Things That Make White People Uncomfortable

by Michael Bennett, Dave Zirin, Martellus Bennett (Foreword)

Super Bowl Champion and three-time Pro Bowler Michael Bennett is an outspoken proponent for social justice and a man without a censor.

Michael Bennett is a Super Bowl Champion, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, a fearless activist, a feminist, an organizer, and a change maker. He's also one of the most humorous athletes on the planet, and he wants to make you uncomfortable. Bennett adds his voice to discussions of racism and police violence, Black athletes and their relationship to powerful institutions like the NCAA and the NFL, the role of protest in history, and the responsibilities of athletes as role models to speak out against injustice. Following in the footsteps of activist-athletes from Muhammad Ali to Colin Kaepernick, Bennett demonstrates his outspoken leadership both on and off the field. Written with award-winning sportswriter and author Dave Zirin, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable is a sports book for young people who want to make a difference, a memoir, and a book as hilarious and engaging as it is illuminating.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Social Justice, Memoir, Race, Teen

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Michael Bennett is a three-time Pro Bowler, Pro Bowl MVP, Super Bowl Champion, and two-time NFC Champion. He has gained international recognition for his public support for the Black Lives Matter Movement, women’s rights, and other social justice causes. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans by The Root, was the Seattle Seahawks nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award, and was honored along with his brother Martellus with a BET Shine a Light award for exceptional service.

He is the cofounder with Pele Bennett of The Bennett Foundation, which educates underserved children and communities through free, accessible programming. He has held free camps and health clinics in Seattle, in his hometown of Houston, in his current offseason home, Honolulu, and in South Dakota on the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe.
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He donates all of his endorsement money and the proceeds from his jersey sales to fund health and education projects for poor and underserved youth and minority communities, and recently expanded his reach globally to support STEM programming in Africa.
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He is the proud father of three daughters, Peyton, Blake, and Ollie.

Reviews

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two quotes:
“I want to push white people to think about their roles, to think about how these issues affect them also, to think about how when we come together we can confront common ills that exist in all communities, Black, brown, and white, that leave been left behind. We could come together or blame each other…That solidarity, as it grows, can change the world.”

“It’s not comfortable for me to sit for the anthem while people boo…You have to be uncomfortable to grow…That discomfort is just a period of transition…It’s not comfortable to see people in Flint, Michigan without clean water. It’s not comfortable to hear gymnasts tell their stories of being sexually assaulted. It’s not comfortable to talk about CTE. It’s not comfortable seeing kids too tired to move. But the ultimate question is: What are you going to do? Are you going to lay it on the line? Are you going to be a change maker?…If you’re willing to be uncomfortable, you will also feel blessed, if you see it through and make it to the other side.”

[Maxwell Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just wrote a four-page summary/review of this book for my class. I will not be doing that again, let me know if u want the gdoc link.

To sum it up, it (the book and hopefully my paper) was awesome. Michael Bennet is awesome, more than I ever knew. He is able to provide perspectives and personal narratives to societal issues that are often overlooked because they are a part of sports. Sports = society. Very inspiring, and I look forward to creating curriculum with this book for my future classes.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE FAMOUS (AND CONTROVERSIAL) LINEMAN EXPLAINS HIS OPINIONS AND ACTIONS

NFL defensive lineman Michael Bennett wrote in the Preface [even if you don’t read the entire book, this very enlightening Preface should at least be read by almost everyone] of this 2018 book, “It was our first preseason game in 2017… I was thinking about American Nazis marching in Charlottesville and the young woman who was killed. I was also thinking about Charleena Lyles… who called Seattle police for help and they shot her to death… I was thinking about my friend Colin Kaepernick, denied a job in the National Football League because of his protests against racism and police violence… I was thinking about the gap between what we are taught the flag represents and the lived experience of too many people… and as the anthem started to play, I sat down. There was no way I could stand for the national anthem… until I saw this country take steps toward common decency. By not standing, I wanted to … challenge us to try to reach those goals. I wanted to use my platform to inspire young people to see us not just as athletes or pitchmen for products, such as changemakers.” (Pg. xvii-xviii)

He continues, “As NFL players, we cannot be silent anymore just because we have the ability to hide behind our helmets… I can’t hide behind the glamour and glitz of football and fame. The reality is that I’m a Black man in America and I’m going to be a Black men in America long after I’m out of this league… So I sat during the anthem and the hate came in, as sure as night follows day… the fact that it made people angry, uncomfortable, and even hateful was proof that I was right to make a stand and take a seat… if no one cared, then I would have been wasting everyone’s time. Of all the responses, what bothered me most was when people said I was dishonoring the military… It bothered me because my father was in the military… I want to use this platform to reach people, to encourage us to see how unselfish we can be.” (Pg. xviii-xix)

He goes on, “Then on Sunday, September 24: history. It was the first time the national media had covered the anthem actions, and the protests hit every single team… The previous Sunday, nine of us players had protested during the anthem. Now we were talking 180 to 200 people… It was a league standing together to say that we were not going to be treated like this. More than for any issue for which we had knelt before, now the protests were also about self-respect… “ He continues, “Every [football] contest felt overshadowed. It was the first time in this country that sports operated on this elevated level, with everybody watching what we were going to do politically. That’s never really happened before. Ever. It wasn’t perfect. There is no doubt that the original message of protesting racism n the criminal justice system, and showing solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, got a little lost. How could it not? Yet I think we just have to keep pushing forward.” (Pg. xxiii-xxiv, xxvii)

He acknowledges, “I’m going to be judged by strangers on the core of who I am, and, yes, that makes me vulnerable and it can even feel terrifying. Nobody wants to lose his job like Kaepernick and risk becoming another former NFL player who ends up broke. But if the price of employment is silence… I just can’t do it anymore.” (Pg. xxxiii) He adds, “Whether I die tomorrow or in sixty years, if the only things about me that people talk about are the Pro Bowls and Super Bowl appearances, I will have failed. I want my legacy to be what I did in the community and the positive changes this work might have created in people’s lives… Records are made to be broken, but the legacy you leave can’t be broken because it’s the truth.” (Pg. xxxvii) “[This book] might make you uncomfortable, but… a lot of what’s in here makes me uncomfortable… I hope this book makes you laugh and makes you think…” (Pg. xxxviii)

He points out, “we need to speak about the price we [young people] pay for these [NCAA/NFL] dreams… in terms of trying to have an NFL career and failing---which happens to 99 percent of college players. We need to talk about how this can result in chronic pain, depression, brain injury, and a lifetime of hurt… Too many of my high school and college teammates have ended up with what can only be described as … posttraumatic stress disorder.” (Pg. 20) He adds, “And there is no incentive or reason for the NCAA to try to help, because they are out for the buck and they don’t take prisoners. Fans of college sports need to know this.” (Pg. 23)

He notes, “The real devil in this league is the pain… There are the hip surgeries, the knee surgeries, and the daily fear that you could just lose your brain… The word ‘concussion’ softens what the injury really it. What we are talking about is a traumatic brain injury… it’s a bruise on your brain that never gets time to heal… we are pushed to do it by … that voice in our heads that tells us we don’t have guaranteed contracts and this can all go away if we can’t make it onto that field… Fans don’t see this. Fantasy football isn’t just a game they play on a computer.” (Pg. 41-42) Later, he adds, “Your money is tied to walking the line… You are not allowed to be successful unless you wear the mask.” (Pg. 49-50)

He observes, “cannabis can lessen the after-effects of some of the head trauma, and you won’t need rehab with it’s time to stop. It seems cruel to deny that to players… It also helps players sleep after games, to unwind without pills, sleeping medication, or muscle relaxants. This is why easily 50 percent of players smoke weed… some of the greatest ideas have been sparked by marijuana. You can’t tell me ‘Star Wars’ didn’t come from marijuana.” (Pg. 53-54)

Of the aftermath of his anthem protests, he notes, “I can’t tell you how emotional it was for me when Justin Britt, our offensive lineman and … a white dude from Lebanon, Missouri, put his hand on my shoulder while I sat during the anthem during the preseason of 2017… He even told the press that is he didn’t see things getting better in this country, he’d sit with me. That’s a brother.” (Pg. 78) “My brother is also Steven Hauschka, our former kicker… Hauschka is a really cool dude… they are both my brothers. They have taught me that there are times when race doesn’t play a part in our interpersonal relations, and we all just become spiritual. People are friends simply because they have the same moral code… My white brothers are important to everything that we do, especially in confronting racism and what divides us. I want them standing with me, as Hauschka did when he was on the team and as Britt did on the sideline.” (Pg. 82)

He explains, “at the end of the day, I’m a Black man… my soul is still in the community… That’s why Black Lives Matter is not just a slogan or a hashtag to me. It’s a call to action.” (Pg. 119) He adds, “We can’t go back. Let’s tear these [Confederate] monuments down, along with the word that gives them life. To me this is what Black Lives Matter is all about---a movement to claim our humanity in a country that would deny it.” (Pg. 131) He concludes, “the Black Lives Matter movement … helps people to realize their worth… It’s about resisting the ‘New Jim Crow,’ a social system that has created a parallel, separate, and unequal America, defined by mass incarceration, unemployment, and substandard food and education.” (Pg. 144)

Of the infamous 2017 incident at the Las Vegas casino, he recounts, “I heard someone shout, ‘Gunshots!... Shots fired!’ There was a stampede to the door… Then the police stormed in and yelled for people to evacuate the building. You didn’t have to tell me twice, and I ran… As I was scrambling to safety, police pursued me and forced me to the ground. They cuffed me, as I lay on my stomach, and put a weapon to the back of my head. An officer said if I moved he would ‘blow [my] f_____ head off.’ At the same time another officer jammed his knee in my back and clinched the handcuffs on my so tightly my fingers went numb… The arresting officer turned off his body camera before he did this, for reasons that have yet to be explained to me… After I’d sat in the police car… the officers, at my insistence, Googled my name and saw that I was in fact a famous football player… and they let me go. What if I weren’t famous? How would my night have ended?” (Pg. 149-150)

There is a LOT more to this challenging and thought-provoking book (e.g., he likes Bernie Sanders, he strongly supports Women’s Rights, etc.). It will be “must reading” for people concerned with issues of social justice… and, of course, pro football.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a 3.5 for me simply because much of what the author was discussing were issues with which I was already familiar. That doesn't mean that I claim to know and to have experienced everything Michael Bennett is describing here. But in my sixty decades on this planet and having moved around the country a bit, even teaching in Louisiana for several years, I have come to many of the same realizations as Bennett. For younger readers, the book truly is a wake-up call and a plea for action. While there was not a lot in the book that made me feel uncomfortable, I would imagine that won't be the case for many readers, some of whom will have no idea or awareness of how college and professional athletes are used by the team owners or the NFL and NCAA as a whole. It was particularly striking that they often are encouraged to find endorsement deals for products that really aren't healthy for consumers but discouraged from becoming political activists and using their positions in the public eye to raise awareness. Although the book is written in a somewhat rambling style with several references to other famous individuals that Bennett knows, it covers a lot of territory and just might change some minds about athletes, Black Lives Matter, women's rights, food deserts, and the N word. Writing with humor and concern about the future, Bennett may change some minds or at the very least open readers to different perspectives on social justice and just how integrated football and other sports actually are/not, given the lack of black men and women in coaching positions or as owners. One of the aspects of the book that I appreciated the most was how Bennett refers to previous sports figures who stood up and spoke out for the causes that mattered to them, even harkening back to Muhammad Ali. This is a good primer for future social activists because this man truly cares about making a difference by sharing his own journey, and he knows the price that is often paid by becoming involved in the world off the football field. Seattle Seahawk fans will love the references to their team and their city.

[Nav · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected more dark humor from a title like that, but Michael Bennett’s account of his experiences as a black man were somewhat more hopeful than you might expect and he doesn’t attempt to be funny. He definitely does touch on a whole range of uncomfortable topics like racism, poverty, the exploitation of college athletes, food deserts and more. And he’s definitely not happy about any of those things as he expands on harms he can point to from his own life and the various communities he has been involved with (including places he’s lived and labels like footballer that he’s taken on). I would venture a guess that he wrote this book himself (or had a really excellent ghostwriter to imitate his style) because while the writing is itself somewhat unpolished (and just a bit less organized/focused than it could be) - it is heartfelt and you can particularly feel the (somewhat weathered) determination to continue to fight for his convictions and to make people hear out his reasons for not remaining silent. There is also a touch of name-dropping (though it doesn’t come across as bragging). The book’s focus on his life and his experiences means there isn’t much new information for people already informed about the aforementioned topics.

I was particularly moved by a passing anecdote of his where he talked one on one with some fans who were outraged about not standing for the flag. He wasn’t able to convince them athletes had a right to protest in that fashion (and they didn’t convince him around to their point-of-view either) but he was able to take the sting out of it for them. They left feeling okay to disagree. They left not quite so full of fury. It doesn’t sound like that much but given the sensationalism of the news in recent years it was a breath of fresh air to be able to believe that people can understand why other people do things and not simply ascribe malice or dismiss them as ignorant when their views don’t match up exactly.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the topics in this book are great for students, the book felt heavy and long. Many good points about poverty, athlete abuse, racism, social justice. Kids would appreciate Mr. Bennett's background, experiences, and connections. I think it would be more popular in high school or with more mature middle school students. It isn't inappropriate by any means. Just the feel....

Recommend: students interested in Michael Benentt, racism, football, social activism

Dedication: very long dedication...too much to put here

First Sentence: (intro written from brother) Growing up, we didn’t have any superheroes dressed in capes, wearing spandex and a pair of freshly skid-mark-free underwear, who looked like us.

Notes: superstar athletes are superheroes for minority populations, challenge society, pay the price for speaking truth to power, speak out on issues passionate about, first time kids seen as normal in regard to race, kneel during national anthem, police brutality, racism, person as property, teen pregnancy, skin color as weapon, hanged, KKK, confederate monuments, dehumanize makes it easier to kill someone, use of the n word, desegregation, Black Lives Matter, racial profiling,

Quotes:
"We have got to make the white population uncomfortable, because that is the only way to get their attention. —Bill Russell" 2%
"I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me…. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being. —Jackie Robinson" 2%
Superheroes don’t come to underserved communities. Superheroes aren’t on earth to save minorities. Superheroes are here to save white America. 3%
We must enlist ourselves in actively fighting for what’s right for our children’s future.7%

[Kelsey Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mike Bennett for his unabashed, outspoken style that was the signature of a lot of Seahawk players for a while. READ THIS BOOK. Not only does Mike provide insight into sports, but also his life, his mission, and commentary on nearly everything. And yes, it is uncomfortable. But his examples of Justin Britt and Steven Hauschka show that in being uncomfortable, we can find common ground and advance equality. This book made me appreciate Pete Carroll even more as a coach. I am a Seahawks fan by marriage so hearing Mike recount some of the games I remember watching was awesome. But also remembering how many Seahawks players are known for their social justice stances and outspokenness when it comes to things the League might rather have them be quiet on. The fact that Michael doesn't shy away from discussing important things that might make people uncomfortable speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. And I read this thinking it would be a heavier read, and it is, but Mike adds his signature humor at the right time. If you have a hard time understanding the NFL protests and kneeling for the flag, please read this.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

NFL Pro-bowler and Super Bowl winner Michael Bennett has something to say. Not only does Bennett use his powerful platform to proclaim that Black Lives Matter, but he calls upon athletes of all sports and all ages (he even gives a shout out to K-12 athletes) about the importance of using their status as athletes to speak out about social justice issues.

In addition to explaining racism's impact on the NFL and the stand that Colin Kaepernick took in 2016, Bennett gives insight into NFL and NCAA practices that are detestable. Readers who are interested in learning more about #BLM, the NFL, or are fans of Michael Bennett, or athletes in general will love this book. Bennett holds nothing back and makes no apologies for his vociferous support of Black Lives Matter, supporting people in food deserts, feminism, and the importance of athletes using their platforms to make the world a better place. I have a new hero in Michael Bennett and you will too after reading this book.

[Erikka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read. I love the conversational tone, the way the chapters seamlessly flowed like a conversation with a friend, the way that it didn't isolate me as a non sports fan, but especially the way he took the NFL and professional sports to task without being insulting or rude. He lays out his beliefs and how he feels he can leave the world better than it was when he entered it. While I feel the title is misleading (the book reads more like a memoir rather than a treatise on racism, which is fine, great even, but didn't really live up to the title), I think this book is a great conversation starter and would be an excellent transition book to get your teen sports fanatics interested in social activism.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful, hard-hitting, and Relevant:

Michael Bennet doesn’t mince words, but he tells his truth without hostility.

He shifted my views on paying college athletes.

He also boldly proclaims that as an athlete he should use his position for persuasion. We pay them to persuade us to buy Nike or drink Gatorade, so why do we bristle when they try to persuade us to examine racial injustice?

He does meander a bit and loses focus at the end, but I appreciate listening and learning from him

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.45

The subject of the book was racism and prejudice in the professional sports world. Micheal Bennett wrote it about things he has experienced or witnessed while in the NFL. He wanted to start a conversation about topics like education, police brutality, and equal opportunities in the sports world and beyond. He talked about how important athletes and other celebrities speaking up about social causes.
Overall the book had a good message and it was successful in getting that message across. The book was very statistical and slow. There was a lot of research put into the book, however, the way that the research is written makes it dull and boring. The book had good intentions, bumping it up to a four-star read versus a three-star read. It also opened up space for important conversations to be had about race and gender.

[Pepper Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't do 5/5 and maybe it's because this book was written enough years ago that I align with the substance. Mr. Bennett has a privilege of access that even mist white people to not to knowledge from academics, historical resources, and travel that help to support his inclinations. But, that in of itself makes his argument money equals access...to food, knowledge and growth. However it will never make him not black and therefore perceived as dangerous. I am grateful for his bravery in standing up and educating. I hope he writes more because the world needs more sincere activism.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The background behind Michael's activism is impressive and I greatly appreciate his drive to use his influence as an NFL player to make society better as a whole. His dedication to his family is something that stands out. I find his stance of us all being a part of a "human family" refreshing. However, even all of these great qualities couldn't change what is ultimately a dry read with too many references to people Michael knows, both in and out of the NFL.

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. The is a relevant and timely memoir by NFL star and social justice activist Michael Bennett. He details his childhood, college experience, and NFL career, spotlighting racism, micro aggressions, protests, paying college athletes, and his own activism. He strikes the right balance between humor and seriousness. This is a welcome addition to any middle or high school library, and I definitely plan on highlighting it this fall. Recommended for grades 7+.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I read through books very quickly. Not this one. I had to read parts, think about what they meant, and then I had to process what that felt like. This book had sections that made me cheer out loud, look information up in shock, and absolutely there were sections that made me uncomfortable.
This is a book to be read in pieces, chewed over, discussed, argued, and as a way of opening new discussions.
Well worth the time it took me to not only read, but process.

[kathryn donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used excerpts from this book to teach Author's Purpose. Several of my students are now reading it on their own.

I think the title is misleading. Michael Bennett approaches difficult topics from a place of empathy and compassion. He speaks to you, not at you. Not being a football fan, I found this book eyeopening in terms of the NCAA, the branding of athletes, the relationship between owners and athletes, and the role football players have played in the BLM movement.

[Jenn Sorenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The meat of this book was SO GOOD. If you follow sports (or if you don't), it's your duty to read it! The structure got a little long and redundant, and I would've loved a list of resources at the end in order to dig more deeply into all that Bennett referenced throughout (perhaps that's only lacking in the YA adaptation).

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sports book with a conscience, or a political book with a side of sports. Either way, a wonderful young adult adaptation of Michael Bennett’s unique take on being a Black man in America, activism in sports, the Black Lives Matter movement, and more.

[Kelly Proulx]

This book is awesome. I laughed. I cried. I learned. It made me think a lot about the danger of professional sports and the effect on the people that play them.

Oh and Marty B’s forward was perfection.

[Nilsa Sweetser · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic is important and I think many people could stand to read the book for that reason alone. I only gave it 3 stars because I didn't love how it was written and felt it could have been better organized.

[Joy Kirr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I wanted to soak up learning about the NCAA and NFL from a man I’d never heard of before astounds me. He roped me in from the very beginning, and I trust the heck out of him. I took notes, and I’m adding it to my classroom library.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Heather Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

For althetes and football fans, this is a must read!!

[Caitlin Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! I don't know much about Michael Bennett but I loved his voice in this and hearing about his experiences within the NFL and his journey to advocacy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the title, I was expecting this book to be more provoking, but it was actually frequently quite inspiring.

[Kelly Strenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much-needed book. So educational, informative, and relevant. Everyone should read this.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in reading more about an NFL player's view of the Black Lives Matter movement, and Bennett described his involvement and his connections with others (on and off the field) regarding this and other social justice issues. Some aspects of the book were harder to follow than others, as more of the book is his thoughts about the world vs. descriptions of events or people, but I imagine that students who cheer for him on the field will enjoy knowing more about how he thinks.

[Sir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read if you're uninformed on the topic.
If not it presents no new information, but rather a reaffirming of established ideas

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable” Didn’t Make Me Uncomfortable
Amanda Rudin

To tell the honest truth, Things That Make White People Uncomfortable by Michael Bennet did not leave me uncomfortable, or moved in any way. The book goes through different ways racism is prevalent in our society and touches on Bennet’s personal experiences. There were some interesting stories and some really important statistics I had never heard before, but in general, this book stayed pretty surface-level on most issues and didn’t leave me with any food for thought. Let me explain why.

Structure
I think one of the main things that prevented me from walking away from this book with a deeper understanding of racism was the structure. In general, the structure was hard to follow and felt unorganized. Bennet spent a good first bit of the book talking about a mixture of experiences with racism, and memories of his childhood, all in relation to football. This part of the book was structured pretty well – there was an obvious overarching theme, and there were some engaging stories. But, after this, things got choppy. He jumps from talking about food inequality, to the n word, to sexism; without really connecting any of the ideas, or really saying anything meaningful. For each topic, he lists some facts like, “According to the CDC, obesity affects 17% of all US children,” (page 127) and then moves on to the next issue without leaving you with anything to sit with. Maybe this is because his target audience is people who are new to the idea of racism and would therefore benefit from these quick overviews, but I was hoping this book would give me a deeper understanding, and connect all of these issues in a way that made me think.
Diction
I actually really liked the diction in this book. Bennet used a lot of anecdotes – with a good balance between happy memories and heavier memories, to help drive a lot of his points home. The memories range from his childhood summers working on his family farm, “picking okra and bell peppers… for whatever pay,” (page 31) to angry memories like the day full of hate messages immediately after choosing to take a knee during the national anthem. These anecdotes helped keep me engaged and helped bring some emotion into this fact-packed book.
Aside from the use of anecdotes, not many interesting things were done within the text, and the text stayed pretty simple and easy to read. I assume this is because the book is targeted towards young adults.

In general, I would give this book a ⅗ for me. This was a fairly well written book that was easy to read for long periods of time, but it just didn’t leave a mark on me like I wish it had. Although, it is definitely worth the read if you are looking for an intro to racism that is relatively easy to digest.

[BMR, LCSW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ADC from Edelweiss and the publisher Haymarket Books.

I had never heard of Michael Bennett or his brother Martellus prior to reading this book. I had no idea he was a football player, much less an activist.

This book kept it on 100 the whole time. It's short but fierce, like Ruth Bader Ginsberg. I recommend it for anyone who reads anything. I will never look at football the same way again. The way Michael describes what goes down during the combines and the draft sickened me. The descriptions really could have been taken word-for-word from descriptions of slave markets and auctions. I was a barely casual fan, but I will not watch football ever again. My stomach wouldn't let me. Just like when I found out how much child labor is exploited to produce chocolate...I can't enjoy it anymore knowing what I know now.

I especially recommend this for football fans of all ages, middle school kids, people who care about human rights worldwide, and people looking for ways to improve the world by starting with their own communities. I have to read the adult version, now!