There are a number of perks that come with running an award-winning website. There’s the constant spotlight, the scantily clad women, regular entry into the world’s hottest nightclubs and the hordes of crazed sports fans always suggesting “Hey, you should write about THIS!”
There was even an incident lately where one reader accosted another reader after recognizing him from a story on the site. This happened on a trolley ride back from a Lightning game. One faithful, face-painting SportsChump subscriber recognized the good Dr. Milhouse and yelled at him for not placing the Holm-Arkansas bet.
That’s right. SportsChump has become trolley big.
But perhaps the best perk of running the website is all the free stuff I get. And recently, in the mail, I received one of the best books to review ever.
Now I’m not going to put this instant classic in the same category as War and Peace or To Kill A Mockingbird but damn if it ain’t close. VERY close.
In honor of the upcoming 50th Super Bowl (whoops, sorry… Super Bowl L), Sports Illustrated just released Super Bowl Gold: 50 Years of the Big Game.
Let’s put it this way. When I opened up the box it came in and saw the cover, I gasped for air. Nobody was around but I can guarantee you, without even delving into the book yet, if you buy Super Bowl Gold for the football fan in your life for the holidays, which you should immediately run out and do, not only will they be your friend for life but it will be the best present they receive this season… unless someone buys them a car or something and even then it will be close.
I was tempted to bring the book to my folk’s place for Thanksgiving but I didn’t for fear of anyone else touching it. Plus I wanted mom’s turkey to be the hit of the dinner party and didn’t want it taking any attention away from her efforts in the kitchen. This book is THAT good.
I may encase it in glass, I haven’t decided yet.
Recently, I’ve caught myself just staring at it. When I first opened it, I saw a picture of Joe Namath in a fur coat on the sidelines. I immediately closed it for its sheer awesomeness, like staring directly into the sun.
This is not just a coffee table book. This is a stunning compilation of five decades of Sports Illustrated’s greatest pictures, stories and recounts of the biggest football games ever played from the people who played in them and the writers who covered them.
I can barely pull myself away from it to write this review.
Here’s the deal. Generally when I am sent books to review, I take the time to analyze the work and then formulate a fair critique.
No need here.
Get this book. Just get it.
Do you know what was in Jules Winnfield’s and Vincent Vega’s briefcase in Pulp Fiction? This book. Do you know what Indiana Jones found in the Ark of Covenant? Well, the Ten Commandments but this book was tucked right underneath them. Do you know what you should buy for the football fan in your life this holiday season? THIS BOOK.
For $40 retail, it is the best purchase you will make this holiday season. In fact, you might want to buy two because you’re not going to want to part with it.
Now go. And if you’ll excuse me, I have some more reading to do.
I’m sure it makes for a fascinating read. The history of the NFL as seen through the various Superbowls would have to be something special .
Amazed at present , after the loss by Wladimir Klitschko of his heavyweight title to British fighter Tyson Fury. Klistshcko was a 7-2 odds on favorite to retain the title (he held three of the four recognized belts) , but lost in a unanimous verdict, having gotten his @ss pounded by the undefeated British fighter. Fury is willing to take a rematch, but I suspect he might seek a big payday by taking on Deontay Wilder in a unification bout.
Please tell me, the Buccaneers are now back to what we know them to be ? Absolutely putrid and pathetic as only they can be !
As an Alabama fan and grad, I always appreciate any UA references in your posts although the image of a drunk Namath with Suzy Kolber on the sideline back in whenever still makes me cringe (although I would have tried it as well – off camera of course). I also have a nephew that plays for Alabama although he never sees the field.
Coming to the SEC championship game in ATL? UA vs UF baby – just like when Spurrier was there! I know you like to wager and although I’m not a betting man per se, tell me if you want to have a friendly wager with me that will garner me a world famous SC T-shirt vs ??? out of me.
I’ll get to the book, Al.
As for now, I just still sit here and stare at it.
So one of the Klitschko finally loses a title, huh? I can only imagine that’s good for the sport.
The only problem is there a contender now, perhaps his brother, that will challenge Fury and will anybody be paying attention?
Moose…
I don’t think you were following the site way back when but did you ever read this book review I wrote?
http://sportschump.net/2013/09/26/book-review-rising-tide-by-randy-roberts-ed-krzemienski/12244/
The book was a pretty solid recount of Namath’s years at Alabama. If you’re a fan from way back when, I highly recommend you buy yourself this book for the holidays, whether you’ve been naughty or nice, he he.
Nah, I’m not gong to Atlanta. The Gators are 17 point dogs.
It’s a shame what happened to their season. I really thought Grier was coming along nicely. Would have made for a much more competitive ballgame.
But did you like the book…?
It’s my new best friend, Burnsy.
Pingback: Book Review: Sports Illustrated College Football’s Greatest | Sports Chump