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Birds of Pray: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Faith, Brotherhood, and Super Bowl Victory
High Stakes, Deep Faith, and Unbreakable Brotherhood They were the first No. 1 seed in NFL history to enter the playoffs as an underdog. Their star quarterback was out with a season-ending knee injury. Five-time Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots towered over them. But public opinion didn't matter to the Philadelphia Eagles. They believed in each other. The band of Christian brothers on the team believed in the God of the impossible, and they played for an audience of One. The most extensive book to explore the Christian faith shared by many of the team's players, Birds of Pray details the incredible inside story behind the Eagles' capture of the biggest prize in professional the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Through exclusive interviews with the players, never-before-seen photos, and insider accounts of the miracle season's most memorable moments, Philly native and Associated Press sportswriter Rob Maaddi reveals a side of the team the world has yet to fully witness. From an impromptu baptism in the team's cold tub to weekly Bible studies and pre-game prayers, to the unique friendship between star quarterback Carson Wentz and back-up-then-MVP Nick Foles - the Eagles excel in the unexpected. Birds of Pray follows the deep faith shared among players, the high stakes they faced together, and their relentless reliance on Christ who gives all strength in moments of crisis and celebration alike. The result is a boldly inspiring, entertaining read that will challenge readers to go deeper in their faith, dream bigger, and live with renewed courage for whatever odds life stacks against them.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
32 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 15, 2018
Birds of Pray is a story of football and faith. Sports journalist Maaddi recounts the Eagles' dynamic 2017 season which culminated with a franchise-first Super Bowl victory in early February 2018. However - and perhaps more interesting - he gets 'up close and personal' (as they used to say on ABC's Wide World of Sports) by detailing the refreshing and inspiring devoutness of quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Nick Foles, tight end Zach Ertz, and coach Doug Pederson in their Christianity.
January 31, 2023
I love how the Eagles players are so faithful and love God, He’s so good!
December 12, 2019
This was a relatively short book, but it was excellent. It is very clear that numerous players on the Philadelphia Eagles football team during the 2017 season were very good Christian. The leader of this movement was their quarterback Carson Wentz. Nick Foles,the backup quarterback, is also a very good Christian. He also led the team to become the 2018 Super Bowl champions.
Subsequently, a number of the players were transferred to other teams. There, they can continue to witness to nonbelievers.
I have long been a fan of the Washington Redskins (in the same NFL division). However, this book has led me to become a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
I love the clever name of the book...”Birds of Pray”, which is a play of words... “birds of prey.”
Subsequently, a number of the players were transferred to other teams. There, they can continue to witness to nonbelievers.
I have long been a fan of the Washington Redskins (in the same NFL division). However, this book has led me to become a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles.
I love the clever name of the book...”Birds of Pray”, which is a play of words... “birds of prey.”
April 18, 2022
I am not a football fan, but I needed a sports book to complete a reading challenge, and I thought the faith aspect of this one would interest me. Maybe I would have liked it better if I were a football fan, but it seemed to have little substance -- it read more like an extended PR piece or a long story sports radio.
January 2, 2019
Great book - an encouragement to followers of Christ and those seeking.
January 27, 2019
These were big time competitors playing on the grandest stage. They understood the significance of the game. but winning or losing the Super Bowl wasn't going to define this group of men on the Philadelphia Eagles. Their identity wasn't rooted in their accomplishments; it was found in Christ. (p23)
"Take Jesus to your marketplace," Horner told me. "They need you there." (p61)
Only you can expose your weaknesses and the things you want to work on, whether it's in your relationships or your marriage or your family. When you're able to talk about it among your brothers, among your family, it helps you grow. And when you realize that you can apply biblical principles to it, it helps us all grow (p73 Torrey Smith talking)
"I felt like I had to look into myself and figure out a way make people know I cared about them and make time for relationships," Roseman said. "Sometimes when you're in your job, when you're in a busy job, you kind of overlook some of those things, and I felt that wasn't the right ting to do and how was I going to work on that, and I thought that was the most important thing because I care about a lot of people here. They're family to me. So for people not to know how you feel, whether that's your friends or your family, that's hurtful to me." (p159)
"Two years ago, winning the Super Bowl would have been the best experience of my life but now with the life I am living in Christ, it was just another moment," Ertz said. "It just felt like another game. It didn't feel like the Super Bowl, a sporting event watched by a hundred million people across the world. It just felt like another game to me." That statement may seem crazy to many people but when your identity is in Christ instead of in your accomplishments, it's a standard way of thinking. (p203)
"Making disciples, that isn't just for people who have a platform, that isn't just for people that have a million followers on Instagram or Twitter, it's for everybody," [Wentz] said. "We're all called to be disciples and spread the gospel of Christ. It doesn't matter that your sphere of influence is, you have one. No matter big or small, you're called to be a disciple in whatever mission field you're in. It's not just for pastors or people with a platform, it's for teachers, it's fore businessmen. Every person you come in contact with should feel the love of Christ through you. We're all gonna have bad days. But at the end of the day, that's what we're called to do, and if you did that faithfully day after day after day, I believe on the last day, you will hear: 'Well don, good and faithful servant.'" (p204)
"Take Jesus to your marketplace," Horner told me. "They need you there." (p61)
Only you can expose your weaknesses and the things you want to work on, whether it's in your relationships or your marriage or your family. When you're able to talk about it among your brothers, among your family, it helps you grow. And when you realize that you can apply biblical principles to it, it helps us all grow (p73 Torrey Smith talking)
"I felt like I had to look into myself and figure out a way make people know I cared about them and make time for relationships," Roseman said. "Sometimes when you're in your job, when you're in a busy job, you kind of overlook some of those things, and I felt that wasn't the right ting to do and how was I going to work on that, and I thought that was the most important thing because I care about a lot of people here. They're family to me. So for people not to know how you feel, whether that's your friends or your family, that's hurtful to me." (p159)
"Two years ago, winning the Super Bowl would have been the best experience of my life but now with the life I am living in Christ, it was just another moment," Ertz said. "It just felt like another game. It didn't feel like the Super Bowl, a sporting event watched by a hundred million people across the world. It just felt like another game to me." That statement may seem crazy to many people but when your identity is in Christ instead of in your accomplishments, it's a standard way of thinking. (p203)
"Making disciples, that isn't just for people who have a platform, that isn't just for people that have a million followers on Instagram or Twitter, it's for everybody," [Wentz] said. "We're all called to be disciples and spread the gospel of Christ. It doesn't matter that your sphere of influence is, you have one. No matter big or small, you're called to be a disciple in whatever mission field you're in. It's not just for pastors or people with a platform, it's for teachers, it's fore businessmen. Every person you come in contact with should feel the love of Christ through you. We're all gonna have bad days. But at the end of the day, that's what we're called to do, and if you did that faithfully day after day after day, I believe on the last day, you will hear: 'Well don, good and faithful servant.'" (p204)
September 2, 2018
There have been a few books written about the 2018 NFL Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. I previously read Nick Foles’ book Believe It: My Journey of Success, Failure, and Overcoming the Odds. This book is written by Rob Maaddi, who started his “Faith On The Field Show” on Philadelphia sports radio in 2017 to give athletes a forum to discuss how God has impacted their lives and to use sports as a vehicle to share the message of Jesus. The author has been covering Philadelphia sports teams full-time since 2000.
In this book, he introduces us to many of the Christians on the Eagles team last season. He writes that winning or losing wasn’t going to define that group of men. Their identity wasn’t rooted in their accomplishments, it was found in Christ.
He writes about players being baptized in the recovery pool at the team’s practice facility. The pool they were baptized in was the same pool a majority of the players on the team go to for healing.
The first section of the book gives us glimpses into these players, often including long quotes from them. He about how the players’ strong desire to grow in their faith, to sharpen each other, to hold each other accountable helped this core group of players form an unbreakable bond. Community was also a key concept for the players.
He addresses the controversial and divisive national anthem protests that some of the players participated in as a way to protest against social injustices.
The second half of the book takes the reader through each game of the championship season, including the many injuries that the team suffered, most notably to quarterback Carson Wentz, who was putting together an MVP worthy season.
The Eagles mantra was “We all we got, we all we need”. Backup quarterback Nick Foles would lead the Eagles to an upset win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
I enjoyed reading this book, especially the first half, as the author provides insights on the Christians on the team, and how they integrated their faith and work.
In this book, he introduces us to many of the Christians on the Eagles team last season. He writes that winning or losing wasn’t going to define that group of men. Their identity wasn’t rooted in their accomplishments, it was found in Christ.
He writes about players being baptized in the recovery pool at the team’s practice facility. The pool they were baptized in was the same pool a majority of the players on the team go to for healing.
The first section of the book gives us glimpses into these players, often including long quotes from them. He about how the players’ strong desire to grow in their faith, to sharpen each other, to hold each other accountable helped this core group of players form an unbreakable bond. Community was also a key concept for the players.
He addresses the controversial and divisive national anthem protests that some of the players participated in as a way to protest against social injustices.
The second half of the book takes the reader through each game of the championship season, including the many injuries that the team suffered, most notably to quarterback Carson Wentz, who was putting together an MVP worthy season.
The Eagles mantra was “We all we got, we all we need”. Backup quarterback Nick Foles would lead the Eagles to an upset win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
I enjoyed reading this book, especially the first half, as the author provides insights on the Christians on the team, and how they integrated their faith and work.
December 28, 2018
The book was interesting, but nothing earth-shattering. The truths described inside are pretty simply and straightforward, and the characters and players are fairly one-dimensional.
The football stories are pretty basic - the games are more or less simple descriptions of key plays in key games. There is quite a bit of repetition in the book as well, and it seems like Wentz, Noes, and everyone else was saying the same thing over and over.
It is an easy read, and you could easily do it in one or two sittings.
If you are a big-time Eagles fan, I'm sure there is some goodness in here for you, otherwise it's only so-so.
---------------
I noticed Amazon and Goodreads have a slightly different meanings to their 5-point scale. I thought it was odd to have a different rating for the same book on two different sites, so I came up with my own scale below. For the record, it is fairly close to Amazon's scale, but allows me to be consistent between the two sites.
5 - Fantastic. Life-altering. Maybe only 30 in a lifetime.
4 - Very good.
3 - Worth your time.
2 - Not very good.
1 - Atrocious.
The football stories are pretty basic - the games are more or less simple descriptions of key plays in key games. There is quite a bit of repetition in the book as well, and it seems like Wentz, Noes, and everyone else was saying the same thing over and over.
It is an easy read, and you could easily do it in one or two sittings.
If you are a big-time Eagles fan, I'm sure there is some goodness in here for you, otherwise it's only so-so.
---------------
I noticed Amazon and Goodreads have a slightly different meanings to their 5-point scale. I thought it was odd to have a different rating for the same book on two different sites, so I came up with my own scale below. For the record, it is fairly close to Amazon's scale, but allows me to be consistent between the two sites.
5 - Fantastic. Life-altering. Maybe only 30 in a lifetime.
4 - Very good.
3 - Worth your time.
2 - Not very good.
1 - Atrocious.
November 11, 2018
This book tells the story of the Philadelphia Eagles Superbowl Champions with a particular emphasis on the faith of several key members of the team. For me, the book didn't really take off until the latter stages as the importance of the games increased. It is admirable to recognize the faith of those players. I have only two quibbles about the book. First, sometimes the author uses Christianese phrases (such as walking with the Lord) without really fleshing out what that means in practical terms. Second, there is almost a complete absence of criticism of the players' public displays of faith. There is always some criticism and it would have been very interesting to read about some criticism and the players' reactions to those. Still a worthwhile read for this sports fan even though I had no particular interest in Philadelphia sports teams.
January 15, 2019
As a lifelong Eagles fan, it's cool to get this rare glimpse inside the organization and learn little known details about the history. The writing style is fairly simply, making for a quick easy read. The author has reported on Philly sports for decades, his knowledge and commitment to his craft are obvious. While the Christianity component is prominent, it isn't forceful. The author's stories of sharing faith with the players are uplifting. And while I don't share their faith, I respect it and I admire the principles these players hold themselves to and each other. While this is a profile of the Eagles and their Christian faith, it includes a lot of general sports history, and Philly history. I learned a lot about football, as well as got to know several of the players. It hasn't always been easy to be an Eagles fan, and these young men make me especially proud.
March 2, 2019
Great book if you’re an Eagles fan or a Jesus fan (or should I say follower). Rob does a great job with the book. You really feel that there was that special Christian bond with many of the players. That seems unusual with today’s professional sports teams. I really believe that was a major reason Philly won the Super Bowl that year. Jesus and God were glorified front and center with this group of players. Rob has a pretty good relationship with these guys and I feel he conveys it well in this book. I believe that the world needs more players and role models like Wentz, Ertz and the others. Makes you want to root for athletes again. I even know Cowboy fans that have nothing but good things to say about Carson. Well done, Rob. See you this summer with the Deacons!
July 18, 2019
As an Eagles fan, I have read a few books about the team, especially those that allow me to re-live our season leading to our Super Bowl victory. Although Birds of Pray does just that, it also allows me to see the players as persons of faith. I did not realize that the Eagles have been a spiritual team since the 1980's when Reggie White started regular prayer times. It is a very moving book written by a Philadelphia sports writer that depicts just how humble and grateful the players are. When Nick Foles was asked his favorite bible passage, he quickly responded with 1 Peter 5:6. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." Well said and well played.
February 5, 2019
This is a book about the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and their championship season of 2017. But it is a much bigger story. This is the story of the faith-based Eagles players and how they recognize that they have a bigger "fan base" in Jesus Christ. This team played together as a brotherhood and when injuries hit them, they were able to pray to God to move forward. They realized how special it is to have the close bond of fellowship with like faith teammates. They realize that even though they play professional football, they are not defined as football players. Their true identities are found in Jesus. I recommend this book!
July 28, 2020
[Preacher voice]: Sometimes, brothers and sisters, though the doctrine that God is good remains true, it does not feel true. And in those times it is our duty as Christians to remind ourselves of the goodness of God, to say with the Psalmist, Why are you cast down, oh my soul?
And in those times, my brothers and my sisters, is it not a good and a blessed thing to be reminded that the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2017?
Amen. Amen.
This book is precisely what you think it is. Read it if you love the Eagles. Or, I suppose, are thinking about being convinced of the truths of the Christian religion and want the 2017 Eagles to get you there. It's not the worst idea.
And in those times, my brothers and my sisters, is it not a good and a blessed thing to be reminded that the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2017?
Amen. Amen.
This book is precisely what you think it is. Read it if you love the Eagles. Or, I suppose, are thinking about being convinced of the truths of the Christian religion and want the 2017 Eagles to get you there. It's not the worst idea.
January 28, 2020
A really good read. Not only do you learn about and maybe identity with the faith that is the centerpiece of the book, but you're privy to good and bad sides of the business of the game.
A really good read. Not only are you exposed to the central theme of the depths of personal Christian faith for many players, but to read about the ups and downs of the decision making process that brought this team together through struggle gives the reader an idea of the intricacies of the business of football.
A really good read. Not only are you exposed to the central theme of the depths of personal Christian faith for many players, but to read about the ups and downs of the decision making process that brought this team together through struggle gives the reader an idea of the intricacies of the business of football.
September 1, 2018
If you're a Christian or an Eagle fan, you'll love this book
The 2017 season for the Philadelphia Eagles was unforgettable. Maaddi chronicles the faith of various players and the season. Good profiles of Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and others players. Maaddi makes sure the players get the opportunity to give glory and praise to God
The 2017 season for the Philadelphia Eagles was unforgettable. Maaddi chronicles the faith of various players and the season. Good profiles of Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and others players. Maaddi makes sure the players get the opportunity to give glory and praise to God
October 8, 2018
3.5 rating. Very encouraging book and look at a team who’s got each other’s backs. For many players, playing for their Savior is their first priority and being there for their fellow teammates is something they care deeply about. Writing was a little stilted, but the content still made it exciting to read.
June 28, 2022
Listened to the audiobook with my 13 year old. I thought it would be a football book with a little bit of Jesus but it was more of a Jesus book with a little bit of football. Testimonies would be great but it was more of a sermon on the basics of Christianity. Also, we are not Eagles fans in the slightest bit. Neither of us enjoyed the book.
February 28, 2019
This book doubles as a chronicle of the Eagles' Superbowl season as well as showcasing their love for Christ. This book is really enjoyable. I recommend this book to any football fan as well as a Christian or one hoping to be one.
January 5, 2020
Awesome testimony! Last page says what all Christians want to hear: well done, good and faithful servant.
The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles will go down in history as Super Bowl LII champions. They’ll be remembered for eternity as champions for Christ.
The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles will go down in history as Super Bowl LII champions. They’ll be remembered for eternity as champions for Christ.
January 31, 2024
Enjoyable book with an important message of finding salvation in Christ and following him. I would give 5 stars but I knew most of the stories already. A definite must-read for Birds fans. Fly Eagles Fly!
November 5, 2018
Informative read covers the recent lives of players instrumental in the Eagles' 2017 season and subsequent super bowl win. A bit repetitive, but heartfelt. Highly recommend to sports fans.
December 29, 2018
The stories were fine but the Jesus stuff was too much for me.
August 1, 2019
This was an easy read and a very enjoyable book!
October 17, 2019
This book was awesome, an inspiration to Christians. The 2017 Philadelphia Eagles realized they were second. Great book.
April 12, 2022
Amazing look at the Super Bowl, faith loving team.
Read
June 17, 2022Really interesting
February 5, 2023
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! Great book recapping the 2017-2018 season, highlighting players leading a prayerful life! Go Birds!
January 15, 2024
Great dive into the faith-driven brotherhood of the Eagles championship team, makes me want to look more into the team dynamics of other winning teams and testimonies from their players
Want to read
October 3, 2024hoopla
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews