Blazing Trails: Coming of Age in Football's Golden Era

Rating:
Summary: The Godfather of Tight Ends
Review: John Mackey revolutionized how the tight end position was played and for those of us that remember his on field exploits this book fills in the holes that many may not know. But, it is a surface book that does not go deeply into any issues. You learn that he was Ernie Davis' roommate and the trauma of watching him die. 70% of the book concerns his pro career. But probably the most controversial section is about his negotiating as the President of the Players Union. Some of the tricks the owners pulled were amazing and evidently Mackey did a great job slowing their process.

Overall this is a good story of a very good man. And while it mentions all family members in a positive way, the book really doesn't delve deeply into the mind of Mackey. It's a great, short read if you like him as a football player and that was enough for me.