The New Thinking Man's Guide to Pro Football by Paul Zimmerman (Dr. Z)

[Jeff W]

I got this book for christmas. I'm about 3/4 of the way through it and I highly recommend it. It's out of print--If you order it make sure you get the New guide, not the old (pre-1978 rules changes) version. It was written by Paul Zimmerman aka Dr. Z in 1984, but it's still very relevant to football today(surprisingly so).

It is chock full of detailed analysis of every phase of the game from training camp to historical trends in play calling, formations, etc to overviews of every position group to steroid abuse.

It's also full of of hilarious and/or informative quotes.

Bob Kuechenberg(borderline HOF Guard) was told by Norm Van Brocklin to move his whole family to Chicago and he was gauranteed a roster spot. Van Brocklin then cut him before the season started and he sent a "turk" to tell him instead of saying it himself. Kuechenberg had this to say:

"But I'll tell you what was one of my great accomplishments in my professional football career. I helped get Van Brocklin fired. We beat them, 42-7, in 1974. I wanted to run a sweep to their bench so I could put my cleat marks on his neck. Anyway, he got fired the next day. It's one of the top 10 highlights of my career."

I highly recommended it for the studious NFL fan.

[youtalkfunny]

I had never heard of this. It sounds like something I would really enjoy reading.

A few years back, Peter King wrote an piece for SI. It detailed every thought that went through Brett Favre's head during the running of one play. It started when the whistle blew, ending the last play, and finished with the conclusion and result of the play in question.

The article was three full pages. Three pages of thought went through a QB's head, in one play. It really gave me a new appreciation for how tough the position is to play. You need a lot more than a good throwing arm to play QB in this league.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for Dr Z's book. Thanks.

[TheNoodleMan]

I'm pretty sure I can summarize Favre's thought process in less than 3 pages.

Damn guys, get open. Aw [censored] it, I bet I can throw it in the there.

[kyleb]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm pretty sure I can summarize Favre's thought process in less than 3 pages.

Damn guys, get open. Aw [censored] it, I bet I can throw it in the there.

[/ QUOTE ]

hahahah nh

[SL__72]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm pretty sure I can summarize Favre's thought process in less than 3 pages.

Damn guys, get open. Aw [censored] it, I bet I can throw it in the there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Brilliant.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

tx for recommending The Blind Side, really fantastic read (although mostly as a human interest story, not as a football story).

reading The Education of a Coach now, it's good but drier.

[fingokra]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm pretty sure I can summarize Favre's thought process in less than 3 pages.

Damn guys, get open. Aw [censored] it, I bet I can throw it in the there.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah, but see you left out, "I hope I get some time to, oh [censored], here comes the rush again"