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Make the Call Game Day Wisdom for Life's Defining Moments
There are moments in life when it comes down to your decision. Whatever you're facing, you know that no one else can bail you out. You have to make the call.
Mark Richt, former head football coach at the University of Georgia and the University of Miami and long-time assistant coach at Florida State University, knows a thing or two about making the call. In this book, he shares some of those crucial moments—from his time as a player, through his years as an assistant coach and head coach—thirty-five years in all on some of the biggest stages of college football.
You'll love being along for the ride with Mark as he shares his experiences both on and off the field, gives wisdom for life and leadership, and encourages you to make the most important call of all.
Mark Richt, former head football coach at the University of Georgia and the University of Miami and long-time assistant coach at Florida State University, knows a thing or two about making the call. In this book, he shares some of those crucial moments—from his time as a player, through his years as an assistant coach and head coach—thirty-five years in all on some of the biggest stages of college football.
You'll love being along for the ride with Mark as he shares his experiences both on and off the field, gives wisdom for life and leadership, and encourages you to make the most important call of all.
272 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 21, 2022
A sentimental read for me.
Coach Richt became HC at UGA right as I was coming of age as a Dawg fan. I enjoyed that so many of his stories I witnessed in person with my family.
3 themes:
1) Perseverance (“Finish the Drill”)
2) Loyalty (Choosing community over personal gain)
3) Responsibility (Own your piece)
Coach Richt became HC at UGA right as I was coming of age as a Dawg fan. I enjoyed that so many of his stories I witnessed in person with my family.
3 themes:
1) Perseverance (“Finish the Drill”)
2) Loyalty (Choosing community over personal gain)
3) Responsibility (Own your piece)
July 12, 2021
God And Football. This is Mark Richt, and this book is being published by a publisher that is a division of Lifeway Christian Resources, which originated in the Southern Baptist Convention. (I am unsure at this time of Lifeway's connection to the SBC. I know there has been news of it in the years since I left the SBC, I just haven't followed it.) Which is to say, you gotta know up front that you're getting a lot of talk of both football *and* God. In the 20 years I've been following the man, since his first games as Head Coach of the University of Georgia's football team - when I was 18 and fresh out of high school, but attending another school just outside of Atlanta -, the man has never shied away from either topic, virtually any time you hear him speak away from the sidelines of a game.
Within that context, and particularly with the timing of this book's release - the week of the traditional opening of the College Football season -, this book is almost a sure fired hit. *Particularly* within Georgia and UGA fans, but even with FSU fans,(since an equally large part of the book, maybe even slightly more, is dedicated to his time as an assistant at FSU under the legendary Bobby Bowden), Floridians, and even in Miami, where he ended his coaching career as the Head Coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes - the very team he had played on in college.
But really, even if you don't *overly* like Football or God, this book has a lot of strong life lessons, lessons Richt learned along the way either from meetings or, sometimes, the hard way. Lessons that are strong enough that as long as your disdain for those two topics is only mild ish, you should read this book to see anyway. Granted, if you have an utter revulsion to either topic... eh, you're not going to like this book. Pretty well literally every single page has both topics, and at *minimum* one or the other.
Fans of FSU in the 90s, you're going to get to relive some of the best highlights of that era of FSU football with a man who was on the sidelines and even calling some of the very plays.
Fans of UGA from 2001 - 2015 - arguably its best 15 year run in the history of the program - you're going to get to see a lot of the highlights - and some of the lowest of lows - here as well. From Hobnail Boot - and man, I still miss hearing Larry Munson's voice on that play - to Blackout I (against Auburn, a W) and Blackout II (against Bama, a L where the "can't win the big games" narrative that would ultimately get him fired from UGA really began) all the way through the meeting that made his departure from UGA at the end of the 2015 season official. (For the record, I *still* say UGA was insane for this move, though CMR himself, as expressed in this book, is at peace with it.)
Fans of Miami will get to see both his view of the program as a player in the late 70s and early 80s and as Head Coach in the late 2010s and how much had changed.
And along the way, Christians will get to see the growth and maturity of a Christian man many - many more than he will ever know himself - have respected and looked up to for many years.
Ultimately this book will play and sell better in certain circles and areas than others, but I suspect that it will do at least as good as similar books by other Christian football legends such as Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow. Which seems to be decently well indeed, given that both of those men are almost constantly on Christian bookstore shelves and often even on chain and sometimes independent bookstore shelves, period.
Very much recommended.
PS: The reason for only 4 stars after praising this book so heavily? Prooftexting. Unfortunately all too common in Christian books, including this one. And an automatic one star deduction every time I see it, no matter how strong the book may otherwise be, in my own war on the practice.
Within that context, and particularly with the timing of this book's release - the week of the traditional opening of the College Football season -, this book is almost a sure fired hit. *Particularly* within Georgia and UGA fans, but even with FSU fans,(since an equally large part of the book, maybe even slightly more, is dedicated to his time as an assistant at FSU under the legendary Bobby Bowden), Floridians, and even in Miami, where he ended his coaching career as the Head Coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes - the very team he had played on in college.
But really, even if you don't *overly* like Football or God, this book has a lot of strong life lessons, lessons Richt learned along the way either from meetings or, sometimes, the hard way. Lessons that are strong enough that as long as your disdain for those two topics is only mild ish, you should read this book to see anyway. Granted, if you have an utter revulsion to either topic... eh, you're not going to like this book. Pretty well literally every single page has both topics, and at *minimum* one or the other.
Fans of FSU in the 90s, you're going to get to relive some of the best highlights of that era of FSU football with a man who was on the sidelines and even calling some of the very plays.
Fans of UGA from 2001 - 2015 - arguably its best 15 year run in the history of the program - you're going to get to see a lot of the highlights - and some of the lowest of lows - here as well. From Hobnail Boot - and man, I still miss hearing Larry Munson's voice on that play - to Blackout I (against Auburn, a W) and Blackout II (against Bama, a L where the "can't win the big games" narrative that would ultimately get him fired from UGA really began) all the way through the meeting that made his departure from UGA at the end of the 2015 season official. (For the record, I *still* say UGA was insane for this move, though CMR himself, as expressed in this book, is at peace with it.)
Fans of Miami will get to see both his view of the program as a player in the late 70s and early 80s and as Head Coach in the late 2010s and how much had changed.
And along the way, Christians will get to see the growth and maturity of a Christian man many - many more than he will ever know himself - have respected and looked up to for many years.
Ultimately this book will play and sell better in certain circles and areas than others, but I suspect that it will do at least as good as similar books by other Christian football legends such as Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow. Which seems to be decently well indeed, given that both of those men are almost constantly on Christian bookstore shelves and often even on chain and sometimes independent bookstore shelves, period.
Very much recommended.
PS: The reason for only 4 stars after praising this book so heavily? Prooftexting. Unfortunately all too common in Christian books, including this one. And an automatic one star deduction every time I see it, no matter how strong the book may otherwise be, in my own war on the practice.
September 8, 2021
When Coach Richt is at his best, you really feel like you’re on the sideline of some big games and getting to relive moments of joy and heartbreak. As a Georgia fan and UGA student during his tenure as head coach, those were some of the best parts of the book. However, while not expressly stated as making a case for “biblical manhood and womanhood”, there is also a lot of emphasis on a traditionally Christian male role in work and family. I felt like this took away from my personal enjoyment of the book - as a woman, there just wasn’t much to relate to or engage with there. It also bordered on preachy at times, though Coach Richt’s commitment to his faith is inspiring. Overall, it was enjoyable - the football portions most of all.
October 20, 2025
Wow. What an interesting book. it is a book about football. It is also a book about living a Christian life. And it is also a book about making the correct calls to be a responsible man.
Football fans, especially UGA Dawg fans, should really enjoy this book. I will say that the author does seem to bounce around a bit in telling stories from the different colleges where he worked rather than following a strict chronological order. But the football stories are great.
I would think that coaches at all levels would benefit from reading this book.
But this book is about so much more than just football. Mark Richt gives his personal testimony in the book, and includes meaningful quotes from scripture throughout. He relays the importance of having Christ in your life. Even more, he stresses the importance of stepping up to the plate and making the call in life.
Football fans, especially UGA Dawg fans, should really enjoy this book. I will say that the author does seem to bounce around a bit in telling stories from the different colleges where he worked rather than following a strict chronological order. But the football stories are great.
I would think that coaches at all levels would benefit from reading this book.
But this book is about so much more than just football. Mark Richt gives his personal testimony in the book, and includes meaningful quotes from scripture throughout. He relays the importance of having Christ in your life. Even more, he stresses the importance of stepping up to the plate and making the call in life.
February 26, 2022
I’m a UGA alum and Coach Richt is my favorite coach of our team, so of course I loved this book. But you don’t have to be a football fan to enjoy this book. It’s more about life than football and Coach Richt imparts wisdom in a way that is both enjoyable and inspiring. Highly recommended.
September 14, 2021
Mark Richt’s new book, MAKE THE CALL, provides a blueprint for living life as a Christian man. Mark Richt follows the same plan, whether he’s on the sidelines, leading the eleven players on the field, or leading his four children. He leads with love and strong faith. With Richt, it’s not just about winning a football game-it’s about winning the game of life. He is more concerned with teaching boys to become good men, and he invests in their future every time he walks onto the playing field.
Does he want to win? You darn right—he does. But Richt measures winning differently than most.
Whether you’re an avid football fan or an avid reader, this book will speak to you. He evokes emotions in every chapter… you’ll feel like you’re sitting across the table from him as he talks about the highlights of his career. And, if you’re a Georgia fan, you’ll get to hear the philosophy behind the plays he called in those big games. Sometimes the play worked, sometimes it didn’t. But one thing is for sure, Mark Richt went into every game prepared, just like he prepares for each day of his life, with the satisfaction of knowing that he has a friend in Jesus.
As head football coach at the University of Georgia: Fifteen years, 145 wins and 51 losses, five SEC invitations, and two wins, but most importantly, he taught his players to win and lose with grace.
Does he want to win? You darn right—he does. But Richt measures winning differently than most.
Whether you’re an avid football fan or an avid reader, this book will speak to you. He evokes emotions in every chapter… you’ll feel like you’re sitting across the table from him as he talks about the highlights of his career. And, if you’re a Georgia fan, you’ll get to hear the philosophy behind the plays he called in those big games. Sometimes the play worked, sometimes it didn’t. But one thing is for sure, Mark Richt went into every game prepared, just like he prepares for each day of his life, with the satisfaction of knowing that he has a friend in Jesus.
As head football coach at the University of Georgia: Fifteen years, 145 wins and 51 losses, five SEC invitations, and two wins, but most importantly, he taught his players to win and lose with grace.
September 22, 2021
I love Mark Richt and everything he stands for, so it only makes sense that I also love his book. A must-read for those who claim allegiance to FSU, UGA, or Miami - or anyone who needs to be reminded there are good men left in college football. It was also very fitting that is came out soon after the passing of Coach Bowden, who is discussed at length throughout this book.
My favorite thing about this book was the context given around some of Coach Richt's most memorable moments at UGA, some more pleasantly regarded than others -an explanation about the tragic end of the 2012 SEC Championship game, and the squib kick that seemed to defy logic against GA Tech. My favorite story was the details shared about the excessive celebration instructions given by Coach Richt against Florida, which turned out to be wildly misunderstood by the players.
This book reads as a call to Christ as well. Coach Richt's faith in Jesus is all over this book, as it was all over his coaching career. I enjoyed every minute of it!
My favorite thing about this book was the context given around some of Coach Richt's most memorable moments at UGA, some more pleasantly regarded than others -an explanation about the tragic end of the 2012 SEC Championship game, and the squib kick that seemed to defy logic against GA Tech. My favorite story was the details shared about the excessive celebration instructions given by Coach Richt against Florida, which turned out to be wildly misunderstood by the players.
This book reads as a call to Christ as well. Coach Richt's faith in Jesus is all over this book, as it was all over his coaching career. I enjoyed every minute of it!
December 31, 2022
I just finished another five-star book, y’all. My husband read it first and then recommended it to me for my morning meditation stack. It’s no secret that Rut and I are big Dawg fans, so, of course, a book written by a former head football coach for the University of Georgia was a no-brainer for us. THIS book, though, is bigger than just being about the game of football (fellow football-lovin’ Dawg fans, stay with me and hear me out). Many weren’t big Mark Richt fans back during his 15-year tenure at UGA. Admittedly, I was just getting into an understanding of the game at the time and was much more interested in what the band and cheerleaders were doing at games, so it didn’t matter to me who was doing the coaching.(LOL) My point is please don’t let any negative feelings you might have had steer you away from this book. It is a gem of a read. Yes, it has plenty of “football talk” in it, which I find fascinating now that I know what terms like “no huddle offense” and “third and long” mean. Coach Richt explains the backstories/rationales behind some of the biggest moments throughout the thirty-five years of his overall involvement in college football, but he also digs deep into his incredible testimony and continued faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This book is the perfect mix of football and faith with lots of wisdom he’s gained along the way. I HIGHLY recommend it!
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
.“It’s a big problem if your identity is all wrapped up in what you do rather than who you are.”
.“Humility is the ONLY path to true greatness.”
.“No matter how good we may be at a certain skill, or many skills, we humans possess limitations that we ignore at our own peril. Turnovers are bad in football; turnovers are essential in life.”
“Make the Call: Game-Day Wisdom for Life’s Defining Moments” by Mark Richt ✔️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
.“It’s a big problem if your identity is all wrapped up in what you do rather than who you are.”
.“Humility is the ONLY path to true greatness.”
.“No matter how good we may be at a certain skill, or many skills, we humans possess limitations that we ignore at our own peril. Turnovers are bad in football; turnovers are essential in life.”
“Make the Call: Game-Day Wisdom for Life’s Defining Moments” by Mark Richt ✔️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 20, 2021
As a college football fan I was so happy to read this book. I have always like Mark Richt but now that respect has been taken up a notch. This book is about his faith, family and then football. That is how he leads his life. He shares lots of stories about his time as an assistant under Coach Bobby Bowden and how a terrible event lead him to the Lord. He references his relationship with Coach Bowden and how he lead him in his faith. He talked about his time in Georgia, he's trying to forget that 08 Black-out game against Bama. And he ends the book with his time at Miami. One thing remained constant in all the places he coached and that was his relationship with his players. He knew how important that relationship was for him and the players. One testament to that is he still has the same phone number so they can call him at any time and they do. I wish him the best in his retirement but the game of football will really miss him.
July 25, 2023
This book gives spiritual wisdom through Mark Richt's experiences playing and coaching football. The spiritual points he makes, he backs up with scripture. This is a book for all ages. You do not have to be a Georgia fan to learn spiritual truths about your life as you read this spirit-filled biography. However, if you are a long time Georgia fan, like myself, you will feel a deep connection with this book as Richt reminisces about former Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, Florida State, and Miami Hurricanes players and coaches, and memorable football plays over his career, all while making key points that lead to spiritual growth. This is a must read for all football fans, Christians, and those who do not have a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks coach for Making the Call and encouraging others to Make the Call.
August 13, 2021
I may not have grown up a Georgia fan (sorry, Mom), but I grew up in GA during the Mark Richt era and you could tell that he truly cared for his players. I really enjoyed reading this book about his story being led to Christ by Bobby Bowden and how much Bobby Bowden shaped Mark Richt's coaching. Somewhat of an inspirational book detailing some of Mark Richt's stories from coaching interspersed with lessons he learned and lessons he taught his players. Highly recommend (especially for men).
September 15, 2021
This is an incredible book of a never wavering faith of a football coach that was sometimes put in uncomfortable circumstances. Being a gal that loves her Georgia Dawgs and a fan of Mark Richt, this book was entertaining with great and not so great football moments, inspiring and challenges you to “Finish the Drill”. Even if you aren’t an FSU, Georgia or Miami football fan, you will be inspired by how Mark not only talks the talk but he walks the walk! A great role model.
August 13, 2025
A great audiobook listen! Instantly pulled me in and I feel like the 6+ hours of listening time flew by. I love listening to football stories from an expert of the game and how he makes life lessons out of those experiences and often ties them to scripture. He seems like a truly great guy who strives for excellence in everything he does, and knows “the big one” is not winning a national championship but eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, like Bobby Bowden taught him. Great book!
July 14, 2021
This book is great for men, for football fans, for anyone wanting to know more about Mark Richt's life, and for anyone willing to be challenged to live a better life! Well-written book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advance e-copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advance e-copy of this book. The opinions are all my own.
September 11, 2021
A great read indeed. I feel most who come to read this book will know who Coach Richt is and would not be surprised by the religious messages in the book. I loved many behind the scenes recalls he had and the lessons he taught with them. As a Christian myself, I enjoyed learning of his walk in the Faith.
October 13, 2021
Fantastic book! As a UGA fan who was in school when he was hired, many of the big games were great memories of being a UGA fan.
To no ones surprise, he is a great man with such a strong foundation who walks his walk with God each day. As I was telling my wife as I finished this book, if I can be half the man he is she’d be doing really well for herself!
To no ones surprise, he is a great man with such a strong foundation who walks his walk with God each day. As I was telling my wife as I finished this book, if I can be half the man he is she’d be doing really well for herself!
December 31, 2021
I went to UGA when Mark Richt came in to lead the football program. He and his wife had amazing reputations and reading his book only solidifies what an amazing human being he is. I really enjoyed learning about the decisions he was making behind many of the memorable game plays, but more than that I’m inspired by his faith, his humanity and God-centered decision making.
February 27, 2023
I love Mark Richt and loved this book. Filled with good football stories and genuine faith and good counsel.
If you like football, you’ll like the stories in this book. If you love Christ, you’ll appreciate Richt’s testimony and witness. And if you’re not religious, you’ll appreciate his authenticity and be challenged to consider the truth he presents clearly and winsomely.
If you like football, you’ll like the stories in this book. If you love Christ, you’ll appreciate Richt’s testimony and witness. And if you’re not religious, you’ll appreciate his authenticity and be challenged to consider the truth he presents clearly and winsomely.
February 10, 2025
This is a great book about Mark Richt's early life and coaching carrer and how he turned to christ. It is currently talking about how he met his wife Kathryn. He is also sharing how the death of one of the members of the team that he was coaching inspired many others to turn to Christ because if that ended up being one of them they want to know for sure they would go to heaven.
September 21, 2021
Mark Richt is such a great man and I’m happy he was the coach of my Dawgs for so many years. His story should be an inspiration to many. Keep fighting the good fight coach. We love you and pray for you.
October 14, 2021
If I could pick a single college coach to sit with on a front porch and drink a glass of sweet tea while we solve the problems of the world it’d have to be Mark Richt. Don’t think there’s a more genuine man alive.
December 18, 2021
Great read! Mark Richt has true grit. And a genuine faith in Jesus Christ that he has lived out his entire life. Leadership insights abound in this book. It is well written and to the point. Coach Richt’s humility makes it easy to recommend.
March 14, 2023
This is a great book for any Georgia or football fan. Richt is an incredible man of faith who has lived an incredible football life. His stories are fun and insightful but the Gospel message of this book really stands out above all, loved this quick read!
September 6, 2021
CMR = DGD!
December 29, 2021
This book provides insight into the life and journey of Mark Richt. He was a fantastic coach at Georgia and he made the tough calls while being true to himself.
January 21, 2022
Very good read with great practical Christian ideals and practices.
April 15, 2022
Every young athlete and coach should read! Outstanding read by a man of great character .
March 15, 2023
A great read and highly inspirational. As a Georgia Tech alum I have to say THWG, but I have a deep respect for Mark Richt and appreciate his sharing of his life and faith.
June 12, 2023
Wonderful work.
Thank you Coach Right for your wisdom and testimony. Really enjoyed this book. Stay well and stay strong in your faith.
Thank you Coach Right for your wisdom and testimony. Really enjoyed this book. Stay well and stay strong in your faith.
December 20, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. I always thought Mark Richt was a class act and he truly is. I highly recommend this book, particularly to those who could appreciate some life advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews