America's Game: The NFL at 100

by Jerry Rice

The authors of the New York Times bestseller 50 Years, 50 Moments celebrate the first 100 years of the National Football League, interweaving history, personal stories, memories, and observations of some of its greatest players, coaches, and advocates to chronicle football’s amazing evolution from a fledgling regional fly-by-night operation into a multi-billion global brand and one of America’s leading franchises.

Over the past century, professional football has transformed from a game played in leather helmets on cow pastures to one of the most high-tech, popular sports on the planet. In this entertaining and concise history, Jerry Rice and Randy O. Williams celebrate the NFL’s centennial, bringing together colorful memories, insights, and personal experiences and observations from the heroes, losers, innovators, and defining legends who have played the game at its highest level. The NFL at 100 is filled with inside stories of the league’s fiercest rivalries, closest competitions, and most memorable characters, from the early days of Red “The Galloping Ghost” Grange and “Slingin’” Sammy Baugh to Jim Brown and “Broadway” Joe Namath to Lawrence Taylor, Jerry Rice, and Tom Brady.



Cowboy fans will never forget how Roger Staubach’s Hail Mary lifted his team to a last-second playoff victory over the Vikings. Patriot followers will always point to The Tuck Rule Game as a franchise landmark where Adam Vinatieri’s two clutch kicks in deep snow propelled his team to victory over the Raiders. Generations of Steelers fans will celebrate James Harrison’s electrifying 100–yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. All are among the most memorable moments in NFL history. Divided by increments of twenty-five years, each section of The NFL at 100 includes the authors’ selections for their “All Star” players and teams.

Incorporating Rice’s long-standing, insider knowledge with Williams’ interviews with those who made it happen or witnessed it firsthand—from players and coaches to broadcasters and journalists—The NFL at 100 is a unique tribute to this enduring cultural phenomenon, and will become the authoritative tribute to all that is great about the sport Americans—and the world—loves.

The book will include more than a dozen photos.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Sports, Memoir, Inspirational, True Story, Drama

549 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Jerry Rice is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favorite books I have ever read. It completely changed the way that I view the game of football and how it has changed over the years. I was not as interested in the parts about Red Grange and Otto Graham. The era that these players played in seem so distant to what the game is like now, it is hard to relate. I really enjoyed learning about how the AFL and the NFL were two different leagues that only came together for the Super Bowl. It was also very interesting to me too learn how the NFL deals with TV rights. The TV revolutionized the game and made it the most popular sport in America. The book was from the view of possibly the greatest receiver of all time, Jerry Rice, and covered the 49ers. It was very cool to learn about the relationship that Joe Montana and Jerry Rice had together. The only thing that I was a little disappointed in with the book, that it didn't go over when the players went against the rules. The book never went over when the players took enhancement drugs or when the had domestic problems. I was curious with how the rule breakers in the past were dealt with. Since there are many times in the present NFL players break the rules, in today's world whenever the players are disciplined it is a big controversy. I wanted to see if the NFL was better at punishing players than they are in the present. Overall this book was great, I loved seeing the game develop in this book. It was also great to learn about the different dynasties throughout NFL history.

[Caleb Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book would be interesting because I love football, but boring because it's non-fiction. It was interesting, however it wasn't as boring as I thought. I like how it would tell specific stories of specific teams and players, because instead of just talking about football as a whole and not being like a story, it was like reading multiple short stories from the NFL's past. I think it's a must read for any football fan. It helps that it's written by Jerry Rice.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of the NFL. Not done in Chronological order. Each chapter takes a certain aspect of the game, specific positions, players, games, etc. and highlights them. Full of a lot of good stories, childhood memories, and aspects of the game you may never have known. Really enjoyed this book.

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this overview of the first one hundred years of NFL history. I thought the most intriguing chapters focused on how the game has changed over time. Chapters focusing on changes in how the game is played, how players train, the creation and merger of the AFL, and the formation of the vast media empire that has helped make the game larger than life all were intriguing. The book is outlined in a digestible format with the last century broken into 4 chronological quarters. My only complaint is that the chapters that focus on players from certain positions, such as quarterbacks, jumped around and talked about players from different "quarters". I thought this took away from the overall flow of the book. Overall, this is a book I would recommend for anybody who enjoys the NFL and is interested in learning more about it's long history. As the book concludes with a quote from Mike Ditka, "Let's hope we have one hundred more".

[Tom Gase · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty fun read and a cliff-notes version of the history of the NFL. I liked parts of this book a lot in where Jerry Rice (the author and former WR) picks some of his favorite moments and players, but the book never really dives into a certain topic too much. This book would be a great FIRST book for someone to read on the NFL. I highly recommend to young readers. Was enjoyable to read this a little before the Super Bowl this year.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book on various aspects of NFL history. Although the focus is on Hall of Fame players, coaches, and teams its provided in the context of the time period and how the NFL became so popular in America. The TV rights and all day game prep shows along with revenue sharing with every team propelled the NFL to it's current popularity. The unique personalities that have made the game great is also detailed.

[Rohan Malpure · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will only interest you if you are a massive football fan (or are actively trying to become one). Rice & Williams do an admirable job distilling a century of history and strategy into a readable book. While you will undoubtedly learn a lot after reading this book, the structure and pacing of the book make it unlikely you will return for a reread. While that may seem trivial, these issues make it hard to truly "binge" the book or find a specific passage.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Patriots fan, it seems odd that comparatively little mention was made of their almost 20 years of dominance and success. With Jerry Rice as a collaborator, it makes sense that the 80's 49ers are well-covered, but there seemed to be much more content about the 1970's Steelers and Cowboys than would otherwise be needed in a high-level overview of the NFL like this was.

[Ethan Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine read, looking over 100 years of professional football, it was an informative but repetitive view of the growth of the sport. More time on anecdotes or real tales would’ve taken this from a glorified encyclopedia to a true tale of bruising sport.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting facts and stories about the founding and early days of the NFL, and the AFL-NFL merger. Full of anecdotes, some well known, so not much new when it comes to the modern era of football, especially if you have any knowledge or have lived through it.

[Chris Welber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent review of NFL History. A little light on some of the great founders of the league, but pretty in-depth.

[Doug I · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skipping stones across the very broad pond of NFL history.

[Wassenario · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very brief history of NFL. Had potential to be much more interesting. Writing was a bit bland for me.

[Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot better than I expected

[caitlin tiddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love football

[Justin Slepicka · Rating 2 out of 5]

It sure is a historical account of the early days of the NFL. It meets the bare minimum to be called that, and not a morsel more.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was basically a rehashing of many books on the history of the NFL with a Jerry Rice Slant

[Colby Brandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty thorough recap of the game’s history that covers the grass roots beginning, WWII, integration, dynasties, notable games, and the players, coaches and owners who took it to the next level.

I would have enjoyed hearing more about the accomplishments of such notable players as Gale Sayers, Derrick Thomas, Terrell Davis, Andre Johnson, Ed Reed, John Unitas and many others who were snubbed or received minor anecdotes in comparison to what they achieved.
I also think more could have been said about the players of today who have established themselves and continue to progress.

Other than a few incorrect facts, this is a brilliant depiction of how the game got to where it is now. It covers nearly every conceivable angle and is worth revisiting

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I wish more time was spent on the genesis of the game, but a good read for fans.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the history of the NFL.

[Matt Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest.. fellas, it was a good read. But.. I could've used a little more Jerry Rice. When I picked up this book (to get it signed by the G.O.A.T. #80), I was hoping it would be more of a history of the NFL told from Rice's perspective. Instead, it reads more like a generic NFL history book with a few snippets from Rice here and there, which is fine.
The one organization problem I had is that the book is at least casually divided into four quarters, yet there is SO much repetition between the chapters. Each chapter takes its own sort of chronological narrative and overlaps with the other chapters. Some restructuring would have made this a more enjoyable read. Nevertheless, it was entertaining.

[Ryan Darnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The player profiles needed more oomph, but I suppose if one is to cover 100 years of history it would have to be brief. Take my word for it, you can get more from NFL Films or 30 for 30 than anything found here.

[Robert Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an amazing book on the entire history of the NFL. From the beginning it read super fast. I didnt want to put it down. Highly recommend for any fan of football.