It's Only a Game

August 6, 2001
Bradshaw, former quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and now a television commentator, is funny, honest and apparently without airs. In this book, written with Fisher (The Umpire Strikes Back; Gracie), he freely discusses his childhood, religion, playing days and his post-football life. Bradshaw doesn't carry much baggage; he recognizes that he's had an enviable life. Perhaps his biggest challenge has been ADD; he always found school and reading difficult. While Bradshaw did go to LSU—largely because of his ability as a football player—he was teased mercilessly about his low grades and his inability to read well. He admits that it was painful at the time, but instead of dwelling on it, Bradshaw simply put more of his efforts into his sport. And, when he left the game, he says, "Once I accepted the fact that I could no longer play, I never looked back.... That's my form of emotional protection. It's the way I survive." Perhaps the most engaging sections of the book are near the end, when Bradshaw discusses his television stints, including some notable failures of his shows. Again, he's so straightforward about admitting that he was playing with the real pros that readers will laugh along with him.

August 3, 2001
Bradshaw is an Emmy Award-winning sports analyst with the Fox Network's NFL Sunday. However, his true claim to fame is his two Super Bowl MVP awards, earned with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is, without a doubt, one of the best quarterbacks ever to have played in the National Football League. Written with the assistance of best-selling author David Fisher, this autobiography traces the former NFL star's life from his youth, college, and pro football days, through three divorces, to his success as a sports broadcaster. This title is a revealing, honest look at a personality whom many see only as the jovial football commentator on Sunday. On the contrary, Bradshaw comes across as a hardworking, motivated man who takes his career, Christianity, renewed family commitment, and the game of football seriously. An insightful tale readers will enjoy; recommended for public libraries. Larry R. Little, Penticton P.L., BC

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2001
Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships in the 1970s, is currently one of the studio hosts for the Fox network's National Football League broadcasts. His good-ol'-country-boy schtick is popular with many but drives others to distraction. This memoir is for those who fondly recall his swashbuckling, on-field exploits and find his self-deprecating humor amusing. In fact, the humor may work better on the page than it does on the air. Bradshaw and coauthor Fisher nod at the quarterback's high-school and college years and don't pick up speed until they turn to the Steelers. Bradshaw speaks frankly about Pittsburgh coach Chuck Noll, who earns his respect but not his affection, and he offers a thoroughly wacky account of the infamous "Immaculate Reception." He also reflects on his less-than-stellar forays into talk radio, acting, and the music business. Bradshaw takes his religion and his family seriously, but everything and everyone else is fair game. Expect appearances on talk shows to help promote this undeniably charming sports memoir.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)