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The Last Tackle: Finding Courage In The Face of Adversity
Jimbo Wallgren grew up in a Texas town under the glow of Friday night football with dreams of playing at the college ranks. Stable home life, gifted athlete, a very blessed and what seemed like ordinary teenager life. All those dreams would vanish in a heartbeat when Jim made his last tackle on the gridiron that forever changed his life.What Readers Are Saying About The Last TackleBuy it, Read it and be forever changed. The writing is so powerful and packed with reality, it is difficult to imagine. I had to read with one eye closed, the other squinted and closing the book to get relief. Jim Wallgren shows he is a very brave and humble man. Amazing story told so openly, revealing deep emotional states. It is a book that will change the reader. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐It's a powerful read of overcoming trauma and disability, trudging through each day to live life to the fullest. I recommend if you enjoy both sports memoirs and stories of succeeding against adversity. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2020
16 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
James G. Wallgren
1 bookim Wallgren is an author, retired network engineer, speaker, and sports enthusiast. He has appeared on ABC "Good Morning America" featured in numerous news articles and TV segments in the Dallas/Ft. Worth media market.
Today, Jim has proudly lived as a C5/6 complete Quadriplegic for over 40 years. He has been advocating for the rights and full participation of People with Disabilities, with his proudest moment giving a speech before a Congressional delegation in Dallas, Texas, for the passage of the Americans with Disability Act in the early '90s. Currently living near the Austin, Texas area with his wife and is the proud father of twins. Jim and his wife enjoy traveling and have visited many foreign countries and most regions of the United States. He is also an Amateur Radio operator, licensed by the FCC.
Jim is the son of dynamic parents who taught him and his brother and sister that generosity, respect, and hard work are the most necessary tools if you want to succeed. He hopes he has made them proud and wishes to inspire others with his words.
Today, Jim has proudly lived as a C5/6 complete Quadriplegic for over 40 years. He has been advocating for the rights and full participation of People with Disabilities, with his proudest moment giving a speech before a Congressional delegation in Dallas, Texas, for the passage of the Americans with Disability Act in the early '90s. Currently living near the Austin, Texas area with his wife and is the proud father of twins. Jim and his wife enjoy traveling and have visited many foreign countries and most regions of the United States. He is also an Amateur Radio operator, licensed by the FCC.
Jim is the son of dynamic parents who taught him and his brother and sister that generosity, respect, and hard work are the most necessary tools if you want to succeed. He hopes he has made them proud and wishes to inspire others with his words.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2020
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I sat down to read this book, but it took me completely by surprise. What a gut punch! Where to start on a memoir of this strength and intensity. I was floored. I was right there with the author as he recounted his passion for football. I once had the same love of the sport, and still do. How easily what happened to him could’ve happened to me, or any young man playing what amounts to a savage and extremely dangerous game. It definitely leaves one to wonder if this is a sport younger children should even be playing.
The amount of pain and hardship Wallgren endures after being paralyzed in a football practice mishap is unthinkable. What it put his family through is almost equally as challenging. How strenuous it must have been to re-live what he went through as he wrote this, though it must’ve been therapeutic as well. The descriptions of his various predicaments in the hospital are especially difficult to wrap your head around as to how absolutely horrible and difficult it must’ve been for him. There must be very few injuries worse than a neck injury.
I am in awe of his bravery. What a powerful book!
The amount of pain and hardship Wallgren endures after being paralyzed in a football practice mishap is unthinkable. What it put his family through is almost equally as challenging. How strenuous it must have been to re-live what he went through as he wrote this, though it must’ve been therapeutic as well. The descriptions of his various predicaments in the hospital are especially difficult to wrap your head around as to how absolutely horrible and difficult it must’ve been for him. There must be very few injuries worse than a neck injury.
I am in awe of his bravery. What a powerful book!
October 1, 2020
Inspiring and well-written. I can't help but think that the low points must have been very low, especially with his lack of a faith tradition.
July 9, 2020
A very inspiring and honest story.
I was a young teacher at NGHS when Jim was a student. He was not in my classes, and I would probably not know who he is if not for his accident. I frequently stood in the hall between classes, and since my class was near the cafeteria, I saw him roll by many times. I remember being struck by his smiling and joking with friends. I remember thinking, "That young man is going to be okay." So proud of you. Your story is inspiring. You epitomize Raider spirit!
I was a young teacher at NGHS when Jim was a student. He was not in my classes, and I would probably not know who he is if not for his accident. I frequently stood in the hall between classes, and since my class was near the cafeteria, I saw him roll by many times. I remember being struck by his smiling and joking with friends. I remember thinking, "That young man is going to be okay." So proud of you. Your story is inspiring. You epitomize Raider spirit!
January 12, 2021
This is a very personal and compelling story written by a friend of mine, a connection through amateur radio. Jim's journey from a football injury as he was starting organized participation in the game is jarring, searing, marvelous and a story of family support and human love at the highest level. My copy was a soft cover, not the Kindle as referenced above, and it was an emotional read throughout. It reads quickly and I could not put it down.
He chronicles his process of survival, recovery through extremely difficult stages, resentment, depression, finding the love of a remarkable woman, and the unstinting support of amazing parents. It is a series of milestones that will inspire many, both those dealing with these sorts of tragic spine injuries as well as navigating the more normal day-to-day road of life.
He chronicles his process of survival, recovery through extremely difficult stages, resentment, depression, finding the love of a remarkable woman, and the unstinting support of amazing parents. It is a series of milestones that will inspire many, both those dealing with these sorts of tragic spine injuries as well as navigating the more normal day-to-day road of life.
July 15, 2020
This was a great book, very inspirational. Things can happen and it's how we handle those situations that makes life so much easier an more enjoyable. Jim suffered a tremendous injury and a blow to his life and he came out on top. He had dreams and his dreams may have had to change, but he could still dream and make those dreams a reality. He shows how we should all handle those curve balls that life throws at us.
This book takes us for adventure of Jim's life as a teenager and explores his love of football. He dreamed of playing for Oklahoma University, as an Iowa State fan I didn't let that stop me from reading it. He has a football injure that leaves him in a less than mobile state. The book tells his journey of healing and how he took his life by the horns and stayed positive. You'll root for him and his family.
I did have a little trigger from it. Jim and I are the same age and had a child the same year. My son was also in the NICU fighting for his life. So I definitely teared up a few times reading this book.
Once again it's a highly inspiring book, I can't say it's light reading because it's really not light, but your heart is happy by the end of the book, and you'll be inspired to go live your dreams.
This book takes us for adventure of Jim's life as a teenager and explores his love of football. He dreamed of playing for Oklahoma University, as an Iowa State fan I didn't let that stop me from reading it. He has a football injure that leaves him in a less than mobile state. The book tells his journey of healing and how he took his life by the horns and stayed positive. You'll root for him and his family.
I did have a little trigger from it. Jim and I are the same age and had a child the same year. My son was also in the NICU fighting for his life. So I definitely teared up a few times reading this book.
Once again it's a highly inspiring book, I can't say it's light reading because it's really not light, but your heart is happy by the end of the book, and you'll be inspired to go live your dreams.
June 23, 2020
Such an uplifting and inspiring read
The book is amazing Jimbo! I couldn’t stop reading and just now finished at 2:59am. Randy started telling me stories about you and him the minute I met him and the stories haven’t stopped over 28 years of marriage. You and Randy are proof you don’t have to see and speak to each other daily to remain the best of friends. I’ve loved hearing all of the stories and I’m sure they’ve been embellished over the years but this story trumps them all. The way you describe the moment of your injury and the days after is heartbreaking and insightful. I laid in my bed not moving anything but my eyes for a few minutes trying to image what you went through. Terrifying is the only word that comes to mind. Thank you for telling your story! It’s a perspective we’d all benefit from hearing. You’re a brave man Jimbo and I understand now why Randy has always called you his hero.
The book is amazing Jimbo! I couldn’t stop reading and just now finished at 2:59am. Randy started telling me stories about you and him the minute I met him and the stories haven’t stopped over 28 years of marriage. You and Randy are proof you don’t have to see and speak to each other daily to remain the best of friends. I’ve loved hearing all of the stories and I’m sure they’ve been embellished over the years but this story trumps them all. The way you describe the moment of your injury and the days after is heartbreaking and insightful. I laid in my bed not moving anything but my eyes for a few minutes trying to image what you went through. Terrifying is the only word that comes to mind. Thank you for telling your story! It’s a perspective we’d all benefit from hearing. You’re a brave man Jimbo and I understand now why Randy has always called you his hero.
July 7, 2020
A compelling read
A well written memoir of one man's life-long struggle to overcome a tragic accident. From the moment of the accident, the story pulls you along. Nothing in life is a given, cherish every moment. This author certainly made lemonade out of what could have been an embittered future.
A well written memoir of one man's life-long struggle to overcome a tragic accident. From the moment of the accident, the story pulls you along. Nothing in life is a given, cherish every moment. This author certainly made lemonade out of what could have been an embittered future.
July 21, 2020
Amazing story of courage
The subject of this book has seen it all. But don’t try telling him being in a wheelchair makes him less of a person. It doesn’t. Written in an easy-flowing style, this is a good story about an amazing person. Recommended.
The subject of this book has seen it all. But don’t try telling him being in a wheelchair makes him less of a person. It doesn’t. Written in an easy-flowing style, this is a good story about an amazing person. Recommended.
June 13, 2020
Loved it
Inspirational read. You will love it. Courageous and bold. Facing adversity and conquering it. I highly recommend anyone to read this book.
Inspirational read. You will love it. Courageous and bold. Facing adversity and conquering it. I highly recommend anyone to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews