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Getting My Hands Dirty: A Memoir of Resilience and Transformation from the Gridiron to the Garden
“Chuck Hutchison is a terrific model of what it takes to reach your full potential in all that you do.” —Jim Tressel, Ohio lieutenant governor and former head football coach at The Ohio State University
Tracing a journey of commitment, challenge, and growth, a former professional football player reflects on his time at Ohio State under the tutelage of Coach Woody Hayes, his years in the NFL, and his unexpected decision to become an expert gardener.
Chuck Hutchison knows the meaning of hard work—it’s rooted in every chapter of his life story. Born into humble beginnings in rural Ohio, he found football in his youth, which opened doors for him and shaped the trajectory of his life in ways he’d never imagined possible. Under legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, Hutchison won a national championship with the Buckeyes and learned enduring lessons that served him in the NFL, the business world, and beyond.
In the face of injuries, family struggles, mental health challenges, and an earlier-than-expected exit from the NFL, Hutchison came to rely on three basic curiosity, confidence, and conviction. Guided by these foundational ideas, he discovered new ways to grow and heal, transforming the land surrounding his home into a garden masterpiece and breaking new ground in his own life, one shovelful at a time.
Getting My Hands Dirty is a candid and inspiring story of transformation, grit, and tenacity in football, business, and life’s next chapter. Told with authenticity and good humor, Hutchison’s story is proof that the pursuit of inner peace—and a renewed purpose in life—can be found in the most unexpected of places.
Tracing a journey of commitment, challenge, and growth, a former professional football player reflects on his time at Ohio State under the tutelage of Coach Woody Hayes, his years in the NFL, and his unexpected decision to become an expert gardener.
Chuck Hutchison knows the meaning of hard work—it’s rooted in every chapter of his life story. Born into humble beginnings in rural Ohio, he found football in his youth, which opened doors for him and shaped the trajectory of his life in ways he’d never imagined possible. Under legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, Hutchison won a national championship with the Buckeyes and learned enduring lessons that served him in the NFL, the business world, and beyond.
In the face of injuries, family struggles, mental health challenges, and an earlier-than-expected exit from the NFL, Hutchison came to rely on three basic curiosity, confidence, and conviction. Guided by these foundational ideas, he discovered new ways to grow and heal, transforming the land surrounding his home into a garden masterpiece and breaking new ground in his own life, one shovelful at a time.
Getting My Hands Dirty is a candid and inspiring story of transformation, grit, and tenacity in football, business, and life’s next chapter. Told with authenticity and good humor, Hutchison’s story is proof that the pursuit of inner peace—and a renewed purpose in life—can be found in the most unexpected of places.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
3 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 9, 2025
Overall, this book is beyond a memoir and beyond a self-help book. I found it helpful and applicable to my life as a 44-year-old going back into teaching after 10 years out of the classroom. It was easy to make connections to my life even though I’ve never played in the NFL. Also, it went places narratively I did not expect, in the best ways.
Some of the lessons/questions I got out of this book:
– if I wanna keep living, I must keep changing.
– If I don’t prepare well, I won’t execute well; I have a tremendous ability to control my outcome by what I do
– Considering my own attributes and how I do things differently, how do I break out of the mold, what could that look like?
– There’s a difference between treating everyone equally and treating them the same
Also, I liked how well chapter 9 linked coaching by Woody and being plant manager. It was inspiring and practical.
Chapter 10 was heartbreaking and beautifully written.
Chapter 13 really shines with wisdom and all of it points back to part one really nicely
Page 178 really hit home the idea of connecting as a human through listening and communication – soft skills
The most moving part of the last chapter is the description of how mindful and intentional the design of the garden came about. Your garden was a poem, a love letter, an art piece of grief and gratitude. Truly exceptional imagery and writing.
This book does an exceptional job of working both chronologically and jumping timelines here and there. It’s easy to follow and does not get confusing.
On a personal note, I kept thinking how beneficial this book would be for a family member, but maybe not since they haven't hit rock-bottom and aren’t ready to change themselves.
This book is for anyone going through transitions, needing encouragement to do the inner work necessary to grow, or just wanting to read about someone using their resilience to survive.
Some of the lessons/questions I got out of this book:
– if I wanna keep living, I must keep changing.
– If I don’t prepare well, I won’t execute well; I have a tremendous ability to control my outcome by what I do
– Considering my own attributes and how I do things differently, how do I break out of the mold, what could that look like?
– There’s a difference between treating everyone equally and treating them the same
Also, I liked how well chapter 9 linked coaching by Woody and being plant manager. It was inspiring and practical.
Chapter 10 was heartbreaking and beautifully written.
Chapter 13 really shines with wisdom and all of it points back to part one really nicely
Page 178 really hit home the idea of connecting as a human through listening and communication – soft skills
The most moving part of the last chapter is the description of how mindful and intentional the design of the garden came about. Your garden was a poem, a love letter, an art piece of grief and gratitude. Truly exceptional imagery and writing.
This book does an exceptional job of working both chronologically and jumping timelines here and there. It’s easy to follow and does not get confusing.
On a personal note, I kept thinking how beneficial this book would be for a family member, but maybe not since they haven't hit rock-bottom and aren’t ready to change themselves.
This book is for anyone going through transitions, needing encouragement to do the inner work necessary to grow, or just wanting to read about someone using their resilience to survive.
June 25, 2025
For full transparency, I acknowledge that I know the author of this book. This is an important because, initially, it colored my expectations. By the time I finished this book, I was so engrossed that I forgot that I knew this man.
I was planning on taking a journey that began with the family dynamics that we all experience with our family of origin. I then expected to follow the author as he segued to a very large university, where he was under the tutelage of Woody Hayes, the famous Ohio State football coach. And then, in to the other phases of his life’s path.
This book did not ever disappoint. It is a beautifully crafted book that allowed the author to lay his life bare. I did not expect to find such vulnerability, openness about his struggles and victories. The author’s ability to define and articulate how he overcame the many unexpected roadblocks that he encountered is a real strength.
However, what I didn’t expect was it to be an exceptional guide for corporate team building. I didn’t expect it to be a guide for negotiating in order to build a strong and stable work team. I understood that the core of the integrity, work ethic and straight yet strategic talk came from those early years on a farm and reinforced by the great Woody Hayes.
I hope that the author’s next book will be a teaching tool for colleges and universities to use as they mold our country’s young men and women.
Yes, this is an engaging autobiography of one man’s extraordinary experiences as he evolved into a most talented designer “of dirt”! I find it interesting that the dirt of the farm has followed him to the dirt of his landscape. I guess it’s true that we can’t and shouldn’t escape from our beginnings.
I was planning on taking a journey that began with the family dynamics that we all experience with our family of origin. I then expected to follow the author as he segued to a very large university, where he was under the tutelage of Woody Hayes, the famous Ohio State football coach. And then, in to the other phases of his life’s path.
This book did not ever disappoint. It is a beautifully crafted book that allowed the author to lay his life bare. I did not expect to find such vulnerability, openness about his struggles and victories. The author’s ability to define and articulate how he overcame the many unexpected roadblocks that he encountered is a real strength.
However, what I didn’t expect was it to be an exceptional guide for corporate team building. I didn’t expect it to be a guide for negotiating in order to build a strong and stable work team. I understood that the core of the integrity, work ethic and straight yet strategic talk came from those early years on a farm and reinforced by the great Woody Hayes.
I hope that the author’s next book will be a teaching tool for colleges and universities to use as they mold our country’s young men and women.
Yes, this is an engaging autobiography of one man’s extraordinary experiences as he evolved into a most talented designer “of dirt”! I find it interesting that the dirt of the farm has followed him to the dirt of his landscape. I guess it’s true that we can’t and shouldn’t escape from our beginnings.
July 16, 2025
Getting My Hands Dirty is a captivating and unexpectedly profound read.
From the grit and hardship of his boyhood on a farm in rural Ohio, Chuck traces a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation—through the intensity of championship seasons at Ohio State under legendary coach Woody Hayes, to the high-stakes world of the NFL, and on through his years in executive leadership. Ultimately, in retirement, he uncovers meaning once again—this time through the quiet beauty of designing, planting, and cultivating an award-winning garden, a space that becomes both sanctuary and creative expression.
What moved me most was not only the sheer range of Chuck’s experiences, but the way he reflects on them—with honesty, insight, and a deepening self-awareness. His tenacity is evident at every stage, but it’s his ability to draw meaning from adversity and to grow through each challenge that makes this memoir so compelling.
I wholeheartedly recommend Getting My Hands Dirty. Chuck shares his story with such authenticity and quiet strength that the reader can’t help but feel drawn in—uplifted by his courage, grounded by his confidence, and inspired by the evolving inner peace he discovers along the way.
