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Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soul
The amazing and blessed life of popular ESPN reporter and correspondent for College GameDay , Marty Smith, whose mission in this thoughtful and funny memoir is to return fans to the true soul of sports in this country.
You know Marty right? The guy during College GameDay hanging off the back of a pickup truck while zooming around the Clemson athletic facilities. The guy who visits Nick Saban's lake house and somehow gets Coach to jump in the lake. The guy who sits down with Dale Jr. at Daytona to talk through tears about his miraculous return to racing. The guy who interviews Tiger Woods, Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning and Jimmie Johnson -- the guy who gets paid to live the fantasy of every sports fan in America.
Never Settle is the funny but oh, it's true story of how Marty got here, and a revealing look at his journey. Never Settle includes all the best stories and behind-the-scenes moments from Marty's wild life, covering topics college football, racing, fathers and sons, how sports can bring us together, and how it all goes back to growing up on a farm and playing high school ball in Pearisburg, Virginia.
You know Marty right? The guy during College GameDay hanging off the back of a pickup truck while zooming around the Clemson athletic facilities. The guy who visits Nick Saban's lake house and somehow gets Coach to jump in the lake. The guy who sits down with Dale Jr. at Daytona to talk through tears about his miraculous return to racing. The guy who interviews Tiger Woods, Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning and Jimmie Johnson -- the guy who gets paid to live the fantasy of every sports fan in America.
Never Settle is the funny but oh, it's true story of how Marty got here, and a revealing look at his journey. Never Settle includes all the best stories and behind-the-scenes moments from Marty's wild life, covering topics college football, racing, fathers and sons, how sports can bring us together, and how it all goes back to growing up on a farm and playing high school ball in Pearisburg, Virginia.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published August 6, 2019
101 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 7, 2019
Loved this book. Mr. Smith shares a lot of great life lessons and is a great storyteller. Did not expect this from an ESPN guy.
February 17, 2023
I loved this book! ESPN reporter/writer Marty Smith is an excellent storyteller and details encounters and interviews he’s had with various athletes over the years such as Nick Saban and Dale Earnhardt Jr and also talks about the life lessons he’s taken from them. Many of the stories were very moving and his passion and character is visible through the pages with the lasting impression to never settle and always be pursuing your wildest dreams!
August 13, 2019
I discovered “Marty party” from being a loyal listener of the Dan Lebatard Show w/ Stugotz. After listening to him join the crew for a couple segments I pegged him as just that, a party guy who was just having fun enjoying life.
What I learned after reading Marty’s story in “Never Settle” showed me how shallow that first impression of Marty was.
First off, Marty is one hell of a writer. I had the bonus of hearing him speak his work through the audio book too. Many times in the book I had to stop and reflect on how thoughtful of a guy Marty is.
He cares about his family, he cares about his friends, and he wants to be identified for being a father first, rather than an ESPN talent. That speaks volumes about the man alone.
Marty recalls many moments in his life when he was humbled by someone else, whether it’s seeing a Special Olympics athlete struggle through chemo, or be recommended to ESPN through a former friend and colleague. Marty weaves all of this together with short poems, funny stories, and life advice which end up sewing together a nice cohesive story.
The closing chapter is worth the price of entry, as Marty recalls the commencement speech he gave at his alma matter in 2015. Marty offers true words of wisdom which left this reader in awe of Marty’s range, he can make you laugh, he can make you cry, and he can inspire you for your next chapter. Thank you, Marty, for writing this book.
What I learned after reading Marty’s story in “Never Settle” showed me how shallow that first impression of Marty was.
First off, Marty is one hell of a writer. I had the bonus of hearing him speak his work through the audio book too. Many times in the book I had to stop and reflect on how thoughtful of a guy Marty is.
He cares about his family, he cares about his friends, and he wants to be identified for being a father first, rather than an ESPN talent. That speaks volumes about the man alone.
Marty recalls many moments in his life when he was humbled by someone else, whether it’s seeing a Special Olympics athlete struggle through chemo, or be recommended to ESPN through a former friend and colleague. Marty weaves all of this together with short poems, funny stories, and life advice which end up sewing together a nice cohesive story.
The closing chapter is worth the price of entry, as Marty recalls the commencement speech he gave at his alma matter in 2015. Marty offers true words of wisdom which left this reader in awe of Marty’s range, he can make you laugh, he can make you cry, and he can inspire you for your next chapter. Thank you, Marty, for writing this book.
December 23, 2020
Marty Smith known for his ESPN reporting. In my opinion is another unique sports reporter who had a long stretch being a reporter on the Nascar scene but i associate him more with his reports on college football but either way he is good a digging for a story and report it from a different view point. This book covers stories of his experiences and reporting stories of various sports stars, individuals such as Tiger Woods, Coach Nick Saban along with many more. The story that moved me the most was the chapter on Olivia Quigley who was a Special Olympic participant who he developed a friendship with. There are parts of this book that Mr. Smith lets you in to see into his family life when he was growing up and now the family of his own. He relates stories of individuals who remind him of his father who he had tight relationship while growing up in Virginia. This is a good read and a book that you can curl up and read the afternoon away. I would rate this book at 4 1/2 stars.
December 27, 2020
An authentic and eloquent book from a man whose radio show I thoroughly enjoy on Saturday mornings. I’m only a few years older than him, and also grew up living small-town values and playing high school sports, so I found much of the biographical points very relateable. I also enjoyed the insight and life lessons taken from the personal side of discussions with people like Nick Saban, Dale Earnhardt Jr., TIger Woods and others. This book that will make you Laugh, Cry and Think (yes, Jimmy V would be proud of this one), and is a very quick read because is so interesting. I enjoyed it, but especially appreciated the reflections on on the people who shaped his life and key moments...his parents, friends, wife and children, grandparents and many others who believed in him. By the time the book is over, the reason for the title becomes very clear. Well done!
February 17, 2020
I love Marty Smith. I've been a fan of his since his nascar days. The best. I couldn't wait to read this book. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed all the individual stories. I would read one and think about it for a bit, before going on to the next. All the stories were personal to him, but yet he made them feel personal to us, the reader, also. I loved that the stories were about celebrities, friends and family. Marty has been truly blessed. 😁
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June 17, 2020Absolutely fabulous book...It will make you laugh and cry...love Marty Smith from his days in Nascar and he has certainly made a name for himself in College Football...I may read this one a second time.
January 27, 2021
I didn't know much about Marty other than he was a sports reporter when I was gifted this book. I found myself absolutely loving this book, Marty's perspective and writing and thoroughly enjoying this book. Certainly recommend this book.
February 3, 2021
Great book and inspiring
I've been fan of Marty for a long time. I love how he tells a story when he reports. I was able to relate to a lot of the things he went through. This is great inspiring read and the people he has met are just as fascinating.
I've been fan of Marty for a long time. I love how he tells a story when he reports. I was able to relate to a lot of the things he went through. This is great inspiring read and the people he has met are just as fascinating.
March 29, 2021
Great Read
I love Marty’s down home, honest, no holds barred passion for his reporting and for this book. He can step into any situation and make everyone feel at ease. I think he’ll be Tom Renaldi’s replacement at ESPN.
I love Marty’s down home, honest, no holds barred passion for his reporting and for this book. He can step into any situation and make everyone feel at ease. I think he’ll be Tom Renaldi’s replacement at ESPN.
December 8, 2019
If you like Marty Smith on TV and radio, you will enjoy this collection of his thoughts and stories. I f you do not know Smith from his reporting this is still a great read.
September 28, 2025
Reflective and uplifting, Marty Smith brings to each page the high-energy, life-loving spirit he brings to the homes of millions of Americans through his work at ESPN. I have long been a fan of Marty Smith's and this book further cements his image as a good man.
There are a few central themes to this work that Marty tries to leave the reader with. Be passionate. Love what you do and love the life you live. Life is so fragile and there are so many struggles out there, and it is a miracle that we get to live, so don't waste it comparing yourself to someone else. Care about other people. For him, this book details the profound love he has for his family, he gets to work in a job and field that scores out people would give anything to do, but that isn't who he is. His family is the backbone of his existence and that is admirable. Finally, and appropriately, always strive for more... a.k.a. Never Settle. Greatness is achievable for all of us, so go get it. It will not come to you, so "kick the damn (door) down" (pg. 243) when you have a crack of opportunity.
