cover image Running Tough

Running Tough

Tony Dorsett. Doubleday Books, $17.95 (225pp) ISBN 978-0-385-26248-4

The second-ranking rusher in professional football history, Dorsett spent 11 years as a Dallas Cowboy and is now a Denver Bronco. With journalist Frommer ( Red on Red ; Throwing Heat ), he reviews his brilliant career at Pitt, climaxed by the winning of the Heisman Trophy, and his years in Texas, which brought plenty of cheers and not a few boos. On the gridiron, Dorsett was runner par excellence, complaining only that he was not given enough playing time; off the field, however, the young black man from western Pennsylvania had a difficult time adjusting to the racially prejudiced lifestyle of the Dallas area. He found coach Tom Landry, whom he calls a brilliant tactician, cold and unfeeling. He also writes of his teammates, referring to Roger Staubach as ``Captain America,'' and the other great running backs he has observed. A workmanlike job. First serial to TV Guide; author tour. (Sept.)