Having just returned from the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, I’m curious to learn more about Vince Lombardi. He seems to be the most quotable person for motivation and has a common sense approach that I like.
There are about a bajillion books out there and I’d like to narrow the field. Any suggestions to learn more about Lombardi, the man and/or Lombardi, the speaker?
I understand that *When Pride Still Mattered *is a good book for fans.
I think this will get more responses in The Game Room, so I’ve moved it there.
Thanks, Marley.
YOU killed MICKEY? :mad:
Jerry Kramer’s book Instant Replay gives a player’s-eye view of Lombardi.
Also, be sure to have tissues near when you get to the end of Maraniss’ book (mentioned by StusBlues).
Yes, and I’d do it again. I asked him to give me some water from the well one time and it was a total fucking disaster.
StusBlues is right “When Pride still mattered”
Of course it’s easy for a football coach to become famous for his quotes on motivation and common sense approach to life when he had 10 players good enough to make the Hall of Fame (plus Jerry Kramer who could have: he was named to the all-NFL team at its 50th anniversary in 1970 but for some reason never made it to Canton).
I’m not knocking Lombardi too much although he was hypocritical in denouncing Jim Taylor for going to Atlanta to make more money and turn around to take the Redskins job because he could get a piece of the ownership that was impossible in Green Bay. But people tend to give NFL coaches too much of the credit.
I’ve lived in Packer Country all my life, and grew up watching the Pack back in the Lombardi years.
And never realized that Ol’ Vince LEFT Green Bay and took another job.
NO ONE here EVER talks about it!
I concur with both When Pride Still Mattered and Instant Replay.
Just came in to say* Instant Replay*
One of the most interesting things I learned from Maraniss was that Lombardi did NOT “treat everyone the same- like dirt.”
To be sure, Lombardi could and did yell and scream and rant and rave with SOME players- specifically, the ones he thought needed a fire lit under them. Lombardi thought that the young Paul Hornung, for instance, would only give his best effort if he was constantly pushed.
On the other hand, Lombardi rarely yelled or cursed at Bart Starr, who was much more sensitive. With Starr, Lombardi was quick to offer encouragement and a pat on the back.
Lombardi was a very different coach with different types of players.
I own a copy of this book. Its excellent and I’m not a Packer fan (other than of their ownership structure).
Thank you all for your input. I’m anxious to read them…box of tissues close at hand.