There is a little extra enjoyment I get out of reading books where you can hear the distinct voice of the author. I tried to read each page with that rich, sweet Appalachian accent that Marty has and it really helped this book come to life for me. I also enjoyed how he wanted the reader to think of the book like a record album, with each chapter being its own standalone story, but altogether it makes a cohesive work. The sprinkling in of poetry just helped humanize Marty and brought the reader closer to him.
I think my favorite chapter was No. 20, "Boston. Stronger." detailing Marty's training and journey to compete in the 2014 Boston Marathon, following the horrific tragedy of the 2013 running. That was followed closely by No. 10, "Sam, You There?," when Marty details his talks with Tiger Woods, it underscores commitment and resilience when everyone thinks its over for you. My favorite poem however was "The Middle" (pg. 77-78).
Notable quotes/thoughts:
"'I grew up learning that if you didn't do it right, there were going to be consequences that you had to deal with. And it was much easier trying to do it right the first time." (pg. 4) - Nick Saban talking about how caring deeply for the little details matters for being successful.
"'I want to pursue my passions, because I believe when you're pursuing what's on your heart, when you're pursuing what you're convicted by, then [you] don't have to live with regret ten, fifteen, twenty years from now, looking back [and] saying, 'What if? What if I would've tried that? What if I would've done that? Would I live with less regret now?' I want to be someone who truly lives life with reckless abandon, so I don't have to look back twenty years from now and say, 'What if?''" (pg. 35) - Tim Tebow on pursuing your dreams with everything you have.
"We lose far more than we win in this life. Don't sulk. Repurpose failure as fuel to learn, adjust and improve." (pg. 83) - Marty Smith on the life lessons he learned playing high school football at Giles High School in Pearisburg, Va.
"I just love-not to just to win-I love to beat people... I love to go head-on, at somebody, eyeball to eyeball; let's see who flinches first... If I'm teed up, my whole goal is to beat you. That's it." (pg. 99) - Tiger Woods, the eye of the tiger.
"To become the most prepared, most accountable version of himself, so that the man beside him might become the most prepared, most accountable version of himself, and that man by man, individual by individual, the evolution toward personal excellence becomes a movement toward and unyielding standard of team excellence. Outwork yesterday. ... The greatest in any field arrer almost always those willing to be coached." (pg. 117) - Nick Saban on The Process, which created the standard of excellence for Alabama Football during his tenure.
"Just be yourself. It is fundamental. But like sport fundamentals, life's fundamentals require conviction and diligence and repetition to become muscle memory." (pg. 131) - Brandon Marshall on finding himself and becoming confident in who he is.
"I would rather crash and burn and fail knowing that I'm not capable, than wonder years later if I should've tried." (pg. 159) - Marty Smith on taking a leap of faith into TV broadcasting, when he had done nothing more than print journalism.
"When you're climbing a mountain, you look up. You never look back. Complacency is something that everyone who has any level of success must challenge themselves to overcome. But it's not just the willingness to do it. It's the why you're willing to do it. Because the why creates the passion for the what. And the passion creates the ability to sustain it." (pg. 214) - Nick Saban on complacency and its threat to excellence.
"Only those who risk going too far... find out how far they can go." (pg. 215) - Poet T.S. Eliot, in reference to Marty Smith's hike down the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with Scott Frost.
There are a few central themes to this work that Marty tries to leave the reader with. Be passionate. Love what you do and love the life you live. Life is so fragile and there are so many struggles out there, and it is a miracle that we get to live, so don't waste it comparing yourself to someone else. Care about other people. For him, this book details the profound love he has for his family, he gets to work in a job and field that scores out people would give anything to do, but that isn't who he is. His family is the backbone of his existence and that is admirable. Finally, and appropriately, always strive for more... a.k.a. Never Settle. Greatness is achievable for all of us, so go get it. It will not come to you, so "kick the damn (door) down" (pg. 243) when you have a crack of opportunity.