Carolyn Rivers, Charleston, SC
From the grit and hardship of his boyhood on a farm in rural Ohio, Chuck traces a remarkable journey of resilience and transformation—through the intensity of championship seasons at Ohio State under legendary coach Woody Hayes, to the high-stakes world of the NFL, and on through his years in executive leadership. Ultimately, in retirement, he uncovers meaning once again—this time through the quiet beauty of designing, planting, and cultivating an award-winning garden, a space that becomes both sanctuary and creative expression.
What moved me most was not only the sheer range of Chuck’s experiences, but the way he reflects on them—with honesty, insight, and a deepening self-awareness. His tenacity is evident at every stage, but it’s his ability to draw meaning from adversity and to grow through each challenge that makes this memoir so compelling.
I wholeheartedly recommend Getting My Hands Dirty. Chuck shares his story with such authenticity and quiet strength that the reader can’t help but feel drawn in—uplifted by his courage, grounded by his confidence, and inspired by the evolving inner peace he discovers along the way.
Carolyn Rivers, Charleston, SC
July 3, 2025
An inspiring and intimate window into a man’s life journey. How he embraced and navigated challenges and opportunities, and how he grew to savor the beauty of each new day. A joy to read.
June 25, 2025
Chuck’s journey from rural Ohio farm boy to gardener extraordinaire is told with self deprecating humor and honest vulnerability. The story unfolds with childhood memories, gridiron lessons under Woody Hayes’ tutelage, career aspirations and failures, retirement disappointments, mental health issues, and finally, overcoming obstacles to redefine himself through gardening. It is quite the page-turner and the book is at its best when the author shares his failures intimately and reveals how he overcomes these setbacks with discipline, hard work and creativity. This book defies easy categorization: memoir, football, mental health, career success, retirement, and gardening are all integral parts of Hutchison’s story. They combine to form a unique, multi layered story that should appeal to many readers!
June 25, 2025
As the mother of a now grown son, I wish every young man everywhere struggling to find his way could read this memoir. More than the story of a life well-lived—although it is that, for sure-- Hutchinson’s wry observations and laugh-out-loud humor contain powerful lessons about the simple (but not always easy) rules that lead to success, despite hurdles and heartbreak. Yes, you have to do the work, and yes, you may have to get your hands dirty along the way. As Hutchinson’s account makes clear, however, from the football field to the business world to his award-winning garden, the rewards can be immense.
--Gail Harris, creator and host of the PBS series Body & Soul; author of Body & Soul: Your Guide to Health, Happiness, and Total Well-being, and the novel, Finders, Seekers
--Gail Harris, creator and host of the PBS series Body & Soul; author of Body & Soul: Your Guide to Health, Happiness, and Total Well-being, and the novel, Finders, Seekers
June 25, 2025
A truly inspiring book that takes you down a rabbit hole of lessons and insights drawn from the many life events of Chuck Hutchison. It’s rare that I find a book that holds my attention from start to finish, but this one had me hooked from the first chapter and I flew through it!
It touches on so many facets of life - an extraordinary journey of athletic achievements, career highs and lows, struggles with mental barriers, and the relentless pursuit of inner peace and happiness. It's deeply relatable and filled with wisdom and perspectives that will resonate with any reader.
The writing is excellent, guiding you through a roller coaster of emotions and moments of self-reflection—with no shortage of comedic bits along the way.
It touches on so many facets of life - an extraordinary journey of athletic achievements, career highs and lows, struggles with mental barriers, and the relentless pursuit of inner peace and happiness. It's deeply relatable and filled with wisdom and perspectives that will resonate with any reader.
The writing is excellent, guiding you through a roller coaster of emotions and moments of self-reflection—with no shortage of comedic bits along the way.
July 7, 2025
I didn’t expect to connect so deeply with this story—and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
From the very beginning, I felt drawn into Chuck’s story—not just because of our shared Lutheran background or my own family’s farming roots, but because of the way he writes: openly, immersively, and with a surprising sense of natural and inherent connection.
As a mom of two boys with a life that on the surface couldn’t look more different from Chuck’s, I didn’t expect to feel so seen in these pages. But that’s the power of how this story is told. There’s a warmth and honesty here that bridges life experience. The lessons aren’t forced—they’re woven in so naturally that they often arrive when you least expect them, and yet they always seem to land exactly when and where they should.
There were moments I laughed, and moments that stirred something deeper. The emotional current is subtle but strong. And what stands out most is the quiet wisdom that runs throughout: the sense that growth is often forged in difficulty, and that meaning is something we uncover, not declare.
It’s a story that stays with you—and yes, one I would recommend to a friend who needs a reminder that curiosity, confidence, and conviction can help you conquer most of the obstacles life throws your way.
From the very beginning, I felt drawn into Chuck’s story—not just because of our shared Lutheran background or my own family’s farming roots, but because of the way he writes: openly, immersively, and with a surprising sense of natural and inherent connection.
As a mom of two boys with a life that on the surface couldn’t look more different from Chuck’s, I didn’t expect to feel so seen in these pages. But that’s the power of how this story is told. There’s a warmth and honesty here that bridges life experience. The lessons aren’t forced—they’re woven in so naturally that they often arrive when you least expect them, and yet they always seem to land exactly when and where they should.
There were moments I laughed, and moments that stirred something deeper. The emotional current is subtle but strong. And what stands out most is the quiet wisdom that runs throughout: the sense that growth is often forged in difficulty, and that meaning is something we uncover, not declare.
It’s a story that stays with you—and yes, one I would recommend to a friend who needs a reminder that curiosity, confidence, and conviction can help you conquer most of the obstacles life throws your way.
August 14, 2025
I’m a visual artist and gardener, and I know precious little about football, so I was not altogether sure that I would like this book when I picked it up. To my surprise, I was absolutely hooked after reading the preface, and I couldn’t put it down.
It is an inspiring story about the most fundamental things in life— courage, honesty, determination, perseverance and above all…relationships.
Hutchison writes in a clear, straightforward and entertaining style, allowing the reader to experience all the ups and downs of his exciting and sometimes painful journey.
By the end of the book (after we have been introduced to so many of Hutchison‘s mentors and influences) we come to understand that the garden has now surprisingly become one of his finest teachers —one that not only affords him the opportunity to apply all of his hard-won strengths of determination, patience and love— but also one that silently gives back so much in terms of daily beauty, inspiration, and the satisfaction of a life well lived.
It is an inspiring story about the most fundamental things in life— courage, honesty, determination, perseverance and above all…relationships.
Hutchison writes in a clear, straightforward and entertaining style, allowing the reader to experience all the ups and downs of his exciting and sometimes painful journey.
By the end of the book (after we have been introduced to so many of Hutchison‘s mentors and influences) we come to understand that the garden has now surprisingly become one of his finest teachers —one that not only affords him the opportunity to apply all of his hard-won strengths of determination, patience and love— but also one that silently gives back so much in terms of daily beauty, inspiration, and the satisfaction of a life well lived.
June 24, 2025
This book grabbed me from the first page. If you don't know Chuck Hutchison now, you will feel very connected to him by the end of this wonderful book. His story is one of resilience and discovery - how a mid-western farm boy earns All-American honors playing for Woody Hayes, to a lengthy NFL playing career and life as a professional football head coach, to navigating some personal struggles that included losing contact with is children, to finding an incredible creative outlet and passion in his
garden that created meaning in retirement. Best of all, are the life lessons learned through the author's "open kimono" approach to sharing his life experiences. I was sorry to see this book come to an end, but I do feel that my life is a bit richer from having read it.
garden that created meaning in retirement. Best of all, are the life lessons learned through the author's "open kimono" approach to sharing his life experiences. I was sorry to see this book come to an end, but I do feel that my life is a bit richer from having read it.
September 6, 2025
Absolutely captivating. You think you understand life and believe athletic stars are immune to the daily challenges of life. They are not but they persevere like everyone. Through an open and honest first person narrative, Hutchison bares all, shares his ups and downs, and in the end, provides a unique perspective on how to find peace. He shares stories of family, business, and life as an NFL athlete. Football is NOT the theme of the book but rather the life lessons learned through participation in it and the mentorship opportunities it provides. Filled with nuggets of wisdom from sports, college, young love, and business, you will take away much and find yourself thinking back of ways to apply these nuggets in your own life, in whatever stage you currently find yourself.
August 5, 2025
A wonderful book! I read this at the perfect time in my own life. I was truly inspired by Chuck’s vulnerability above everything else. Great read
July 2, 2025
I am a fan of a good memoir and “Getting My Hands Dirty” did not disappoint. This is the story of an ordinary boy growing up on a farm in the Midwest who learned early that there are challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize. The author tells a compelling story in a straightforward and self deprecating manner. He shows the reader how to look ahead, embrace a challenge and come out a stronger, more complete person.
I highly recommend this book. Not only is this an enjoyable read, the lessons about personal growth, determination, flexibility and reinvention will appeal to every reader.
I highly recommend this book. Not only is this an enjoyable read, the lessons about personal growth, determination, flexibility and reinvention will appeal to every reader.
June 25, 2025
When I was 13 I met a hero of mine. To a young boy growing up in Columbus any person lucky to play for Ohio State under Woody Hayes was a hero. My hero was Chuck Hutchison. We met the summer between his freshman and sophomore years at Ohio State. From that chance meeting I learned about football and life simply by watching him. He really was my hero. After his final season in 1969 he was named a Time Magazine All-American, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the second round of the 1970 NFL draft, and played in the Chicago Tribune College All-Star Game. I thought I knew Chuck like a big brother.
Recently, when he told me he was writing a book you could have knocked me over with a feather. Like anything Chuck does, he goes full bore. Intense, private, and self-disciplined best describes him. I thought he would be the last person to write a book, but I'm glad he did. From the first page to the last nothing is untouched. You never know how you influence and affect people you meet. Chuck continued to teach me about life. The things he endured and how he handled them is a lesson in life survival skills. At times I had to put the book down just to get some air. I can honestly say, now Chuck Hutchison really is my hero.
Recently, when he told me he was writing a book you could have knocked me over with a feather. Like anything Chuck does, he goes full bore. Intense, private, and self-disciplined best describes him. I thought he would be the last person to write a book, but I'm glad he did. From the first page to the last nothing is untouched. You never know how you influence and affect people you meet. Chuck continued to teach me about life. The things he endured and how he handled them is a lesson in life survival skills. At times I had to put the book down just to get some air. I can honestly say, now Chuck Hutchison really is my hero.
June 25, 2025
A strong and powerful theme quickly appears and is tested and retested only as life knows how in this beautifully written and enthralling memoir, Getting My Hands Dirty.
It shows up on a football field, in the corporate board room and during periods of self-doubt and discovery as the author, Chuck Hutchinson, so poignantly shares. “Overcoming adversity tests one’s character. Overcoming failure tests one soul.”
As the reader, I could clearly hear the author’s voice reverberate with succinctly expressed purpose, sprinkled with a healthy dose of his personal humor and perspective. I enjoyed every chapter as each chapter imparts a different aspect of the storyteller's unique, wise, authentic, and discerning advice – which was clearly earned through many scabs and scars, physically and emotionally, on and off the field.
Athletes and non-athletes alike will genuinely enjoy reading and appreciate the hard-learned, transferable lessons that Chuck Hutchinson generously shares in his memoir.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking memoir for teenagers to centenarians. Everyone will find and identify with a stage of life (and its challenges) that the author so eloquently and descriptively paints with his words.
It shows up on a football field, in the corporate board room and during periods of self-doubt and discovery as the author, Chuck Hutchinson, so poignantly shares. “Overcoming adversity tests one’s character. Overcoming failure tests one soul.”
As the reader, I could clearly hear the author’s voice reverberate with succinctly expressed purpose, sprinkled with a healthy dose of his personal humor and perspective. I enjoyed every chapter as each chapter imparts a different aspect of the storyteller's unique, wise, authentic, and discerning advice – which was clearly earned through many scabs and scars, physically and emotionally, on and off the field.
Athletes and non-athletes alike will genuinely enjoy reading and appreciate the hard-learned, transferable lessons that Chuck Hutchinson generously shares in his memoir.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking memoir for teenagers to centenarians. Everyone will find and identify with a stage of life (and its challenges) that the author so eloquently and descriptively paints with his words.
July 2, 2025
Having read many other book reviews this one won't be another long diatribe.
Simply put "Getting Your Hands Dirty" is a great read written by a man who grew up on a farm in Ohio and chose to do something with his life. He became a "Master of Many Trades" from football to developing one of the most beautiful gardens you will ever see.
This is a book that will motivate anyone looking for direction in their life. A must read in my opinion.
Simply put "Getting Your Hands Dirty" is a great read written by a man who grew up on a farm in Ohio and chose to do something with his life. He became a "Master of Many Trades" from football to developing one of the most beautiful gardens you will ever see.
This is a book that will motivate anyone looking for direction in their life. A must read in my opinion.
June 25, 2025
I really enjoyed the book. As a sports fan I could appreciate his recount of his journey after his playing days were over. To his credit, he shared both the highs and low points he experienced in his post football life. His over arching quest for accomplishing goals throughout his life, culminating with the development of his “ garden” helps me understand the mindset for success it takes to be a professional athlete.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews