3 Great Football Books by Coaches
For fans of football and those aspiring to make it big in the sport, many football books by coaches offer tips and insider information about the game. Books written by coaches provide readers with real-life stories and knowledge gained from personal experience. Many of the great football books by coaches use the game as a metaphor to provide more than just information about football, as they extend the lessons the game teaches to life.
Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance by Tony Dungy
Tony Dungy, former coach of the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl, has written multiple books comparing the principles of football to succeeding in life. His book, Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance, encourages young men who wish to pursue a career in football to focus on more than the fame and money that comes with being a strong football player. Using his experience as a football coach, Dungy provides players with advice on developing character and a positive attitude in order to experience success in the game and in life. The book also contains religious references to illustrate many points.
The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life by Jim Tressel
Former coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Jim Tressel worked to redevelop Ohio State’s football program by instilling important principles into players. In his book, The Winners Manuel: For the Game of Life, Tressel introduces readers to the same principles he introduced to his players. As he reviews ten principles of success, Tressel shares stories from his time during and before becoming head coach at Ohio State. Taking the principles beyond football, Tressel provides advice for how readers can apply the principles in the book to find success in their own lives. For Ohio State football fans, the book also contains color photos and insight into Tressel’s time at Ohio State.
Do You Love Football?!: Winning with Heart, Passion and Not Much Sleep by Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden, a Super Bowl winning NFL coach with experience coaching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders, offers advice to football players obtained through his days as a coach, player, and ESPN commentator. The book, Do You Love Football?!: Winning with Heart, Passion and Not Much Sleep is designed to help young football players remember the reason for playing the game. While many players are focused on money and fame, Gruden offers advice to redirect players to their heart and passion for the game. He encourages players to work hard and focus on the game.
