Fatso: Football When Men Were Really Men

Rating:
Summary: Best sports biography ever
Review: Art Donovan was the best defensive tackle ever to play football, and his story of life in the NFL is fascinating and entertaining. Never one to mince words, Art freely expresses his views, particularly on the state of the modern-day NFL; in fact, his candidness brought about the end of his stint as a sportscaster, when he told a national audience what he thought of Bob Hayes' failure to stand for the playing of the national anthem. His wonderful sense of humor and keen insights into both human nature and professional football have made him a popular guest on the talk-show circuit, and give this book an irresistible appeal. There is a wealth of hilarious anecdotes and observations, and any reader would be hard-pressed to avoid laughing at them. Art Donovan is not only a great athlete - he is also a great man, and this book deserves to be read and appreciated. In fact, one need not be a football fan to enjoy this wonderful book. Way to go, Art!

Rating:
Summary: Fatso. Football When Men Were Really Men
Review: I played football in college at about the time of Donovan's early recollections. What was true for the pros was also generally true in college at that time. I enjoyed going back over those days, particularly since I knew a number of the players and coaches he talked about. I do not understand how a man who played next to Gino Marchetti for a number of years can be so far off as to state that he played for Antioch College, allegedly "right outside San Francisco."

To begin with there is no such college anywhere near San Francisco. Marchetti comes from Antioch, California. He played on one of the greatest teams ever to take to the field; the University of San Francisco Dons. In 1951 they were undefeated and 9 of their players went to the pros; three, including Marchetti, are in the Hall of Fame. At that time many college players in California played semi-pro ball to stay in shape during the Summer. In the Summer of 1951 Marchetti played for the Antioch Hornets and I played directly against him for the Concord Mustangs. It was a hell of a contest. Gino was the toughest man I ever played against. After the game I told my father, " I just played against a guy who will become an all time pro." We had a few drinks after the game and I enjoyed getting to know him a little. I guess I was right about him because he played in the pro bowl eight times.

I don't understand how Donovan could be so far off, and end up failing an opportunity to mention the great USF team, that gave up going to a bowl game because they would not play without the blacks on their team, as was requested by their possible opponent. I also do not understand the reference concerning Gino coming from the ghetto and being recruited off the race track. I do not recall any ghetto or race track in Antioch.

Rating:
Summary: Fatso. Football When Men Were Really Men
Review: I played football in college at about the time of Donovan's early recollections. What was true for the pros was also generally true in college at that time. I enjoyed going back over those days, particularly since I knew a number of the players and coaches he talked about. I do not understand how a man who played next to Gino Marchetti for a number of years can be so far off as to state that he played for Antioch College, allegedly "right outside San Francisco."

To begin with there is no such college anywhere near San Francisco. Marchetti comes from Antioch, California. He played on one of the greatest teams ever to take to the field; the University of San Francisco Dons. In 1951 they were undefeated and 9 of their players went to the pros; three, including Marchetti, are in the Hall of Fame. At that time many college players in California played semi-pro ball to stay in shape during the Summer. In the Summer of 1951 Marchetti played for the Antioch Hornets and I played directly against him for the Concord Mustangs. It was a hell of a contest. Gino was the toughest man I ever played against. After the game I told my father, " I just played against a guy who will become an all time pro." We had a few drinks after the game and I enjoyed getting to know him a little. I guess I was right about him because he played in the pro bowl eight times.

I don't understand how Donovan could be so far off, and end up failing an opportunity to mention the great USF team, that gave up going to a bowl game because they would not play without the blacks on their team, as was requested by their possible opponent. I also do not understand the reference concerning Gino coming from the ghetto and being recruited off the race track. I do not recall any ghetto or race track in Antioch.

Rating:
Summary: Best sports biography ever
Review: This book is several years old; however, I reread it a couple times a year for the laughs! These old NFL stories are too funny! Do yourself a favor some evening: curl up with this book and prepare to laugh...wish Donovan would write another.

Rating:
Summary: A classic, a must read for all sports fans.
Review: This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. I believe
even non-sports fans would enjoy Arthur Donovan's life story.
If you are looking for a quick read, something to pass the time
on an airplane flight, or if you just like reading colorful
stories of a time past this is the book for you.

Rating:
Summary: A classic, a must read for all sports fans.
Review: This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. I believe
even non-sports fans would enjoy Arthur Donovan's life story.
If you are looking for a quick read, something to pass the time
on an airplane flight, or if you just like reading colorful
stories of a time past this is the book for you.