Some of the games described in this unique book involve championships, while others seem ordinary save for extraordinary personal meaning. In each case, it is the legendary 49ers player who singles out the game, the moment in time that to him is the most defining of his professional football career. Each player has his own unique story, but together they weave a tapestry of pro football and 49ers history in San Francisco. In Game of My Life San Francisco 49ers, Roger Craig, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice recount their respective Super Bowl experiences. John Brodie, Garrison Hearst, R. C. Owens, and Frank Gore are just a few of the players, past and present, who also offer their firsthand accounts. The book provides an in-depth look into the men and games that helped develop the five-time champions into becoming one of the most successful teams in NFL history.

“Steve Young is a hero of mine. . . His perseverance, intelligence, and, most of all, grace under pressure, NFL-style, make this book a fascinating read.” —Tom Brady In the most candid and compelling sports memoir since Andre Agassi’s riveting bestseller Open, former San Francisco 49er, Super Bowl champion, NFL MVP, and Hall of Famer Steve Young gives readers an unprecedented and stunning inside look at what it takes to become a super-elite professional quarterback. Steve Young produced some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. But his most impressive victories have been deeply personal ones that were won when no one was watching. His remarkably revealing memoir is the story of a Mormon boy with a 4.0 GPA, a photographic memory, and a severe case of childhood separation anxiety. As an eighth-string quarterback at Brigham Young University, it was doubtful that he would ever see any playing time. But Young became an All-American, finished second in the Heisman voting, and was the top draft choice out of college. Then, after signing the largest contract in sports history, anxiety nearly drove him to walk away from football completely. In short, Young’s quest in life was always about grit. Now, he shares the experience of being inside his helmet while he faces down his toughest adversaries, both on and off the field. “This book is gold.” —Peter King “Intense.” —San Francisco Chronicle “Young’s battles with anxiety make you forget you are reading about a Hall of Famer, and make you root for him at every turn. This is a revealing, honest, compelling book that any fan will enjoy.” —Michael Rosenberg, senior writer, Sports Illustrated

Before cable television, artificial turf, multimillion-dollar contracts, and Are You Ready for Some Football? pro football players lives were not much different from those of the fans in the bleachers. Back in football's Golden Era, the game they played was much simpler but far tougher than anything seen today. Y.A. Tittle began his career in that simpler era, when players were expected to play both offense and defense and had to hold off-season jobs to make ends meet. Following a stellar career that lasted from 1948 until 1964, he retired from the game at 38 after starring for the Baltimore Colts, the San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Giants. Although he was the quarterback in the 49ers famous million dollar backfield, he is best remembered for his three years in New York and for his willingness to take the field when badly hurt. Y.A. took the Giants to three NFL Championship Games.

The author presents stories about and the memories of 28 former and current players on the Chicago Bears football team.

Whether a die-hard booster from the days of Joe Montana or a new supporter of Jim Harbaugh, these are the 100 things every San Francisco 49er fan needs to know, and do, in their lifetime. Inspired by and written for the devout 49er fan, this lively and detailed book explores important facts and figures from the teams storied history--from the early years of Y. A. Tittle to the teams golden era in the 1980s and 1990s featuring coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert, Hall of Fame quarterbacks Joe Montana and Steve Young, and star receiver Jerry Rice, to todays championship contender. From the most important facts about the team and the traditions that define what being a 49er fanatic is all about, this guide also highlights such essential experiences as the best places to eat near Candlestick Park.

The last lecture on leadership by the NFL's greatest coach: Bill Walsh Bill Walsh is a towering figure in the history of the NFL. His advanced leadership transformed the San Francisco 49ers from the worst franchise in sports to a legendary dynasty. In the process, he changed the way football is played. Prior to his death, Walsh granted a series of exclusive interviews to bestselling author Steve Jamison. These became his ultimate lecture on leadership. Additional insights and perspective are provided by Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and others. Bill Walsh taught that the requirements of successful leadership are the same whether you run an NFL franchise, a fortune 500 company, or a hardware store with 12 employees. These final words of 'wisdom by Walsh' will inspire, inform, and enlighten leaders in all professions.

One man's odyssey into the brutal hive of the National Football League As an unsigned free agent who rose through the practice squad to the starting lineup of the Denver Broncos, Nate Jackson took the path of thousands of unknowns before him to carve out a professional football career twice as long as the average player. Through his story recounted here—from scouting combines to preseason cuts to byzantine film studies to glorious touchdown catches—even knowledgeable football fans will glean a new, starkly humanized understanding of the NFL's workweek. Fast-paced, lyrical, dirty, and hilariously unvarnished, Slow Getting Up is an unforgettable look at the real lives of America's best athletes putting their bodies and minds through hell.