Blood

Youngblood played for 14 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League, setting a team record of 201 consecutive games. But what makes this autobiography, written with the author of War Stories , exceptional is not so much the story of his longevity as his candor about what the game meant to him. His dedication and love were seemingly unqualified, to the exclusion of his wife and family; indeed, his most meaningful human contacts were with fellow players who shared his passion for athletic perfection, mere excellence not being enough. Youngblood recalls with particular vividness the presence of painhe once played part of a game with a broken legduring his field career; he is now an executive with the Rams. An unusual sports book. Photos not seen by PW. (October)