Out of their League

by David Meggyesy
Out of their League cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Nonfiction
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Technical
  • ID: 9294
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • ISBN: 9781560004820
  • Published: 1999-03-01
  • Reviews: 3

Out of Their League is a gripping account of the dehumanizing aspects of professional football in the US. Written by a former linebacker with the St. Louis Cardinals, the book lifts the lid on a world of fraud and pay-offs, rampant racism, drug abuse, and incredible violence. It offers a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of life in the NFL, far removed from the glamour and excitement portrayed in the media. The author's firsthand experiences provide a unique perspective on the sport, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges faced by players. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of professional sports and the human stories behind the headlines.

Reviews
Syracuse Fan · 2024-06-05
informative 3.75

This book is a worthwhile read, though it is dated in some aspects. It offers a unique perspective on the sports world.

The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable read, despite some of its outdated elements. They appreciate the unique perspective it offers on the sports world, which can be both fascinating and frightening. The reviewer notes that the book's complaints about the industry, while dated, are still relevant in many ways. They recommend the book to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the sports world and its challenges.

Quick quotes

    It is a worthwhile read.

    It's dated in the sense that many of the things complained about seem alien to us today.

    It offers a unique perspective on the sports world.

Pigskin Books · 2018-07-27
insightful 4.00

This book was one of the first to highlight the dehumanizing experience of professional athletes. It provides a critical look at the sports industry.

The reviewer highlights that this book was groundbreaking in its time, focusing on the often overlooked struggles of professional athletes. They appreciate the raw and honest portrayal of the sports world, which can be both inspiring and disheartening. The book's critical stance on the industry is noted as a significant contribution to sports literature. The reviewer also mentions that the book's themes are still relevant today, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the darker side of sports.

Quick quotes

    This was one of the first books to focus on what the author calls the 'dehumanizing' experience of the modern professional athlete.

    It provides a critical look at the sports industry.

    The book's themes are still relevant today.

UK Ravens · 2017-11-02
harrowing 3.50

This book is tough to read for football fans, especially given the current concerns about player safety. It exposes the harsh realities of the sport.

The reviewer acknowledges that this book is a challenging read, particularly for those who are passionate about football. They note that the book's exposure of the sport's harsh realities, including issues like racism, drug abuse, and violence, is both eye-opening and unsettling. The reviewer also mentions that the book's relevance is heightened by current concerns about player safety, making it a thought-provoking read. They appreciate the author's courage in shedding light on these issues.

Quick quotes

    It's a tough book to read if you're a football fan.

    It exposes the harsh realities of the sport.

    The book's relevance is heightened by current concerns about player safety.

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