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Still in the Game: Finding the Faith to Tackle Life’s Biggest Challenges
Be proud of your scars. They’re signs that you survived whatever tried to break you.
For Devon Still, life has been a journey from one scar to the next. From one challenge to the next. His is a story of pushing through pain and overcoming obstacles of all shapes and sizes—of choosing to fight for the sake of his family, his community, and his faith.
Millions of people around the world have been inspired by Devon’s tireless devotion in helping his daughter, Leah, learn how to “beat up cancer.” But in these pages, Devon takes readers behind the headlines to reveal the deeper story of what prepared him for that fight.
Still in the Game is Devon’s declaration that our challenges reveal our purpose, that our scars make us stronger, and that no loss is too great to stop our comeback!
- GenresNonfictionBiography
Audiobook
Published January 8, 2019
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752 people want to read
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December 10, 2024
A TRIUMPH of an NFL bestseller!
It has ALL the Right Stuff: a Rags to Riches story; a great Love Story; and a wonderful determination to overturn all the Unbearable Setbacks of life and in so doing OVERCOME THE ODDS.
Yes - it is geared toward success. Success in one’s Physical life, one’s Personal life... and one’s Spiritual life, which is your greatest tool in attaining victory.
But I hesitate to mix all three. As Devon, being young - and a new Christian - does Here. I did the same thing as a young man, so I can’t blame him. He’s honestly giving it his best shot - so much so, he does it CONTINUOUSLY.
Buddhist teachers most fear what they call Enlightenment Sickness in their young students...
It’s where a kid has seen the truth with its concomitant great joy, and then makes the mistake of trying to maintain that joy throughout their life. It’s a mistake all those on the spiritual paths make.
It’s what the Tibetan master Chogyam Trungpa called spiritual materialism.
And it’s what the old agnostics a little too disdainfully call ‘that born-again feeling.’ It’s a Shadow - and it’s Pride itself. The truth of our faith isn’t obvious to all, as the great religions tell us. It’s something Hidden that no amount of loud self-affirmation will substantiate to anyone else’s satisfaction.
And I’ll go further. Devon’s book is a book about Personal goals; Personal self-affirmations; and Personal glories. That’s how the path is at first - Subjective - and not Universal.
But we’ve been ushered into a bleak viral world, now, a world of “SAUVE QUI PEUT.” The world has dramatically changed, in the blink of an eye.
Our pain now is Universal.
So, therefore, goals have to be be OUR goals - affirmations have to OUR self-affirmations - and OUR Glory must be in together STANDING FIRM in our faith.
Discernment comes slowly, but it will eventually teach us the right way - SLOWLY.
So Devon fights his unbelief tooth and nail, and he’s at an advanced stage in the process. He will eventually, I think, submit more wholeheartedly to life’s hard knocks, instead of fighting them - and LEARN from that submission.
Quiet submission is the golden way. It’s never easy, like self-assertion can be. But it will give us Peace in our Pain.
So Peace and Submission are conspicuous by their absence in this otherwise wonderful autobiography.
I say wonderful, because also, it has taught me a LOT about submission to PHYSICAL pain, to which us elderly folks are seldom strangers. Devon makes me grateful for my pain, in a character-building way!
Yes, for pain has taught HIM to be a sports hero. And, admittedly, his positive attitude is deeply infectious.
I give Devon a full five stars, cause he has fought to deserve it, and maintain his positivity through some Hellishly bad times.
This book will keep you inspired for a long time after you’ve read it:
Even if you’re elderly and slightly jaundiced in that old age, like me -
For in spite of its youthful ‘flaws’ I LOVED it!
It has ALL the Right Stuff: a Rags to Riches story; a great Love Story; and a wonderful determination to overturn all the Unbearable Setbacks of life and in so doing OVERCOME THE ODDS.
Yes - it is geared toward success. Success in one’s Physical life, one’s Personal life... and one’s Spiritual life, which is your greatest tool in attaining victory.
But I hesitate to mix all three. As Devon, being young - and a new Christian - does Here. I did the same thing as a young man, so I can’t blame him. He’s honestly giving it his best shot - so much so, he does it CONTINUOUSLY.
Buddhist teachers most fear what they call Enlightenment Sickness in their young students...
It’s where a kid has seen the truth with its concomitant great joy, and then makes the mistake of trying to maintain that joy throughout their life. It’s a mistake all those on the spiritual paths make.
It’s what the Tibetan master Chogyam Trungpa called spiritual materialism.
And it’s what the old agnostics a little too disdainfully call ‘that born-again feeling.’ It’s a Shadow - and it’s Pride itself. The truth of our faith isn’t obvious to all, as the great religions tell us. It’s something Hidden that no amount of loud self-affirmation will substantiate to anyone else’s satisfaction.
And I’ll go further. Devon’s book is a book about Personal goals; Personal self-affirmations; and Personal glories. That’s how the path is at first - Subjective - and not Universal.
But we’ve been ushered into a bleak viral world, now, a world of “SAUVE QUI PEUT.” The world has dramatically changed, in the blink of an eye.
Our pain now is Universal.
So, therefore, goals have to be be OUR goals - affirmations have to OUR self-affirmations - and OUR Glory must be in together STANDING FIRM in our faith.
Discernment comes slowly, but it will eventually teach us the right way - SLOWLY.
So Devon fights his unbelief tooth and nail, and he’s at an advanced stage in the process. He will eventually, I think, submit more wholeheartedly to life’s hard knocks, instead of fighting them - and LEARN from that submission.
Quiet submission is the golden way. It’s never easy, like self-assertion can be. But it will give us Peace in our Pain.
So Peace and Submission are conspicuous by their absence in this otherwise wonderful autobiography.
I say wonderful, because also, it has taught me a LOT about submission to PHYSICAL pain, to which us elderly folks are seldom strangers. Devon makes me grateful for my pain, in a character-building way!
Yes, for pain has taught HIM to be a sports hero. And, admittedly, his positive attitude is deeply infectious.
I give Devon a full five stars, cause he has fought to deserve it, and maintain his positivity through some Hellishly bad times.
This book will keep you inspired for a long time after you’ve read it:
Even if you’re elderly and slightly jaundiced in that old age, like me -
For in spite of its youthful ‘flaws’ I LOVED it!
January 8, 2019
Still in the Game: Finding the Faith to Tackle Life’s Biggest Challenges is a book by former NFL player Devon Still, who despite numerous setbacks professionally and personally, persevered to overcome these challenges.
Devon grew up in Wilmington, Delaware with loving, supportive parents, who did everything they could to set their children up for success and shield them from the dangerous areas of town. Growing up, Devon played basketball and football.
Devon went to Penn State and played football for Joe Paterno. Unfortunately his college years included the time where Jerry Sandusky’s inexcusable behavior came to light. Devon felt the Penn State team was unfairly scrutinized and punished as a result. I really felt for him as I read this part of the book - I was also in college at this time and remember thinking how unfair it was for all of the current student athletes at Penn State, who had no part in Sandusky’s piss poor actions, which happened well before their time at the university. Devon sincerely felt he was snubbed in rankings, projections, and awards as a result of being associated with Penn State. How could he not feel that way? Fortunately, he was able to overcome this obstacle along with multiple injuries, and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012.
Perhaps what Devon is better known for (and how I personally came to know of him), is his public role in helping his then 4 year old daughter, Leah, battle cancer. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and while Devon put on a strong front for her, he was understandably crushed inside. He also had to balance being there for Leah with his need to continue working for the NFL in order to maintain health insurance coverage for the incredibly expensive treatments. The Bengals earned a lot of respect for keeping Devon on the team, in order for Leah to continue to receive health insurance. Devon’s love for his daughter is obvious, and it was touching to see his devotion to Leah and her recovery as they dealt with this devastating blow.
The underlying theme of the book, through all of the challenges Devon has faced, is his faith. He didn’t always embrace it but when he finally chose to, he realized the great value it provided in his life. The tone throughout Still in the Game is relatable, conversational, and passionate. While his faith is a big part of Devon’s life, I did not find the book to be overly religious.
”God has a plan. We can’t always see that plan, but it’s there. Whatever you’re going through is just preparing you for something else. Something bigger. Something you probably can’t even imagine. You just have to pay attention. Learn the lessons God’s trying to teach you. Stay in the game. Don’t give up. Fight for four quarters. Overtime if you have to. Keep going.”
Leah is now 8 years old and has been cancer free for multiple years. The Still Strong Foundation, created by Devon and Leah, works to provide assistance to families whose children are battling cancer. Still in the Game is an inspirational read for finding the faith and motivation to overcome unexpected challenges.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Devon grew up in Wilmington, Delaware with loving, supportive parents, who did everything they could to set their children up for success and shield them from the dangerous areas of town. Growing up, Devon played basketball and football.
Devon went to Penn State and played football for Joe Paterno. Unfortunately his college years included the time where Jerry Sandusky’s inexcusable behavior came to light. Devon felt the Penn State team was unfairly scrutinized and punished as a result. I really felt for him as I read this part of the book - I was also in college at this time and remember thinking how unfair it was for all of the current student athletes at Penn State, who had no part in Sandusky’s piss poor actions, which happened well before their time at the university. Devon sincerely felt he was snubbed in rankings, projections, and awards as a result of being associated with Penn State. How could he not feel that way? Fortunately, he was able to overcome this obstacle along with multiple injuries, and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012.
Perhaps what Devon is better known for (and how I personally came to know of him), is his public role in helping his then 4 year old daughter, Leah, battle cancer. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and while Devon put on a strong front for her, he was understandably crushed inside. He also had to balance being there for Leah with his need to continue working for the NFL in order to maintain health insurance coverage for the incredibly expensive treatments. The Bengals earned a lot of respect for keeping Devon on the team, in order for Leah to continue to receive health insurance. Devon’s love for his daughter is obvious, and it was touching to see his devotion to Leah and her recovery as they dealt with this devastating blow.
The underlying theme of the book, through all of the challenges Devon has faced, is his faith. He didn’t always embrace it but when he finally chose to, he realized the great value it provided in his life. The tone throughout Still in the Game is relatable, conversational, and passionate. While his faith is a big part of Devon’s life, I did not find the book to be overly religious.
”God has a plan. We can’t always see that plan, but it’s there. Whatever you’re going through is just preparing you for something else. Something bigger. Something you probably can’t even imagine. You just have to pay attention. Learn the lessons God’s trying to teach you. Stay in the game. Don’t give up. Fight for four quarters. Overtime if you have to. Keep going.”
Leah is now 8 years old and has been cancer free for multiple years. The Still Strong Foundation, created by Devon and Leah, works to provide assistance to families whose children are battling cancer. Still in the Game is an inspirational read for finding the faith and motivation to overcome unexpected challenges.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2019
This book is a gift
As a parent whose daughter is still in treatment for cancer (but in remission since June 2018), this book is a gift. It is incredible to read of Devon Still's struggles and triumphs, and reading about his experience with his daughter's diagnosis and treatment was a great comfort. He and his family are truly an inspiration.
As a parent whose daughter is still in treatment for cancer (but in remission since June 2018), this book is a gift. It is incredible to read of Devon Still's struggles and triumphs, and reading about his experience with his daughter's diagnosis and treatment was a great comfort. He and his family are truly an inspiration.
February 5, 2019
I had heard the story of Leah so I thought I knew what to expect but I was wrong! Reading about Devon’s struggles and injuries and how that prepared him for Leah’s fight with cancer, showed how God can use our struggles for a greater purpose. I really appreciated that he shared his religious journey and the importance of prayer in his life. Even knowing the outcome of Leah’s cancer diagnosis, I still cried my way through the last few chapters of the book.
February 16, 2019
What would you do if you found out that your four-year-old daughter had stage four cancer? Still in the Game is one man's journey through this. Devin Still has inspired millions of people around the world through his devotion to teaching his daughter, Leah, to "beat up cancer" and become Leah strong. As a popular and successful football player in the NFL, Devin Still had no idea of heartaches and trails he would have to endure in the next few years of his life. When he was still very young, his parents divorced and Devin was then split between two people and two houses. Through the later part of high school and into college, he struggled with drugs and alcohol and several times even escaped a shooting aimed at him by an angry drunkard. Yet, all that Devin went through prepared him for the fight that he would have to participate in for several years of his life.
Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Throughout the whole book, it was the main word I kept saying to myself. From escaped deaths to serious injuries to life-threatening diseases, Devin Still seemed to go through it all. His faith in God was very inspirational, because despite all he went through, he never wavered in his faith. His faith in God was what kept him going through the two years that he had to watch his young daughter suffer and battle cancer. Encouraging Leah to be Leah strong, he also encouraged the reader to be their own strong. I was very much encouraged by his zeal for life and God and his family. His heartache through watching his daughter battle a nightmare of a disease wasn't all. He suffered so many injuries playing football that he was out for months at a time. Yet, he pushed through all of it. Devin Still's story is an inspiration to all people to "be proud of your scars" and find faith "to tackle life's biggest challenges".
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
link to review: https://anisbooks.wordpress.com/2019/...
Wow! That is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. Throughout the whole book, it was the main word I kept saying to myself. From escaped deaths to serious injuries to life-threatening diseases, Devin Still seemed to go through it all. His faith in God was very inspirational, because despite all he went through, he never wavered in his faith. His faith in God was what kept him going through the two years that he had to watch his young daughter suffer and battle cancer. Encouraging Leah to be Leah strong, he also encouraged the reader to be their own strong. I was very much encouraged by his zeal for life and God and his family. His heartache through watching his daughter battle a nightmare of a disease wasn't all. He suffered so many injuries playing football that he was out for months at a time. Yet, he pushed through all of it. Devin Still's story is an inspiration to all people to "be proud of your scars" and find faith "to tackle life's biggest challenges".
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
link to review: https://anisbooks.wordpress.com/2019/...
February 17, 2019
Incredible story! It's not just about football, but about Devon Still's growth as a Christian and the little girl that God used to bring him closer to the man he was meant to be, his daughter Leah. I appreciated Devin's candor throughout the book, not sugar coating his struggles in football, life, faith, and dealing with Leah's fight with pediatric cancer.
March 30, 2023
A really good story on how you can love, protect, give, and a few other things that not every person you meet even if they’re black, white, purple, red or whatever it is is a bad person but what you do can tell a story of who you are and what you want to do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2025
Revealing portrayal of the real-life struggles of a pro football player. Devon's story helped me understand that football players are actual people with actual problems to overcome, not just entertainers on TV. It helped that he grew up in areas I know: Howard High School, Claymont, Bellefonte.
January 17, 2019
Everyone should read this book!
February 2, 2019
I really think his story can move people deeply and is very relatable. It felt a little disjointed at times. But I resonated with it. READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE http://bit.ly/2WDf1tZ
February 15, 2019
Life Lessons
Devon Still shares his story and the struggle Leah went through. He shared how faith and family helped them persevere! What an inspiration!
Devon Still shares his story and the struggle Leah went through. He shared how faith and family helped them persevere! What an inspiration!
May 22, 2019
Amazing story! Amazing family. I wanted to read as much as possible each day but it’s very heavy circumstances. Keep the tissues handy. Absolutely fantastic book. An inspiration on every level.
September 28, 2019
So good!!
February 3, 2020
A story of football, faith, and true life. Devon’s story resonates with anyone who has ever dealt with a seriously ill child. Well done. Leah Strong!
April 30, 2020
Very inspirational
August 28, 2021
Great read for someone looking for a quick motivational book. You do not need to know or like football to enjoy the true message behind this story.
July 7, 2019
Great book!! Inspiring and emotional.
July 7, 2019
Highly recommended this! Such amazing book!!
January 12, 2019
This books title is "Still in the Game" by Mark Dagostino. It was published January 8th 2019 and it is a nonfiction book. This book is about the back story of a NFL player and how much youth sports played a role in his life. When he was young he grew up in a tough area, Wilmington Delaware, where his parents were divorced and he had little money. He was late bloomer and got into trouble until he was 13 years old. His father would walk to the laundromat to wash his and his brothers clothes, at the laundromat his father ran into a youth football coach. The coach said he would love to have his son play for him, but of course like most parents would do he did not allow him to play unless grades were up and trouble went down. When he managed to make that happen he played football and that helped him get into high school. During his high school years he got injured and had to go through a recovery. He was able to get back into the game and get a scholarship to college, where at the beginning of freshman season he got injured again. He got injured a couple more times after , but still stayed in the game. Even managed to get drafted into the NFL When he was 21 he had a daughter, 4 years of age that was diagnosed with cancer. Although it was not him hurt this time he fought and helped his daughter through this time. 2 years later his daughter was cancer free, but his NFL spot was nearly gone. He did not care to a large extent because he wanted to be there for his family. The book taught a lesson being that there is a playbook that can help you always make a comeback in life. A warning I would say for reading this book would be that cancer could be a hard thing to read about. I think that the biggest selling point for this book would be being able to see what such a successful person was able to deal with behind the scenes for things we don't know about them.
January 7, 2019
"Still in the Game Finding the Faith to Handle Life's Biggest Challenges. by Devon Still is a nonfiction sports book about Devon's life. Devon was born to very supportive parents. They encouraged him to go far in life. He faced one challenge in life after another. He did well in football and basketball. He had several body injuries but kept moving forward in life. He teaches and challenges the reader to move forward when they face obstacles daily and not give up. His life is very inspiring. This book will show teenagers what happens when you make good vs bad choices . It will encourage them to think to choose the best God honoring decisions in life. He became an NFL star. He did all He could to support his daughter Leah in her fight against cancer. He went the extra mile to show his daughter how much He wanted to be there for her. He supported her fight when He was in the NFL. It is a very moving book . It would be excellent to mentor for adults and youth in how to fight and move beyond obstacles. He moves beyond himself to make Jesus first in his life. I commend his character and dedication to his wife and daughter and to be an inspiration to many families undergoing cancer treatment. He saw how difficult the fight is for cancer patients. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for making this book available to me to read and review. I will share my review with Amazon, my blog, facebook, for pastors, friends, Goodreads.
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March 25, 2020
Loved this book. Very inspirational. Loved hearing about his struggles/challenges/story making it to the nfl and his cancer fight w/ his daughter. I’m thankful he shared his story and continues to be a motivational speaker. I saw him at a road race in plainville. Ma and he truly has a special talent for giving speeches and giving back to the community. He is definitely walking the walk and giving himself to help others.
April 21, 2020
An NFL player who faced difficulty after difficulty in his life and never gave up. Amazing resilience.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews