What do you think?
Rate this book
Walk On: From Pee Wee Dropout to the NFL Sidelines--My Unlikely Story of Football, Purpose, and Following an Amazing God
In this true, compelling account of perseverance and hope from Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll's assistant, a young journalist walks on to a top-ranked USC football team and, guided by his faith, shares God's love, launching him on an unexpected journey with an amazing outcome.
Had anyone told Ben Malcolmson that he'd someday be a wide receiver on the national champion USC football team--after not playing football since an unfortunate fifth-grade Pop Warner experience--he would have called them crazy. As a reporter for The Daily Trojan, in the spirit of George Plimpton, he participated in walk-on tryouts for the team and was dumbfounded to find himself listed on the roster. His position on the team never amounted to much in a game-time contribution, but Ben felt strongly that his faith was inextricably linked to his purpose. He felt called to anonymously place Bibles in each USC teammate locker on Christmas Eve--to resounding indifference and rejection from his friends. It wasn't until three years later, when his role at USC had led to a role with Coach Pete Carroll at the Seahawks organization, that an old friend connected with Ben and told him that one of the Bibles had captivated the heart of a teammate in the three days before his death.
With a humble spirit dedicated to consistent acts of discipleship, Ben Malcolmson is an authentic voice for the power of simple obedience and trust, for what can happen when a believer allows God to work in a life. Walk On is the result of God using his faithful people to work in the lives of others.
Had anyone told Ben Malcolmson that he'd someday be a wide receiver on the national champion USC football team--after not playing football since an unfortunate fifth-grade Pop Warner experience--he would have called them crazy. As a reporter for The Daily Trojan, in the spirit of George Plimpton, he participated in walk-on tryouts for the team and was dumbfounded to find himself listed on the roster. His position on the team never amounted to much in a game-time contribution, but Ben felt strongly that his faith was inextricably linked to his purpose. He felt called to anonymously place Bibles in each USC teammate locker on Christmas Eve--to resounding indifference and rejection from his friends. It wasn't until three years later, when his role at USC had led to a role with Coach Pete Carroll at the Seahawks organization, that an old friend connected with Ben and told him that one of the Bibles had captivated the heart of a teammate in the three days before his death.
With a humble spirit dedicated to consistent acts of discipleship, Ben Malcolmson is an authentic voice for the power of simple obedience and trust, for what can happen when a believer allows God to work in a life. Walk On is the result of God using his faithful people to work in the lives of others.
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2018
29 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 11, 2020
I was intrigued when a friend handed me a copy of this book and emphatically told me to “Read it!!” While sports books are not my typical read, Several things impressed me in this book: That Ben Malcomson, who quit football during his Little League days years before, would actually attempt to “walk on” USC’s playing field in 2006, try out, and MAKE THE TEAM! The other thing that impressed me was how Ben Malcomson lived out his faith daily. Something very amazing and inspiring happens because of that.
February 20, 2021
This was an inspiring story about Ben Malcolmson, special assistant to Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks. His courage to lean into his dreams through various trials, coupled with his own faith journey, made for riveted reading.
May 28, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Multnomah WaterBrook Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
When I originally requested this book, I did not realize some of the ties that I had with its author. Frequently, I find that reading books can be a very Nathanish experience, where as someone who tends to live a somewhat isolated life that I find I am deeply connected to other people through books. During my time at the University of Southern California [1] I was an engineering student with a history minor who tended to mind my own business even if I write and read of a wider world. While I was still at the university, the author started attending himself, and followed a tradition of celebrated walk-ons like the one I had cheered on at the LA Colosseum during the last year of Hackett's coaching during an otherwise meaningless win against Louisiana Tech to close out a disappointing 5-7 season. But lest I speak too much about myself there is a great deal about this book to appreciate whether or not one shares the author's experience as a USC student interested in questions of divine providence.
This book is admittedly a very interesting book, as it shows the author's life with occasional flashbacks and foreshadowing that demonstrate the course of divine providence in the author's life, from the search for meaning and faith, to developing and honing skills as a sports reporter for USC's Daily Trojan as well as other newspapers on freelance or intern assignments, to building rapport with Coach Pete Carroll of USC and the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks (who is kind enough to contribute a thoughtful foreword here). This is a book that is filled with poignancy and self-effacing humor as we witness a somewhat out of shape reporter with basic pass catching skills turn into an underdog hero for a winning USC team and a talented assistant with a gift for social media. The author reveals his own struggles to find meaning and purpose and to discern God's will in the complicated events of his life, especially the death of a friend of his shortly after a Rose Bowl win. Everything ends up for the best (spoiler alert) but the road is by no means smooth, and one get a sense for a less glamorous but compelling side of sports life from a talented writer with a perspective that wins the reader's sympathies.
There are all kinds of questions that one gets upon reading this book. Why was it that Coach Lane Kiffin comes off so poorly here? Clearly the author and that controversial figure do not see eye to eye, something that has dramatic effects during the course of the book. Coach Carroll himself has a rather ambiguous role as well, being a person who is willing to take the heat for a tough loss (for example, in the Super Bowl loss against the Patriots) but someone at the same time who seeks to avoid being negative if possible and someone who has a rather sharp tone when it comes to dealing with a media frenzy. One gets the sense as well that he was not someone who micromanaged his college teams, which did allow for some shady people to inveigle themselves with athletes like Reggie Bush (with costly effects for the record book when the NCAA sanctions hammer came on the program later on). The author, perhaps wisely, does not focus a great deal on the sanctions or the rumors of corruption in USC's behemoth football program, but the book is no less compelling as a personal story of growing faith in the face of uncertainty.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
When I originally requested this book, I did not realize some of the ties that I had with its author. Frequently, I find that reading books can be a very Nathanish experience, where as someone who tends to live a somewhat isolated life that I find I am deeply connected to other people through books. During my time at the University of Southern California [1] I was an engineering student with a history minor who tended to mind my own business even if I write and read of a wider world. While I was still at the university, the author started attending himself, and followed a tradition of celebrated walk-ons like the one I had cheered on at the LA Colosseum during the last year of Hackett's coaching during an otherwise meaningless win against Louisiana Tech to close out a disappointing 5-7 season. But lest I speak too much about myself there is a great deal about this book to appreciate whether or not one shares the author's experience as a USC student interested in questions of divine providence.
This book is admittedly a very interesting book, as it shows the author's life with occasional flashbacks and foreshadowing that demonstrate the course of divine providence in the author's life, from the search for meaning and faith, to developing and honing skills as a sports reporter for USC's Daily Trojan as well as other newspapers on freelance or intern assignments, to building rapport with Coach Pete Carroll of USC and the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks (who is kind enough to contribute a thoughtful foreword here). This is a book that is filled with poignancy and self-effacing humor as we witness a somewhat out of shape reporter with basic pass catching skills turn into an underdog hero for a winning USC team and a talented assistant with a gift for social media. The author reveals his own struggles to find meaning and purpose and to discern God's will in the complicated events of his life, especially the death of a friend of his shortly after a Rose Bowl win. Everything ends up for the best (spoiler alert) but the road is by no means smooth, and one get a sense for a less glamorous but compelling side of sports life from a talented writer with a perspective that wins the reader's sympathies.
There are all kinds of questions that one gets upon reading this book. Why was it that Coach Lane Kiffin comes off so poorly here? Clearly the author and that controversial figure do not see eye to eye, something that has dramatic effects during the course of the book. Coach Carroll himself has a rather ambiguous role as well, being a person who is willing to take the heat for a tough loss (for example, in the Super Bowl loss against the Patriots) but someone at the same time who seeks to avoid being negative if possible and someone who has a rather sharp tone when it comes to dealing with a media frenzy. One gets the sense as well that he was not someone who micromanaged his college teams, which did allow for some shady people to inveigle themselves with athletes like Reggie Bush (with costly effects for the record book when the NCAA sanctions hammer came on the program later on). The author, perhaps wisely, does not focus a great deal on the sanctions or the rumors of corruption in USC's behemoth football program, but the book is no less compelling as a personal story of growing faith in the face of uncertainty.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
July 16, 2018
Walk On by is the inspirational tale of a young man who dared to follow his dreams onto the football field and beyond. Ben Malcolmson dreamed the impossible when he decided to play as a “walk on” during his days at the University of Southern California. Pete Carroll was the coach during those days which makes for a very interesting story.
Malcolmson not only shares the story about his athletic pursuits; he clearly describes how his relationship with Jesus Christ began and was fostered in those early days at USC.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Malcolmson’s heart, passion, and grit. His love for God shines clearly in these pages as he gives honor and glory to his Savior for enables his hands and guiding his feet.
Malcolmson not only shares the story about his athletic pursuits; he clearly describes how his relationship with Jesus Christ began and was fostered in those early days at USC.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Malcolmson’s heart, passion, and grit. His love for God shines clearly in these pages as he gives honor and glory to his Savior for enables his hands and guiding his feet.
June 23, 2018
In Walk On, Ben Malcolmsom opens up about how he discovered his purpose and how God used him in unexpected ways. Ben was a journalist for the USC school newspaper, The Daily Trojan. He decided to secretly join the walk on try out for the Southern California Trojans football team to get a firsthand story about the experience of trying out. He hasn’t played football since he was ten years old. He was determined to never to play football again because he hated it. He also weighed only about 165 pounds at the time and wasn’t a big guy. He was only going to be trying out just for the story. But God had other plans. He was picked to be on the team partly because he was a fast runner and he believed that Coach Peter Carroll was playing a prank on him by selecting him to be a walk on player. It wasn’t a prank he did make the team and he made the roster for wide receiver. He was picked on and laughed at by a few of his teammates when they discovered he was a reporter. Throughout the book, he shared about how he loved to be a counselor at Deerfoot which was a wilderness camp for boys. He opened up about how his faith became real for him when he was a freshman. His faith helped him to be a witness for Christ on the football team even while encountering setbacks and challenges. He injured his shoulder again and was kicked off of the team. He had to choose to preserve and fight for his spot back on the team. Readers will strongly be encouraged and their faith will be strength by reading about how Ben found his purpose and how God used him.
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading a story about adversity and overcoming the odds despite the fact that the odds are against you. I haven’t ever heard of Ben’s story prior to reading this book. I connected with the fact that he was a new reporter and was considered to be unqualified to be a football player. But he found his way amazing placed on a football team. I loved how he included special thoughts and scriptures at the end of all the chapters. He had great takeaways about being on the sidelines and still believing that God has a hope and a future for you. I really enjoyed reading this book about his journey through his news writing career and how everything lined up the way it was supposed to. If you’re a looking for a great summer read, then read this book!
“I received an advance book copy free from the Waterbrook Multnomah and was a member of the Walk on Launch team.”
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading a story about adversity and overcoming the odds despite the fact that the odds are against you. I haven’t ever heard of Ben’s story prior to reading this book. I connected with the fact that he was a new reporter and was considered to be unqualified to be a football player. But he found his way amazing placed on a football team. I loved how he included special thoughts and scriptures at the end of all the chapters. He had great takeaways about being on the sidelines and still believing that God has a hope and a future for you. I really enjoyed reading this book about his journey through his news writing career and how everything lined up the way it was supposed to. If you’re a looking for a great summer read, then read this book!
“I received an advance book copy free from the Waterbrook Multnomah and was a member of the Walk on Launch team.”
June 22, 2018
WOW!!!
First, I have to admit I am the only female in a house of males and often I get tired of everything sports. I like to watch when my own kids are playing on a team, but otherwise, I would often rather do something else other than watch sports. And I never want to pick up a book reading about sports or the players. So picking up and reading a book about a football player, well let's just say it was not my first choice. I actually am not really sure why I decided to join the launch team for this book as it is not my normal genre. Something about the book intrigued me and am I thankful. I started reading and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I was completely surprised! It is truly a remarkable story and I just loved his sense of humor. While Ben has had remarkable opportunities, he is also very humble and just a very, very likable man. This story is very similar to Rudy, the walk on at Notre Dame except with one most important and remarkable difference. Ben clearly sees God's hand guiding his path and talks about his faith in this book. That was left out of Rudy's story. Rudy failed to see the bigger picture - the picture that God had a purpose for him and his journey was to point others to see Jesus. Ben gets that and that makes this a remarkable book, a most remarkable story.
And shhhh ---- don't tell but when this book officially gets released, I will be purchasing several copies to give as gifts. I know I want my sons to read it. I think it is a story they would enjoy. It is important to have Godly men that live out their faith and are good examples for young men of today to look to, be inspired by and follow. We have such a lack of character in those of Hollywood and often times those are the larger than life examples our youth of today see so vividly in the media. Yet, it is men like Ben that should be held up for our youth to see as an example to follow.
I found Ben's book to be a blessing and I am so thankful I decided to join the launch team and read it. I simply cannot say enough about how surprisingly wonderful this book truly was. I highly recommend it and can honestly say it would appeal to all as this truly is not my normal genre. I actually found myself rooting for Ben and the Trojans along the way!
"I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."
First, I have to admit I am the only female in a house of males and often I get tired of everything sports. I like to watch when my own kids are playing on a team, but otherwise, I would often rather do something else other than watch sports. And I never want to pick up a book reading about sports or the players. So picking up and reading a book about a football player, well let's just say it was not my first choice. I actually am not really sure why I decided to join the launch team for this book as it is not my normal genre. Something about the book intrigued me and am I thankful. I started reading and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I was completely surprised! It is truly a remarkable story and I just loved his sense of humor. While Ben has had remarkable opportunities, he is also very humble and just a very, very likable man. This story is very similar to Rudy, the walk on at Notre Dame except with one most important and remarkable difference. Ben clearly sees God's hand guiding his path and talks about his faith in this book. That was left out of Rudy's story. Rudy failed to see the bigger picture - the picture that God had a purpose for him and his journey was to point others to see Jesus. Ben gets that and that makes this a remarkable book, a most remarkable story.
And shhhh ---- don't tell but when this book officially gets released, I will be purchasing several copies to give as gifts. I know I want my sons to read it. I think it is a story they would enjoy. It is important to have Godly men that live out their faith and are good examples for young men of today to look to, be inspired by and follow. We have such a lack of character in those of Hollywood and often times those are the larger than life examples our youth of today see so vividly in the media. Yet, it is men like Ben that should be held up for our youth to see as an example to follow.
I found Ben's book to be a blessing and I am so thankful I decided to join the launch team and read it. I simply cannot say enough about how surprisingly wonderful this book truly was. I highly recommend it and can honestly say it would appeal to all as this truly is not my normal genre. I actually found myself rooting for Ben and the Trojans along the way!
"I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."
August 9, 2018
Why on earth would someone who doesn’t like football read this Walk On by Ben Malcolmson? That’s because this is one of those books that is so much more than about football. You don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. This is the inspirational and powerful story of how the Lord bought Ben Malcolmson to Him and used him throughout his life in unexpected ways.
We’re talking about an underdog story that no one would have imagined watching the author achieve the goals he accomplished. The author comes across as relatable and humble as he shares his honest story of all of the ups and downs of finding himself on the USC Trojans team.
One of my favorite stories, which is probably one of the most powerful, is where the author shares about hiding a bunch of Bibles in each of the team members lockers for Christmas only to be discouraged when he finds them tossed in shreds all over the book and in the trash. I think one of the coolest things about that story is that we think we’re doing something good, get discouraged when it doesn’t go our way, to not see the entire picture of how God used that until years later.
I especially enjoyed how the author encourages and inspires his readers to stay faithful to God and how God can use the most unexpected and least likely opportunities to for His glory. He also ends each chapter with a short lesson and a scripture.
Highly recommended whether you are a football fan or not.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
We’re talking about an underdog story that no one would have imagined watching the author achieve the goals he accomplished. The author comes across as relatable and humble as he shares his honest story of all of the ups and downs of finding himself on the USC Trojans team.
One of my favorite stories, which is probably one of the most powerful, is where the author shares about hiding a bunch of Bibles in each of the team members lockers for Christmas only to be discouraged when he finds them tossed in shreds all over the book and in the trash. I think one of the coolest things about that story is that we think we’re doing something good, get discouraged when it doesn’t go our way, to not see the entire picture of how God used that until years later.
I especially enjoyed how the author encourages and inspires his readers to stay faithful to God and how God can use the most unexpected and least likely opportunities to for His glory. He also ends each chapter with a short lesson and a scripture.
Highly recommended whether you are a football fan or not.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 17, 2018
“Even when your life reaches its bleakest point and you face seemingly insurmountable circumstances, God has plans for you that you would not believe, even if He told you.” (Quote from Ben Malcolmson, page 200.)
This book by Ben Malcolmson is certainly inspirational. His account of becoming an “unintentional” walk-on player for the USC Trojan football team is entertaining to read. However, his story of growing in faith and trust in God is the true heart of this book. He’s honest about his doubts, fears, failures, and successes. At the end of each chapter, there’s a “Walk On” section that includes scripture verses that focus on the spiritual lesson he learned during a particular time in his life.
He’s completely convinced that God is always working behind the scenes in our lives and especially during the times when we can’t see the next step ahead. The account of how Mario Danelo came to Christ shortly before his untimely death brought me to tears. I was encouraged to follow God in all things both large and small and leave the results to Him.
I’d especially recommend this story for a book study with teenagers or young adults who are searching for God’s will in their lives.
There’s no foul language or embarrassing scenes in this book, which makes it great reading for all ages.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This book by Ben Malcolmson is certainly inspirational. His account of becoming an “unintentional” walk-on player for the USC Trojan football team is entertaining to read. However, his story of growing in faith and trust in God is the true heart of this book. He’s honest about his doubts, fears, failures, and successes. At the end of each chapter, there’s a “Walk On” section that includes scripture verses that focus on the spiritual lesson he learned during a particular time in his life.
He’s completely convinced that God is always working behind the scenes in our lives and especially during the times when we can’t see the next step ahead. The account of how Mario Danelo came to Christ shortly before his untimely death brought me to tears. I was encouraged to follow God in all things both large and small and leave the results to Him.
I’d especially recommend this story for a book study with teenagers or young adults who are searching for God’s will in their lives.
There’s no foul language or embarrassing scenes in this book, which makes it great reading for all ages.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2018
Walk On: My Unlikely Story of Football, Purpose and Following an Amazing God by Ben Malcolmson was a great read. It is an inspiring true story of how Ben pursued his dreams and passions, and how God honored that pursuit with even better things than Ben could have imagined.
Walk On is a memoir but it could also be used as a devotional. Each chapter ends with a Scripture verse and a short thought by Ben along with several questions to ask yourself about your own experiences/life/faith walk. I think it would be especially good for teens or young adults. You definitely don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this book.
Ben's story is indeed unlikely and inspiring. He has led such an interesting life and had some almost unbelievable experiences. Walk On is a quick and easy read, enjoyable all around. The only thing that I didn't like about it is the way he disparages his parents, especially his mother. I understand that it is difficult to grow up with a mom who is an alcoholic and a dad who travels extensively, but I'm sure his parents did the best they could and he was not abused or mistreated. I hope that he finds a more gracious perspective someday, perhaps if he becomes a father himself.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Walk On is a memoir but it could also be used as a devotional. Each chapter ends with a Scripture verse and a short thought by Ben along with several questions to ask yourself about your own experiences/life/faith walk. I think it would be especially good for teens or young adults. You definitely don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this book.
Ben's story is indeed unlikely and inspiring. He has led such an interesting life and had some almost unbelievable experiences. Walk On is a quick and easy read, enjoyable all around. The only thing that I didn't like about it is the way he disparages his parents, especially his mother. I understand that it is difficult to grow up with a mom who is an alcoholic and a dad who travels extensively, but I'm sure his parents did the best they could and he was not abused or mistreated. I hope that he finds a more gracious perspective someday, perhaps if he becomes a father himself.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2018
This book by author, Ben Malcolmson, is a MUST read. Seriously! How can a non-football playing man become a walk on for the highly acclaimed University of Southern California Trojans? He's a journalism major for goodness sake! His story is quite inspiring as well as encouraging. One of my favorite quotes (and there are many!) from the book is this: "No matter what has happened, your past has no bearing on God's calling for you . . . Your pedigree doesn't contain you, your previous decisions don't define you, and your limitations don't hold you back. Will you leave your past behind and set aside your supposed shortcomings to move forward into the magnificent future God has for you?" (Page 71)
If you're a football fan, you'll love the story. If you're wondering if God is in the little details—this book will show you just how big He is. And if you love a heart piercing story of a great friendship and support system, then here's that book.
I have received this book from WaterBrookMultnomah with no expectations in return. I have chosen to share my honest opinion on this book.
#PRHpartner @WaterBrookMultnomah
If you're a football fan, you'll love the story. If you're wondering if God is in the little details—this book will show you just how big He is. And if you love a heart piercing story of a great friendship and support system, then here's that book.
I have received this book from WaterBrookMultnomah with no expectations in return. I have chosen to share my honest opinion on this book.
#PRHpartner @WaterBrookMultnomah
August 13, 2018
Ben Malcolmson would seem to be your friend, no matter if you were a sports jock or couch potato. He seems to really enjoy life and embraces the things that come up. He's pretty humble in his ability, but he had to be good to make the USC team during their championship heydey with Matt Leinart at quarterback and Reggie Bush taking the ball.
At times, he seemed almost too happy or reactive to things that were happening, but I assume he, like the reader, had to be blown away by his journey. He did have a wild run. YouTube him and you can hear him speak more about it.
This is a spiritual book, but it's not heavy-handed nor is it pushy or one-dimensional. At the end of each chapter, he reviews what's happened and provides scripture to back it up. This could be used as a type of devotional.
This was a fun book to read, both for a sports fan and for someone wanting to read about the Christian life and faith.
At times, he seemed almost too happy or reactive to things that were happening, but I assume he, like the reader, had to be blown away by his journey. He did have a wild run. YouTube him and you can hear him speak more about it.
This is a spiritual book, but it's not heavy-handed nor is it pushy or one-dimensional. At the end of each chapter, he reviews what's happened and provides scripture to back it up. This could be used as a type of devotional.
This was a fun book to read, both for a sports fan and for someone wanting to read about the Christian life and faith.
May 7, 2018
I am grateful to netgalley.com and WaterBrook & Multnomah for a review copy of this book. I throughly enjoyed this book, there was so much in it which i could relate to. The theme of perseverance even when things are tough spoke to me.
It was an amazing journey that Ben went on and that God was preparing him for. The short sharp chapters allowed for an easy read and the whole book took maybe three hours to read. This book would be good for the sports fan Christian and Non Christian alike because it tells that one story we all dream of, getting to play for our team, to suit up.
The most disappointing aspect of the book were the reflections at the end of each chapter too often they focused on what we can do rather than on what God is doing. Overall a great book would recommend to any sports fan.
It was an amazing journey that Ben went on and that God was preparing him for. The short sharp chapters allowed for an easy read and the whole book took maybe three hours to read. This book would be good for the sports fan Christian and Non Christian alike because it tells that one story we all dream of, getting to play for our team, to suit up.
The most disappointing aspect of the book were the reflections at the end of each chapter too often they focused on what we can do rather than on what God is doing. Overall a great book would recommend to any sports fan.
May 30, 2018
Walk On
by Ben Malcolmson
Walk On is an inspirational story of Ben Malcolmson’s time at USC. Ben’s story will encourage you to see the purpose for your life.
As Ben tells his story you feel like you are walking this journey with him.
At the end of every chapter, Ben includes a thought-provoking question that allows the reader to reflect on his or her own life.
My favorite quote from Walk On is when Ben says, “Lights don’t really do anything. They don’t have to create events or facilitate gatherings; they just shine. So fulfilling my purpose meant just being light on that team. My presence was my purpose.”
As Ben’s story unfolds, I found myself eagerly wanting to read the next chapter.
Throughout this book, I found myself excited, surprised, shocked and humbled as Ben shared each part of his journey.
by Ben Malcolmson
Walk On is an inspirational story of Ben Malcolmson’s time at USC. Ben’s story will encourage you to see the purpose for your life.
As Ben tells his story you feel like you are walking this journey with him.
At the end of every chapter, Ben includes a thought-provoking question that allows the reader to reflect on his or her own life.
My favorite quote from Walk On is when Ben says, “Lights don’t really do anything. They don’t have to create events or facilitate gatherings; they just shine. So fulfilling my purpose meant just being light on that team. My presence was my purpose.”
As Ben’s story unfolds, I found myself eagerly wanting to read the next chapter.
Throughout this book, I found myself excited, surprised, shocked and humbled as Ben shared each part of his journey.
July 11, 2018
I love a good sports story. I love a good Jesus story. This book is both.
Ben's story of how God used him in an unconventional, and amazing way was awesome. When the fruit of Ben following God's direction was revealed, I was all goosebumps and tears. It was no short journey of faith, either. This story follows his days as a high schooler and explores his college years at USC, where his relationship with Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll began, through his own start with the Seahawks. It took many years for him to see where God was leading, and yet, he remained faithful.
Although not a book aimed at youth, as a boy mom, I would highly recommend for boys ages 12 and up. I find it would be an interesting and inspiring read for the reluctant young adult reader.
*Please note, I was given an advanced copy as a member of the launch team, in exchange for an honest review.*
Ben's story of how God used him in an unconventional, and amazing way was awesome. When the fruit of Ben following God's direction was revealed, I was all goosebumps and tears. It was no short journey of faith, either. This story follows his days as a high schooler and explores his college years at USC, where his relationship with Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll began, through his own start with the Seahawks. It took many years for him to see where God was leading, and yet, he remained faithful.
Although not a book aimed at youth, as a boy mom, I would highly recommend for boys ages 12 and up. I find it would be an interesting and inspiring read for the reluctant young adult reader.
*Please note, I was given an advanced copy as a member of the launch team, in exchange for an honest review.*
June 6, 2018
You want to know why I loved this book? It is because it is written by a normal person. Malcomson isn't some well educated theologian, or highly successful pro athlete. He was a normal college student who shares his incredible journey of his time spent at USC as a reporter, then editor, of the student ran newspaper and then his one season as a walk on for the football team. He briefly touches on his transition to working with the Seattle Seahawks of the NFL as well.
Along the way he discusses his faith journey as well. The highs and lows, his doubts and what he thinks at the time are failures.
Pick up a copy...you won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah as a partner and member of the launch team.
Along the way he discusses his faith journey as well. The highs and lows, his doubts and what he thinks at the time are failures.
Pick up a copy...you won't be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook & Multnomah as a partner and member of the launch team.
June 18, 2018
I am a pretty disciplined reader. That is, I'll read a chapter at a sitting and then go on about my other projects. However, Ben Malcolmson tells the story of his life in such a way that I found myself continuing to read even after my set time was done. This is an inspiring story of overcoming life's challenges and setbacks and choosing to follow God right out of your comfort zone and into His will. This would be a great small-group discussion for all ages, but I think a prime audience would be high-school and college age young men. Great read! I highly recommend it.
December 31, 2020
I feel like some of the author's experiences were spiritualized for the sake of a good story, but the anecdote at the end definitely brought it up to 4 stars for me. I don't mean to sound critical, but having growing up in evangelicalism, I find it frustrating when everything wraps up neatly and people say they can "see what God was doing" in their struggles, when many times, people go their whole lives without ever knowing the reason for hardships.
Besides that, I appreciated the remind that Pete Carroll is a far superior coach to almost anyone and living in SEC territory, I long for a team like USC to rise up and end the monopoly on college sports we've had to observe for so long now.
Besides that, I appreciated the remind that Pete Carroll is a far superior coach to almost anyone and living in SEC territory, I long for a team like USC to rise up and end the monopoly on college sports we've had to observe for so long now.
September 11, 2025
I love this book so much!!! The story is so inspiring!! I love his writing! His story is so interesting with how he accidentally becomes a walk on for the best college football team in America! Then he has to overcome injuries just to play for one play. His determination is so inspiring! I would recommend it to anybody!!
May 12, 2020
Powerful Story
I highly recommend reading this story. It’s well-written and inspiring. I appreciate the encouragement to keep searching for the purpose God gave each one of to fulfill in our lives.
I highly recommend reading this story. It’s well-written and inspiring. I appreciate the encouragement to keep searching for the purpose God gave each one of to fulfill in our lives.
April 23, 2021
Amazing story of Ben's walk with the Lord and an inspiring and spiritual message for anyone who wonders "what is God's purpose for me?" I couldn't have read it at a better time. Thank you Ben for sharing your life - I'm determined to get my copy signed!
May 15, 2023
My husband first told me about this book about Ben Malcolmsom, an unlikely walk-on player for the storied USC college football team under Pete Carroll. Reading this story about this skinny college student actually making the team seemed farfetched but entertaining nonetheless, especially because he is a Christian and tied in a lot of good scripture to back up his message.
I myself am going through transitions in life, wondering where God is leading me and perhaps the best quote from the book that spoke to my heart about this was when a friend of Ben was giving him advice about what career choice to make. He said, "You know Ben, there's really no such thing as a spiritual job or nonspiritual job...God has His hand on everything, and what's most important is your willingness to go where He wants you."
I must admit I also struggle with hearing the small still voice of God for what direction He wants me life to go, so it was refreshing to read a book where another believe went through what I'm going through. He asks at the end of a chapter: "Will you tune out the noise and stop to listen for the whisper of God in your life?"
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book and give it 4 stars.
I myself am going through transitions in life, wondering where God is leading me and perhaps the best quote from the book that spoke to my heart about this was when a friend of Ben was giving him advice about what career choice to make. He said, "You know Ben, there's really no such thing as a spiritual job or nonspiritual job...God has His hand on everything, and what's most important is your willingness to go where He wants you."
I must admit I also struggle with hearing the small still voice of God for what direction He wants me life to go, so it was refreshing to read a book where another believe went through what I'm going through. He asks at the end of a chapter: "Will you tune out the noise and stop to listen for the whisper of God in your life?"
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book and give it 4 stars.
September 22, 2024
Loved it! I don't know much about football, but this book is more than just about someone joining a football team. I loved his story! It shows how God nudges us, and these nudges can impact the lives around us even though it may not seem like it. Definitely recommend!
June 3, 2018
This is an amazing book! "I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."
December 9, 2018
Very good for understanding our position in Christ and always doing our best. Life is not easy for anyone.
September 10, 2020
Sweet book. Read this if you need to do something hard (challenging).
May 15, 2022
A wonderful book! Praise God!
April 25, 2024
I love this story. Malcolmson is easy to root for. And, wow, this story will blow your mind.
July 18, 2018
What a wonderful story of faith and perseverance. The way the book is laid out is great for journaling and discussion of the lessons learned from experience shared in each chapter.It is a very intriguing story that is worth reading!
Thanks Waterbrook and Multnomah, for sending me a press copy for an honest review.
Thanks Waterbrook and Multnomah, for sending me a press copy for an honest review.
July 17, 2018
What an amazing story of courageous, and steadfast faith! From a college sports reporter to walk on at one of America’s greatest college teams...this story shows Ben’s amazing courage as he stepped out of his comfort zone and dared to believe he was doing it all for a greater purpose! A story that most everyone can connect to in some way and hope for those who are walking through defeating circumstances. I received an Advance Readers Copy from the publisher.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews