Stop-Action

by Dick Butkus

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525210059
• ISBN13: 9780525210054
• Release Date: January 1972
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 158 Pages
• Weight: 3.22 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Interesting reflections by Dick Butkus

Growing up in Illinois in the 1960s, it was impossible for people interested in football not to know of Dick Butkus. First, as a ferocious linebacker (and sometimes center) at the University of Illinois. Second, as the successor to Bill George as middle linebacker of the Chicago Bears, the Monsters of the Midway. This is a book in which Butkus shares his reflections on one season, 1971, in which he sometimes talks to his knee. At this point in his career, wear and tear was beginning to show up. Nonetheless, he remained one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL. This book takes a look at a disappointing football season, providing Butkus' first hand view of what was going on. Some poignant moments--like Chuck Hughes of the Detroit Lions dying on the field, reflections on Brian Piccolo's health problems, defensive end Ed O'Bradovich's lugubrious final years, and so on. This is ancient history now, but when the book came out, it was a timely view of the football season through the eyes of one of the most focused and aggressive defensive players of his era, one of the most feared players "in the day." I just looked back at this work again, and it takes me to another time. As a Chicago Bears' fan since the days of Rick Casares, George Blanda, Willie Gallimore, Doug Atkins, Bill George, et al., this remains an intriguing work.

Readable Diary by Great Player

Dick Butkus played a ferocious middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1965-1973, and quite a few observers still say he was the best ever at that position. In this readable first-person narrative, Butkus covers the 1971 season, with appropriate looks at his Chicago upbringing, his playing days at the University of Illinois, his early years with the Bears, and his increasing knee problems. He was a great player, but his mediocre teams never reached the playoffs. Butkus also played in an era before weight training, and when medical repair of injured knees was less advanced. The man's motto seemed to be play hard but fair, rebutting his reputation for cruelty. Readers also get his insights on personalities like Gale Sayers, Ray Nitchske, Bears owner George Halas, etc. This book is a very readable account by a player who loved the game.