There is a little extra enjoyment I get out of reading books where you can hear the distinct voice of the author. I tried to read each page with that rich, sweet Appalachian accent that Marty has and it really helped this book come to life for me. I also enjoyed how he wanted the reader to think of the book like a record album, with each chapter being its own standalone story, but altogether it makes a cohesive work. The sprinkling in of poetry just helped humanize Marty and brought the reader closer to him.
I think my favorite chapter was No. 20, "Boston. Stronger." detailing Marty's training and journey to compete in the 2014 Boston Marathon, following the horrific tragedy of the 2013 running. That was followed closely by No. 10, "Sam, You There?," when Marty details his talks with Tiger Woods, it underscores commitment and resilience when everyone thinks its over for you. My favorite poem however was "The Middle" (pg. 77-78).
Notable quotes/thoughts:
"'I grew up learning that if you didn't do it right, there were going to be consequences that you had to deal with. And it was much easier trying to do it right the first time." (pg. 4) - Nick Saban talking about how caring deeply for the little details matters for being successful.
"'I want to pursue my passions, because I believe when you're pursuing what's on your heart, when you're pursuing what you're convicted by, then [you] don't have to live with regret ten, fifteen, twenty years from now, looking back [and] saying, 'What if? What if I would've tried that? What if I would've done that? Would I live with less regret now?' I want to be someone who truly lives life with reckless abandon, so I don't have to look back twenty years from now and say, 'What if?''" (pg. 35) - Tim Tebow on pursuing your dreams with everything you have.
"We lose far more than we win in this life. Don't sulk. Repurpose failure as fuel to learn, adjust and improve." (pg. 83) - Marty Smith on the life lessons he learned playing high school football at Giles High School in Pearisburg, Va.
"I just love-not to just to win-I love to beat people... I love to go head-on, at somebody, eyeball to eyeball; let's see who flinches first... If I'm teed up, my whole goal is to beat you. That's it." (pg. 99) - Tiger Woods, the eye of the tiger.
"To become the most prepared, most accountable version of himself, so that the man beside him might become the most prepared, most accountable version of himself, and that man by man, individual by individual, the evolution toward personal excellence becomes a movement toward and unyielding standard of team excellence. Outwork yesterday. ... The greatest in any field arrer almost always those willing to be coached." (pg. 117) - Nick Saban on The Process, which created the standard of excellence for Alabama Football during his tenure.
"Just be yourself. It is fundamental. But like sport fundamentals, life's fundamentals require conviction and diligence and repetition to become muscle memory." (pg. 131) - Brandon Marshall on finding himself and becoming confident in who he is.
"I would rather crash and burn and fail knowing that I'm not capable, than wonder years later if I should've tried." (pg. 159) - Marty Smith on taking a leap of faith into TV broadcasting, when he had done nothing more than print journalism.
"When you're climbing a mountain, you look up. You never look back. Complacency is something that everyone who has any level of success must challenge themselves to overcome. But it's not just the willingness to do it. It's the why you're willing to do it. Because the why creates the passion for the what. And the passion creates the ability to sustain it." (pg. 214) - Nick Saban on complacency and its threat to excellence.
"Only those who risk going too far... find out how far they can go." (pg. 215) - Poet T.S. Eliot, in reference to Marty Smith's hike down the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with Scott Frost.
October 11, 2020
Marty Smith managed to alter his sports reporting career, from concentrating on NASCAR to zeroing in on College Football. In “Never Settle: Sports, Family, and the American Soul”, Marty Smith also turned the concept of a “memoir” on its ear. Both were done effectively, and while they may not have been seamless transitions, as a good reporter, he certainly made it seem like it was. In both cases.
“Never Settle” is definitely NOT the memoir you’re familiar with. Rather, he wrote essays 24 essays about important aspects of his life, and important people in his life – with a dozen “interludes” and poems intermixed. Some of the people, like Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, will be familiar to many people. Others, very few folks have ever heard of before the publication of this book. ALL of them are important to Mr. Smith. All of them will be important to the reader by the time you have read the corresponding parts of his book, as well. It’s the job he set out to do, and Marty Smith does not like to fail.
