Instant Replay: The Day that Changed Sports Forever by Tony Verna

Another one of those arrogantly boasting titles, but again, for good reason. Tony Verna was the creator of the most key components of televised sports today: “Instant replay.” The technology was first introduced in 1968 in a college football game between Army and Navy. However, the book doesn’t just discuss this historical event. Verna was a very influential person in the movie industry and it also chronicles his life and impact there.

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

The book is where the whole t.v. show began. Okay, well actually it began in small towns across the country on your typical Friday night in the fall. But Bissinger, took this everyday norm–the high school football game–showcased it and discovered the inner truths. He reveals the pressure and struggles the high schoolers are under to be the best and the demands the the coaches, parents, and the town place upon them.

When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi: by David Maraniss

I knew the name and who he is (The head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967–well okay I knew he was A coach anyway) but other than that, no idea. I asked “why do we love Vince Lombardi” and I was told: “he is considered the greatest coach in the history of football. He formed the first football dynasty in the 60s and all of his assistant coaches went on to have amazing careers. All of his players where completely devoted to him and he has become synonymous with the NFL.” And then he also sent me 5 really long paragraphs of Lombardi’s accomplishments that totally overwhelmed me and would have taken over the whole page so um, yeah, read the book! His saying “winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” is legendary. Although I violently disagree with his philosophy of “Lombardi Time,” meaning always arrive 10-15 minutes early otherwise you are late. That’s a negative. Ten minutes late is very early for me!

Why Fantasy Football Matters and Our Lives Do Not by Eric Barmack and Max Handelman

I don’t even care if the book is good, I’m judging this one soley on it’s title and I think it’s hilarious. Totally LOLed at this one. And the description makes it sound like the perfect book for guys…and the girls that need to understand their crazy behavior.

“U.S. businesses lose $200 million in productivity each football season because employees are managing their fantasy squads instead of working.

In Why Fantasy Football Matters (And Our Lives Do Not), two grizzled veterans revel in the addiction that is fantasy football. From pre-draft hijinx to post-draft trash talk, from tumultuous trades to the perils of free agency, it celebrates the eccentric personalities, absurd rituals, and hilarious superstitions of one of the most fanatical fantasy leagues on earth.

With humor, insight, and a dash of advice, Why Fantasy Football Matters celebrates the thirty-two million Americans who prefer managing their fantasy squads to relaxing with loved ones. And it gives girlfriends, coworkers, and sports purists all the proof they need to accept that this is an obsession that really matters.”

Committed: Confessions of a Fantasy Football Junkie by Mark St. Amant

Buy him this and buy yourself Confessions of a Shopaholic. Then trade books. Then you can be understanding with his fantasy football leagues and he can come with you when Becky Bloomwood hit’s the big screen in Shopaholic movie in February 2009! The book gives the history of fantasy football and some how-tos. But the best part is the narrative of St. Amant’s life and how he somehow managed to convince his wife that he should quit his job to play fantasy football, and write about it.

About the author: Jennifer Taglione is the owner of this fabulous website Stiletto Sports. Despite writing well over 500 posts, she still maintains that she is not a sports writer! She is however a huge fan of Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Sanchez, the Celtics, and totally kicks butt on March Madness brackets! Connect with her by following her on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ and subscribing to her weekly newsletter. For more info check out the About the Editor page!

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