Sports Illustrated: The Football Book

by Editors of Sports Illustrated, Rick Reilly

A richly illustrated survey of NFL football captures some of the most memorable moments and athletes in the history of the sport in compelling action photographs and essays from the pages of Sports Illustrated. 100,000 first printing.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Football, Photography

294 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2005

Reviews

[Jude F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a football book. It's like the football bible. There are so many interesting short stories on certain players at certain moments in football history.This book runs from the beginning of football in the 1920's to the present day in 2012.This It talks about many football legends such as, Emmitt Smith,Jerry Rice,John Elway,Joe Montana, and many others.This book is fast-paced with all the action and the stunning moments. Not only are the stories amazing, the pictures as well. The pictures features both funny plays and heart-stopping plays like QB Mark Brunell doing a frontflip over two defenders for a touchdown. I like how every story is written by a different writer because I like all the different styles and perspectives of all these writers.This book makes me want to be a professional football player even more. I totally recommend reading this if you find Football interesting.

[Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I enjoyed reading about the history of football, and I seen a lot of moments that I watched when they happend. To know that you watched history being made is crazy. I really enjoyed the stories about Emmitt smith and deon sanders. Those are two of my favorite players of all time and I felt like the author did a great job on these stories

[Nathan N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Nelson
Mrs. Ott
Period: 2A The Football Book
By: Rob Fleder


I recently finished a book called “The Football Book”. The author was Rob Fleder and I enjoyed his book very much, especially the way he wrote it. The only reason I wouldn’t like it is the fact that it has a lot of pictures. However, it rejuvenates itself by adding in long, well written articles about old players or famous plays or teams. My favorite character, or article, is the one about Alan Page. Alan Page was one of the greatest players in NFL history, and he played for the vikings. The article talks about how this kid wanted an autograph from Alan Page, but he didn’t do those. Later on while waiting for him, Alan Page walked up to him and gave an autograph. This article also has my favorite quote. The kid said “ I wore the Alan Page jersey so much, it started to fade away a little”. I like this so much because I can relate with all my jerseys. I enjoyed this book a lot, in fact, it’s one of my favorites.

[JT Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Football Book" by Rob Fleder, published by Sports Illustrated, is a detailed tribute to the sport's rich history and enduring appeal. Through vivid photography and engaging prose, the book captures the essence of football, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day spectacle.

Fleder masterfully curates a collection of iconic images that showcase the game's most memorable moments and legendary figures. Readers are transported to the gridiron's sidelines, experiencing the raw emotion and intense competition that define the sport. From breathtaking touchdown catches to bone-crushing tackles, the book's visuals tell a compelling story of athleticism, teamwork, and determination.

Beyond the expansive imagery, "The Football Book" delves into the cultural significance of football, exploring its impact on American society and its role as a unifying force. Fleder examines the sport's evolution, highlighting key innovations and rule changes that have shaped its trajectory. He also pays homage to the unsung heroes of the game, the coaches, trainers, and fans who contribute to its vibrant details.

In conclusion, "The Football Book" is a must-have for any football enthusiast, offering a visually stunning and brain stimulating exploration of the sport's past, present, and future.

[SIMON J.]

Amazing book. Has a graph that tells you all about the teams in the NFL's history and wins and losses AFC and NFC championship wins and Super Bowl wins for each team dating back to 1920. Also, there is pictures of what there equipment looked like back then and Star players, and Star Team. There is stats on every team in the NFL in this book.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was excellent.
This review was entered in 2021.
Probably read somewhere around 2006.

[Nicholas Montemarano · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best football books you'll find. The photos are incredible - the visible exhales of thousands of fans at The Ice Bowl; the mud-splattered face of Packers great Forrest Gregg; the otherworldly leather kicking shoe of Tom Dempsey, who was born with half his right foot missing; the gaps between Jack Lambert's teeth. But the highlight of this book is the writing - some of the best sports writing you'll ever read. A description of Chuck Bednarik's infamous 1960 hit on Frank Gifford: he hit him "like a lifetime of bad news" (John Schulian). The wounds on L.C. Greenwood's hands that look like "old sores on horses" (Roy Blount Jr.). A teammate's description of Johnny Unitas: "He was from Pennsylvania, but he looked so much like a Mississippi farmhand that I looked around for a mule. He had stooped shoulders, a chicken breast, thin bowed legs and long, dangling arms with crooked, mangled fingers" (from a terrific essay by Frank Deford). Myron Cope's brilliant story about how The Immaculate Reception ended the Steelers' long tradition of losing. Vince Lombardi's piece (from his book, "Run to Daylight!") about the hours leading up to game time is nothing short of poetry. Robert F. Jones' description of his week spent boozing with Kenny Stabler: "At the end of it, anyone following in Stabler's wake would be ready for a body transplant: liver and lights, heart and kidneys, eardrums - maybe even a few new teeth." But perhaps the best writing in the book is Steve Rushin's touching piece about getting Alan Page's autograph when Rushin was a boy.

[Joshua Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never got to finish but what i read was really good

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to write a review of this book, since it is really one of those "coffee table" books you go back to again and again, not something you read from start to finish and then put away. The book is as big and colorful as the sport it covers. The articles are well-written and concise. It isn't a portable book, by any means, but is something you'll want to keep by your television during football season.

[Manato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 8th period. this is about great american football players. i love football so i choose this book. I have many friends of NFL player. Heiz man winner, third Heiz man winners, Favre's O-Line, Rich Ganon's O-Line etc...... i have many autograph. RG3, Marc Bulger, Randy Moss, Ben Roethlisburgar, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Terrel Owens, Donovan Mcnabb, Marshal Faulk, Troy Holt, Izack Bruce, Warren Sapp, Michael Vick etc.... i want to get more autograph!

[Michael McLean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great coffee table book (even though it's not about coffee tables) with lots of pretty pictures and some of SI's best football stories ever. One big problem. They only print part of the story and it's not even edited it's just truncated smack dab wherever they are at the end of a page. I guess they don't expect you to actually READ the stories.

[Devin Paschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think its a great book very enjoyable and fun to read, I can relate a lot to this book witch makes it more fun to read. I have also learned a lot of different facts from this book. If you wanting to learn new fun facts about players, dates, and games that happened in the NFL, this would be a great book if you are interested in going deeper into the history! GREAT READ!!

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

This coffee table book has many great photos, but little real football information.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it and you'll find out