Freddie. It follows this form throughout along side some other family and football facts (and photos too). What I found most fascinating was how supportive and positive Freddie was despite his amputation.
When I was unable to play Varsity basketball my senior year of high school, it really killed me to be at the games because I wanted so badly to be on the court playing with my teammates. I couldn't imagine how it would be to lose all ability to play.
When I was unable to play Varsity basketball my senior year of high school, it really killed me to be at the games because I wanted so badly to be on the court playing with my teammates. I couldn't imagine how it would be to lose all ability to play.
June 11, 2015
I don't read Non-fiction that often and I wouldn't say that I'm a huge football fan. However, Yousse's account of Freddie Steinmark's life was still gripping and entertaining. The book weaves through Steinmark's life by incorporating interviews, news reports and Yousse's own narrative of Steinmark's life leading up to the amputation of his leg, and subsequent death.
Yousse manages to keep the focus on universal themes of courage, family and triumph, while also detailing Steinmark's football career in a way that casual fans can keep up with.
Overall, the book is a triumphant page turner that will leave you inspired, and maybe more paranoid about any pain in your leg.
Yousse manages to keep the focus on universal themes of courage, family and triumph, while also detailing Steinmark's football career in a way that casual fans can keep up with.
Overall, the book is a triumphant page turner that will leave you inspired, and maybe more paranoid about any pain in your leg.
March 28, 2020
The book Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football dives into the life story of Freddie Steinmark. You learn how he lived and played football. The author is able to capture the little details that went on in Freddie's life and how he felt about football. While reading the book you learn how he changed his view on life after being diagnosed with having bone cancer and having his left leg amputated. Even if you don't know or like football, read this book to know about a strong, brave, and dedicated individual to not leave his philosophies and beliefs to waste.
December 9, 2021
This was loaned to me by a friend, so the obligation to read it overwhelmed my desire to punt into a garbage bin.
I'll just say, it's co-written by a former high school teammate of Steinmark's, and it shifts voice frequently. The first time it happens, I had to read and re-read to make sure I wasn't reading a quote.
Two, the research seems to be just from Steinmark's memoir in addition to Googling news articles. The authors use a lot of generalities in regards to certain events, and include inane anecdotes, I assume, to fill in the narrative.
I'll just say, it's co-written by a former high school teammate of Steinmark's, and it shifts voice frequently. The first time it happens, I had to read and re-read to make sure I wasn't reading a quote.
Two, the research seems to be just from Steinmark's memoir in addition to Googling news articles. The authors use a lot of generalities in regards to certain events, and include inane anecdotes, I assume, to fill in the narrative.
April 26, 2022
Fantastic book. Loved Freddie’s story. Great movie too.
January 27, 2017
This is my favorite book of those I read in 2016, and will likely remain in my top 10 list of favorite books of all time. I had previously found the movie, "My All America" on Netflix, and just loved it. Knowing it was based on a true story I scanned the credits to see if I could find out more and came across this book and promptly ordered it. The subtitle is great (Faith, Family, Football) and summarizes Freddie's outlook on life & his top priorities in a concise manner. While I am a bit of a college football fan, I'm not a raging fan, but I will be one of this book going forward, and have already recommended it to my book club, friends, and people I work with. It is truly inspirational, and I know you don't have to be Catholic, or a football fan to get something out of this book. Freddie knew how to live and can teach all of us a lesson or two that we can adapt into our lives and live more fully.
February 20, 2016
I had already seen the movie about Freddie Steinmark (My All American) and I thought it was fantastic, so I wanted to read more about him. The book is fantastic as well, but there aren't really many new details in the book. Some of the back story on his parents and their family life, but otherwise very similar to what is shown in the movie. If I were a football fan, I would now be a Longhorn fan.
January 1, 2016
Great book about a great Texas Longhorn legend who was taken from us way too soon. The book is very well written and is a quick and easy read. Even though I've known Freddie's story for many years, I still learned several things about him in this book. It's a must read for any fan of Texas Longhorn football or college football.
March 26, 2016
This is a well written book. It is not just about football. The authors wind in the historical events that were happening in the world along with the timeline of Freddie Steinmark. To read about this young man, gives inspiration and encouragement. The strong ties to his family and religion are heart warming.
October 29, 2015
Aa
I played American legion baseball with big Freddie. He was a great shortstop and a good friend. We played on the kansa city at elitch gardens field in 1946 /and 1947.
I played American legion baseball with big Freddie. He was a great shortstop and a good friend. We played on the kansa city at elitch gardens field in 1946 /and 1947.
December 18, 2015
Enjoyed it immensely
I watched the movie "My All American" and was so moved that I wanted to read this book as well. I am thoroughly glad I did.
I watched the movie "My All American" and was so moved that I wanted to read this book as well. I am thoroughly glad I did.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews