Rating: 
Summary: Good overall, but missing something
Review: And that something is any mention of OT. I know that NFL (and even college) OT changes over the years, but Howie doesn't even mention it. It's almost amusing because for the "dummies" - well, we might as well assume after reading the book that there is no such thing as OT. It would not hurt to revise this book to at least state that at the end of regulation play, if the score is tied, the game goes into OT. No need to get specific (although what harm would that do?). An oversight on the publisher's behalf.
Rating: 
Summary: Helps you learn more about the game
Review: As a former football player and sportswriter, I thought I knew all about the game of football. But Howie Long and the others in this book spelled out many aspects of the game that I didn't even know in my years playing and writing about it. It's a great book for anyone trying to learn about this sport.
Rating:
Summary: Very Very Helpful and easy to comprehend....
Review: Bought this for a Christmas Gift and I haven't put it down yet. I have learned a great deal and it makes watching the game sooo much better when you know what everyone is doing!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Get in the huddle with Football For Dummies (r)!
Review: Former Oakland/Los Angeles Raider and current FOX by NFL Sunday commentator Howie Long brings the game of football to fans of all levels. In "Football For Dummies," Long combines his playing experience with his insightful on-air commentary to present football fans with a detailed guide to the game they love. Covering everything from Pop Warner leagues to the NFL to the World League, this fascinating reference takes you off your couch and into the huddle, explaining rules and regulations, plays and strategies, even how to design your fantasy league team! If it's football knowledge you desire, then pick up Football For Dummies and get in the game!
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT SOURCE OF INFO FOR THE NOVICE!
Review: I cover high school sports and received my first football assignment the past year. While I've always been a football fan as far back as I can remember, I've never played the game and could never understand the Xs and Os like those who play or played the game. My first game I covered, I was lost. I needed a source to go to that I wouldn't be embarrassed to ask what must seem the most obvious of questions, especially when it comes to things I'd need to use for scorekeeping, recognizing penalties, and the location and purpose of the players. This book was the answer. I feel much better versed in football, even though I thought I already understood the game sufficiently. This book is a credit to the "Dummies" series. Kudos to the "Dummies" for including Football in their many subjects.
Rating:
Summary: A lifesaver!
Review: I used to HATE football, mostly because I just didn't understand what was so exciting about watching a bunch of guys chase an oblong-shaped ball and pile on top of each other every time the whistle blew. But, after a life of sitting through high school football games as a marching band member, after attending a Division I college where football was a big deal, and after having a boyfriend who lived and breathed the sport, I finally decided to learn about football and understand what the all hype was about. I'd like to say that, after reading "Football for Dummies," I finally get it. Football is one of those sports you have to understand in order to appreciate. This book is a great starting point for those who know absolutely nothing about the sport. Howie Long (the cute guy from the Radio Shack commercials) explains every aspect of the game clearly and with great enthusiasm. His passion for the sport comes right off the page, and you can't help but feeling the same. Howie touches ALL the bases...from the rules to terms, positions, plays, penalties, referee hand signals, the history of football, uniforms, coaches, even fantasy football. He leaves no stone unturned. The book opened my eyes to America's most popular sport. Now when I watch a game, I actually ENJOY it. It managed to erase my prejudices against the sport and instill a new love for it. And believe me, that was no small task. This book demystifies a complex, yet fascinating, sport.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad, but pretty confusing
Review: I'm English, my girlfriend is American and mad about football. I know absolutely nothing about the football so I thought I better find out about it. The book started off very promisingly outlining the basics, what football is, what the field looks like and what the players wear. I found all this very helpful. Then it went onto rules and positions and I got a little lost. There was just too much information to take on and the layout of the book wasn't consistent in my mind, the information seemed to jump around a bit and you would read something then a little later you would read something else that made it make sense. Then there were the diagrams! Now I'm not stupid but I couldn't make out what they were trying to tell me, all these lines, circles, triangles and letters just confused me! The "Football Speak" section was very good though, just what you need if you want to understand what commentators are going on about. Overall a good book, I know more than I did, but it can get quite complicated
Rating:
Summary: Not perfect, but find me a book that is.....
Review: I've been a fan of football for years, but there are a lot of ins and outs you simply cannot learn from television and radio. Howie Long (assuming he did in fact write this book) sets it up as a book for women wanting to understand why their husbands, boyfriends, etc. are so tied up in the game of football. Whatever. Its still a thorough read on the game, from the basics to the coaching strategy. Long is very detailed about each player's responsibilities, and the varied setups used most often on offense and defense (he also explains what the offense and defense are, in case you don't know that much yet). He has chapters devoted exclusively to college football and the NFL, and talks a little about high school football as well. There's also a chapter on conditioning and fitness for the game, and a chapter on fantasy football for the seriously hardcore. Truly, Howie Long leaves no stone unturned here. Once you've read this book, you will understand this complex sport through and through. The only part of football he left out was the cheerleaders, but hopefully the XFL will take care of that.
Rating:
Summary: You never can know too much...
Review: I've been a football fan for over 25 years and enjoy the game a great deal. So picking up a Dummies book seems a little embarrasing considering that I should know everything about the game. However I learned awhile ago that the only dummies are the ones who assume they know it all. I've read a few on different subjects and learned quite a bit to even impress so called experts on many subjects, so I though what the heck I might pick up a little more knowledge right? In this book Howie has something for everyone. As an avid fan I enjoyed covering the basics and learning a lot more about the finer points of the game. It is put in a simple and informative way and Howie shows little biased in his opinion even though he was a defensive star. Now I truly understand the game from a whole new perspective. Of course this book won't make you a head coach but I'm positive it will enhance your viewing experience. Now when I pick up an NFL preview magazine or watch the upcoming reports on TV I get even more pumped for the season. This book was definetly a great buy and it will sure come in handy when the girlfriend asks what a 'nickleback' is. It sure is easier to pass along the book than to have to explain. Even though thanks to Howie I finally undersatnd what it is myself. Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as I'd hoped, in fact, dangerous!
Review: Never, ever, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, teach a football player to put his head down and drive through a hole in the line! I'm no "all-pro defensive end" but I do know that that's an excellent way to get your neck broken or injure another player. There are other, more subtle mistakes in the book, for example, the "blast" play (diagrammed on the back of the book as well as inside it) is drawn with eight men on the line of scrimmage, which would result in a good gain- for the defense, because the offense would be flagged for illegal procedure. Either the flanker or the split end can be on the LOS, but not both. (And the flanker is usually back, because he lines up on the side the tight end is on. Only the LAST person on the line on either side of the ball can be an eligible receiver, all others must be in the backfield. That's another bit of info that was left out of the book.) I was hoping for a bit more insight into the game: mental preparation, more little tidbits like Howie's commentary on the Denver Bronco's Offensive line before the Denver/ Green Bay Superbowl, things like that. Howie's a great player, and a good commentator, but I was not impressed with this book.
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