It's Only a Game FROM OUR EDITORS
The irreverent, unpredictable cohost of NFL Sunday gets personal in It's Only a Game. From his childhood in Louisiana to his 14 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradshaw's funny, candid autobiography is a must-read for football fans. Bradshaw has had a variety of experiences off the field, from recording music to starring in movies, but his major activity outside of the football realm has been motivational speaking, for which he is particularly well suited owing to his great sense of humor, strong religious faith, and resilient character. Bradshaw's memoir -- a down-to-earth book about the game he loves and the often difficult life he has led -- makes it easy to see why he is such a favorite with sports fans all over the country.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
You could call him a Renaissance man—if you were so inclined. And why wouldn't you be? After all, not only is Terry Bradshaw one of America's most beloved football stars, he's a four-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Famer, well-known television personality, Emmy winner, actor, singer, husband, father, inspirational speaker, and more!
Honest, jovial, and self-deprecating, Bradshaw's irreverent personality is fully reflected in this down-to-earth look at his life and loves, and his losses and triumphs. This incredible autobiography captures his fourteen years on the gridiron with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as his failures and successes in front of and away from the camera.
It's Only a Game covers Bradshaw's humble beginnings in Shreveport, Louisiana, and follows him to Louisiana Tech—where he set the single-season records for passing and total offense and led to his being picked first in the 1970 NFL draft. From there, Bradshaw developed into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history, taking the Pittsburgh Steelers to six Super Bowls, securing his spot in the Pro Football League Hall of Fame, and allowing his peers and fans to hear one of the most hilarious and heartwarming induction speeches ever made.
Always unpredictable, never boring, the charming co-host of Fox's two-time Emmy-winning NFL Sunday continues to forge ahead, breathing excitement into whatever he does. And he's making new fans wherever he goes—recently being voted most popular sports broadcaster on television by the readers of TV Guide.
Whether he's recording gospel or country-western music, starring in commercials, or yukking it up in the broadcast booth, Bradshaw is meeting life head-on and making the most of it.
SYNOPSIS
You could call him a Renaissance manﾽif you were so inclined. And why wouldn't you be? After all, not only is Terry Bradshaw one of America's most beloved football stars, he's a four-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Famer, well-known television personality, Emmy winner, actor, singer, husband, father, inspirational speaker, and more!
Honest, jovial, and self-deprecating, Bradshaw's irreverent personality is fully reflected in this down-to-earth look at his life and loves, and his losses and triumphs. This incredible autobiography captures his fourteen years on the gridiron with the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as his failures and successes in front of and away from the camera.
It's Only a Game covers Bradshaw's humble beginnings in Shreveport, Louisiana, and follows him to Louisiana Techﾽwhere he set the single-season records for passing and total offense and led to his being picked first in the 1970 NFL draft. From there, Bradshaw developed into one of the most prolific quarterbacks in history, taking the Pittsburgh Steelers to six Super Bowls, securing his spot in the Pro Football League Hall of Fame, and allowing his peers and fans to hear one of the most hilarious and heartwarming induction speeches ever made.
Always unpredictable, never boring, the charming co-host of Fox's two-time Emmy-winning NFL Sunday continues to forge ahead, breathing excitement into whatever he does. And he's making new fans wherever he goesﾽrecently being voted most popular sports broadcaster on television by the readers of TV Guide.
Whether he's recording gospel or country-western music, starring in commercials, or yukking it up in the broadcast booth, Bradshaw is meeting life head-on and making the most of it.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
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. (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal
Bradshaw seems totally relaxed as he pokes fun at himself, football, network television, and life in general. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is probably best known for being the first quarterback to win four Super Bowl games, twice as most valuable player. Many will be more familiar with his TV career, first as an NFL game analyst for CBS sports and more recently as cohost of Fox NFL Sunday. Bradshaw did a lot of bench-sitting as backup quarterback in his high school and college days and later went through three divorces on his way to making his life a success. His recollections of the ups and downs, the good and bad times of football and of life are pretty amusing in the retelling. He wants folks to have a good time and to remember that he always called his own plays; he also really enjoys himself reading this audio, laughing, hooting, and hollering along with his story. Sports fans should really enjoy this one. At points, it's laugh-out-loud funny. Highly recommended for sports or biography collections. Cliff Glaviano, Bowling Green State Univ. Libs., OH Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
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