NFL Century: The One-Hundred Year Rise of America’s Greatest Sports League

Horrigan, curator of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, delivers an expansive and celebratory history of the NFL. He takes readers from the rough and tumble origins of professional sports beginning in the 1890s, through the founding of the first football league in 1920, and on to current issues, including players’ increasing salary demands and college eligibility, which determines when players can be considered for the NFL draft. Horrigan’s work is expansive without being dry as he considers such sports notables as Red Grange, the “Galloping Ghost” who played halfback for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s, and Johnny Unitas and his historic Colts teams of the 1960s. He also delves with exacting detail into the controversies the league has faced, including how commissioner Pete Rozelle forced the Redskins to integrate in 1962 and how current commissioner Roger Goodell handled the New England Patriots “Spygate” saga of 2007, but Horrigan notably avoids current controversies involving concussions or players kneeling during the national anthem. Even so, sports fans will find plenty to sink their teeth into, as Horrigan provides detailed and lively depictions of stars and coaches from various teams, including Joe Namath and the Jets’ legendary Super Bowl III triumph, the successes of the 1972 undefeated Dolphins, and the recent Patriots dynasty. This fast-paced history will thrill football fans of all allegiances. [em](Aug.) [/em]