Rating: 
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The more I learned about the coach the more I realized what a complex, interesting man he was. I grew up following the Packers as a child, and it was fun reading about what went on in behind the scenes. The author seems to have done a great deal of research, and he has crafted an outstanding biography.
Rating: 
Summary: Another Hero Eviscerated
Review: A hero of mine as I sat transfixed each Sunday in my teens, the author clearly questions Lombardi's intelligence, morals, mental stability, family life, religion and will to win at all costs. He was driven, yes. Perhaps that was commendable. But he married a woman he likely didn't love (or didn't know how to) and had two children he barely tolerated and seemed ashamed of. All three are shown to have severe mental problems...and Lombardi himself wasn't far behind. In the end, he was mostly a fraud driven to win at all costs. And while such determination can be praised, its underpinnings are fascinating and tragic at the same time.
Rating:
Summary: Carefully Researched, Very Human Portrait of an Icon
Review: Maraniss has done his typical excellent job of bringing a larger-than-life character, in this case legendary coach Vince Lombardi, to life in this engaging biography. The author explores Lombardi's humble beginning, his Catholic upbringing, and his will to win which enabled him to compete as one of the famed "Seven Blocks of Granite" at Fordham despite a lack of both size or exemplary athletic talent.Early in the book, Maraniss provides a fascinating glimpse into the college football programs of former national contenders Fordham and Army, where Lombardi was an assistant under the famed Red Blaik, and where he sometimes sat watching film with huge Army supporter Gen. Douglas MacArthur. At West Point Lombardi learned some of the coaching techniques, including a manic obsession with film study and precise repetition in practice, that served him so well later. For those who know nothing about Lombardi apart from his years with the Green Bay Packers, there is much here to learn and enjoy. Vince was an assistant coach for the NY Giants, coaching the offense while another future hall of famer, Tom Landry, coached the defense, and he gives a stirring account of the famous 1960 championship game, believed by many to be the greatest football game ever played. Maraniss explores Lombardi's frustrating delays in obtaining a head coaching job, which he thought was due to his Italian heritage, and explores his Green Bay days in thorough, skillful fashion. Characters such as Paul Hornung (the coach's "Golden Boy" and favorite player), Bart Starr, Jerry Kramer, Ray Nietzsche, Alex Karras, Willie Wood, Dick Schaap,and countless others were apparently interviewed, and their personal remembrances of the Packer era made this a football fan's dream. But Maraniss does not simply concentrate on x's and o's, as he also explores Lombardi the husband and father, painting a sometimes unflattering picture of Lombardi the reluctant family man with little or no time for quality interaction with his kids. The author even quotes from a devastating letter written by Lombardi's wife Marie to their son, in 1970 as Vince was beginning to get ill and their son was starting his own career and family, expressing frustration at the apparent lack of effort expended by both Lombardi men to cement their father-son relationship. Ultimately Lombardi was a complex man, standing up for his players (he would not tolerate discrimination against players who were black or gay) as he berated them on the practice field. The portrait is especially relevant now, as the country debates the antics of another "tough disciplinarian" coach by the name of Bobby Knight. I would have enjoyed a little more complete picture of Lombardi's one year back on the sidelines coaching the Washington Redskins in 1969. Maraniss skillfully explores Lombardi's hiring and uneasy split with Green Bay, as well as his introduction to D.C. and his power lunches with owner Edward Bennett Williams. However, after some good material regarding his initial reactions and impressions of the team (he thought Sunny Jurgenson was blessed with incredible talent), Maraniss virtually skips the entire season and tells you how the Redskins did in retrospect, without any of the detail or anecdotes that made the Packers years come alive in his retelling. It was as if Maraniss knew it was time to wrap things up, and he had tired of writing about football. However, all in all, this is a fascinating portrait of a man whose impact is still felt on the gridiron, and whose fanatical dedication to team and especially character lately have been sorely missed in the NFL (and in all sports for that matter.)
Rating:
Summary: The definitive portrait of a legend
Review: For many people, Vince Lombardi is forever tied to his saying "winning isn't everything - it's the only thing." He stands as a figurehead of the old school of coaching, before they spouted pop psychology and wrote success books. Dave Maraniss' masterful book goes beyond this legend to provide a sensitive and multi-dimensional portrait of a leadership figure who was, in many ways, far ahead of his time. Lombardi was as focused on winning as anyone in sports, and he didn't suffer fools gladly. But he also valued diversity, respect, and managing people as individuals. He wouldn't tolerate racism or homophobia at a time when there was too much of both in the sports world. Above all, he mixed equal parts of emotion and intellect to elevate his profession to another level. This richly documented biography was not designed as a popular business book, but there are lessons in it for anyone who leads a team of people today. It's a fascinating read about one of the great minds in sports history. -Rich Gallagher, author "Delivering Legendary Customer Service"
Rating:
Summary: A good look at the man and the times
Review: This was a very interesting book, both for the story of Lombardi but also for the look at the time period when the NFL went from small time to the biggest national sport. The book does a good job of examining both Lombardi's good side (the winning, the love by and for his players) and bad side (scandals on his teams, family life) in a fair manner. During the period from the late-50s to mid 60's (basically Lombardi's pro coaching career) pro football went from playing second fiddle to college ball to being the national obsession. I found this story of the rise of the NFL as interesting as Lombardi's.
Rating:
Summary: The man behind the myth
Review: This book was supremely researched and superbly crafted. Maraniss does not glorify, or tear down this cultural icon. He paints a compelling portrait of Lombardi, and explores the complexity of the uniquely American ideals he symbolizes. This is an absolute "can't miss" for fans of Lombardi--a comprehensive study of the real life of one of the truly mythological figures of American culture.
Rating:
Summary: A True Story Of Life & Sport...
Review: What a great read. Although the first part of the book will challenge those unfamiliar with Vincent T. Lombardi's legacy from an historical perspective, the bulk of the book will challenge your sleep patterns! As a Wisconsin native, I remember many trips to Green Bay during the '60s with my Dad, hearing my father wax poetic about Lombardi. This wonderful chronology of Lombardi will teach as well as endear its readers to the "man, myth and legend". Great job Mr. Maraniss or, can I call you David?
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: A magnificent balanced biography of the greatest coach ever in any sport. Maraniss shows us the early years and family that instilled in Lombardi the will to do the very best and to encourage others to do their best. For as much praise and glory that Maraniss shows us, he also explores the hardships and flaws of Lombardi. I ended up liking Vince even more after I read this book, it made him seem less like the marble statue of all that was good and noble of American sports and more like a human being.
Rating:
Summary: AN AMAZING MAN.........A GREAT BOOK.
Review: This book was a real joy to read. David Maraniss has the gift of telling a great story, and he chose a very special person. It is a must read for any NFL fans, but will be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lombardi was quite a character and this book tells so much about the "greatest coach ever." It also adds some insight into what it takes to be a great leader. I look forward to Maraniss' next book, no matter what it is about.
Rating:
Summary: A difficult character brought to life
Review: Lombardi was obviously someone you either loved or hated. It's easy to see from Maraniss' fine biography that Lombardi was a difficult person, driven by a level of energy unknown to most of us, and full of the inner conflicts that so often fuel such personalities. I wasn't sure by the end of the book whether I liked Lombardi or not, but I admired him and certainly felt great empathy for him.
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