IS THERE LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL?: SURVIVING THE NFL

IS THERE LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL?        JAMES A. HOLSTEIN

Is There Life After Football? draws upon the experiences of hundreds of former players as they describe their lives after their football days are over. It also incorporates stories about their playing careers, even before entering the NFL, to provide context for understanding their current situations.The authors begin with an analysis of the "bubble"-like conditions of privilege that NFL players experience while playing, conditions that often leave players unprepared for the real world once they retire and must manage their own lives. The book also examines the key issues affecting former NFL players in retirement: social isolation, financial concerns, inadequate career planning, psychological challenges, and physical injuries. From players who make reckless and unsustainable financial investments during their very few high-earning years, to players who struggle to form personal and professional relationships outside of football, the stories in the book put a very human face on the realities of the world of professional football. George Koonce Jr., a former NFL player himself, weaves in his own story throughout, explaining the challenges and setbacks he encountered and decisions that helped him succeed as an NFL Director of Player Development, PhD student, and university administrator after leaving the sport. 

Ultimately, Is There Life After Football? concludes that, despite the challenges players face, it is possible for players to find success after leaving the NFL if they have the right support, education, and awareness of what might await them. But players themselves must also resist being totally engulfed by the NFL culture in which they live. A fascinating study with unprecedented insider access, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the world of professional football.

PAT'S REVIEW:

I was drawn to this book by one of the names George Koonce who played linebacker for the Green Bay Packers during the 90’s when they went back to back to the Super Bowl, he also spent one year with the Seahawks before leaving the game at managements time not his. I think that is just one of the reasons for this book. He many men who actually don’t retire from the game teams just no longer call them and now they must sort out what to do. He goes into the college game and breaks all of that down. He also breaks down the salaries from the different pro leagues and how they are different with baseball and basketball having guarantee contracts and the NFL not having any. When a player gets hurt in the NFL and is let go he is longer payed. Whereas for example Alex Rodriguez contract with the Yankees for 275 million dollars was fully guaranteed except for the time he was suspended. Mr. Koonce gives you examples from his own personal life as well as a look at the different retired players, from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, etc... He goes into how the AFL was able to change the standard of pay not only for the top tier player but also for the lower player as well. The book goes into injuries and how that effects players and how and why the players union decided to settle with the NFL on the concussion lawsuit. For someone myself who has grown up from the 60’s watching football I am still amazed at how many teams and the NFL fight former players over injuries still to this day. I remember reading a story about Conrad Dobler who played guard for the Cardinals, Saints, and Bills, and they were fighting him on a knee replacement saying it had nothing to do with football. Here was a man who was an All- Pro Guard during the 70’s and now they are saying his knee problems are because of football. Went the NFL will fine a player because the color of their shoes are wrong, or socks. They have to wear Bose head phones when in a stadium not Beats, really. Then the NFL worked at getting all of the facts about the concussion study covered up and even threaten the doctor who testified. This book really shows you that it is a business not just in the NFL but before. Being a Packer fan I enjoyed reading this book and gaining knowledge as well as Mr. Koonce getting on with his life after football. A good back with a lot of information. I got this book from netgalley.com. I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com