I’m not into NASCAR. I’m not into college football either. BUT I loved this book. It is about people, and it is about life. And it is a fantastic investment of a reader’s time.
“Never Settle” is definitely NOT the memoir you’re familiar with. Rather, he wrote essays 24 essays about important aspects of his life, and important people in his life – with a dozen “interludes” and poems intermixed. Some of the people, like Urban Meyer and Nick Saban, will be familiar to many people. Others, very few folks have ever heard of before the publication of this book. ALL of them are important to Mr. Smith. All of them will be important to the reader by the time you have read the corresponding parts of his book, as well. It’s the job he set out to do, and Marty Smith does not like to fail.
I’m not into NASCAR. I’m not into college football either. BUT I loved this book. It is about people, and it is about life. And it is a fantastic investment of a reader’s time.
July 17, 2021
“The importance of high school football for those who played the game is immeasurable and it’s eternal. No matter what a former player may achieve in adulthood, lessons learned between the lines are brushstrokes on the canvas of his life.” True words from Marty Smith. I loved this book. There are several pieces throughout that are inspiring and so well written.
The collection of stories, lessons learned, and relationships built is a page turner and brings you closer to the author along the way.
“Be the best father and husband I can possibly be. Strive to ensure my children don’t know my job is unique. Be defined by my character and kindness as a man, not my title. Be the best friend to every friend. And as it pertains to the job, kick every single ass in my path.” Never Settle indeed.
Highly recommend.
The collection of stories, lessons learned, and relationships built is a page turner and brings you closer to the author along the way.
“Be the best father and husband I can possibly be. Strive to ensure my children don’t know my job is unique. Be defined by my character and kindness as a man, not my title. Be the best friend to every friend. And as it pertains to the job, kick every single ass in my path.” Never Settle indeed.
Highly recommend.
October 21, 2019
Loved this!
I recognized Marty Smith from the NASCAR world. Always have loved his interviews, and the passion that clearly shines in his soul. I'm not sure what I expected of this book but I know that it far exceeds what I would have thought. He is very relatable. Very well written. This is one of those books that you will read over and over and it will spark something new in you every time. You don't have to be a big sports fan to enjoy this book, that's probably what sets it apart from other sports related literature. Read it, you won't be disappointed!!!
I recognized Marty Smith from the NASCAR world. Always have loved his interviews, and the passion that clearly shines in his soul. I'm not sure what I expected of this book but I know that it far exceeds what I would have thought. He is very relatable. Very well written. This is one of those books that you will read over and over and it will spark something new in you every time. You don't have to be a big sports fan to enjoy this book, that's probably what sets it apart from other sports related literature. Read it, you won't be disappointed!!!
May 10, 2020
I first became a fan of Marty Smith back when he "just" wrote on NASCAR.com in the early 2000's. He was a gifted writer then and still is now. This book was a wonderful collection of stories that went back to his roots, his early days on NASCAR.com to his ESPN days which have continued since they last covered a full NASCAR race in 2015. While I miss him terribly in the NASCAR world, I'm glad he's out there telling great stories about players in other sports. There were some great insights in this book.
July 8, 2020
It took me a short moment to get into this. But once I settled in, and started vibing with Marty's style, it was smooth as silk.
The book is seasoned with nuggets of wisdom on the single-serving stories contained within. I love long and short-form journalism. I love memoir. I love self-development. And I love sports. All of which you'll get out of this book.
Thanks, Marty. Thank you for being vulnerable, insightful an obsessed with being the most productive and accountable version of yourself.
The book is seasoned with nuggets of wisdom on the single-serving stories contained within. I love long and short-form journalism. I love memoir. I love self-development. And I love sports. All of which you'll get out of this book.
Thanks, Marty. Thank you for being vulnerable, insightful an obsessed with being the most productive and accountable version of yourself.
October 29, 2020
I am so glad I picked up this book! I like mixing fiction with non-fiction and this one had me captured from the very beginning. I figured that this was going to be a lot of sports stories but it is so much more! I love Marty's approach and his mixture of stories from his career in sports journalism as well as life! There are a lot of great lessons shared between the covers from some of the most recognized figures in the sports world but also from Marty's own life experiences! Thanks for this and I will be recommending it to my kids and friends!
February 11, 2020
This was an excellent collection of some of Mr. Smith's life experiences. He works with some of sports' most recognizable people as an ESPN journalist. His choice of those experiences were interesting and inspiring. He includes his family and personal experiences also; those too are inspiring. I enjoyed his 2015 commencement speech to Radford University; excellent message.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
November 28, 2023
Marty Smith has been one of my favorite sports broadcasters. He is hilarious and on camera is so down to earth. The person you see on TV is the person you would meet. His book is definitely the same as on tv.
The stories is tells about his upbringing and getting started in the industry are so relatable. I love all the behind the scenes stories of every sport. This book is a quick read. It would be a great gift for any sports fan!
The stories is tells about his upbringing and getting started in the industry are so relatable. I love all the behind the scenes stories of every sport. This book is a quick read. It would be a great gift for any sports fan!
August 8, 2019
Family, friends, sports and the journey of life. In “Never Settle” Marty Smith gives us a window into his dreams, victories and failures and the many cherished friends he has made in life. In the years to come I look forward to reading more about Marty’s experiences in a life that is both fascinating and at times unbelievable! Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Goodreads for the privilege of reading this book!
August 29, 2019
Excellent read for anybody interested in journalism, especially sports journalism. Quite a motivational read. If you’ve been a fan of Marty Smith for a long time like I have, you’ve heard many of the stories in this book before. Still, Marty is an incredible writer, and the stories are good enough to repeat. This repetition of content was the only thing that prevented me from giving it 5-stars.
September 18, 2019
Excellent interviews, reflections, and snippets of life from Marty Smith. Typically written with a positive outlook or a feel good ending, Marty has put together a wonderful collection of stories that just about any reader will appreciate. I definitely admire Marty's passion and determination to work hard and get a good story. I'd recommend this book to everyone.
October 1, 2019
I felt like I was on the back porch with Mr. Smith sipping sweet tea or a beer and he was telling stories. These are true stories based on his life and experiences and the people he’s met but stories nonetheless. They flow and twist and turn with one overarching theme to be true, kind, and passionate. As the title says, “Never Settle.”
October 2, 2019
Great book. I devoured this and became an even bigger fan of Marty Smith. I love his dedication, hard work, and passion. He reminds me so much of the man I strive to be. Not perfect, but working every day to be just a little better. If the transcript of his commencement speech from his alma mater Radford at the end doesn't get you fired up, then you don't have a heartbeat, man.
October 3, 2019
Espn personality and sports journalist Marty Smith's new autobiography is full of family stores, favorite memories and interesting sports encounters. He has covered Nascar and football for years and filled this memoir with tales of some of his most extreme interviews, i.e. Cristiano Ronaldo or hanging out with his buddy Tim Tebow. This is an enjoyable read for sports fans.
January 28, 2020
Loved it! Marty Smith has been covered a variety of sports/topics and brings an energy and passion to each of them. That was felt in his writing style throughout these various stories. I appreciated learning some of his background that explains more about who he is and how that comes through in his work.
April 18, 2020
Marty Smith’s larger than life personality shines through in this book. It is funny while also giving you a lump in your throat during certain chapters. Marty does an epic job of giving the reader a behind the scenes look of some of the most popular athletes in the world today. This book did not disappoint.
July 8, 2021
I’m just blown away by this book. Marty is humble and honest and always amazed at how easily people talk to him. I didn’t want the storied to end and I know he has many many more. I cried more than I expected, nascar and college football and marathons are my thing and Marty captured them all so beautifully. I cherish this book!
August 29, 2023
I bought this book on Kindle a few years ago and never got around to actually reading it until the last couple of weeks. Marty Smith's known more as an on-screen figure these days but the man knows how to write. It's a great collection of short stories that form a cohesive whole regarding Smith's life and the guiding principles behind who he is. Definitely worth checking out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews