Football Superstars
2 total works
This is the captivating biography of a football superstar.Quarterback Peyton Manning's career symbolizes family, faith, and competitiveness. The son of former NFL great Archie Manning and the older brother of Eli Manning, he has made the Indianapolis Colts his extended family as well. Although he possesses a good deal of natural talent, Manning struggled on many occasions throughout his career. To his detractors, he was the spoiled kid of doting parents, the antithesis of the ""self-made football player."" Manning earned his way to football greatness in Miami in 2007 after leading the Colts to their first Super Bowl win in 36 years. This fascinating biography explores the life of the only player in his career to be named NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and Pro Bowl MPV. Off the gridiron, Manning's PeyBack Foundation supports leadership programs for disadvantaged youth in Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana, displaying his dedication to family and family values.This captivating, colorful biography traces Manning's childhood, influences, and personal life, and is complete with full-color photographs, informative sidebars, a bibliography, and much more.
Although Barry Sanders earned all-state honors in high school football, many college recruiters overlooked him because of his height. Undeterred, Sanders used his size to his advantage for the rest of his career. Accepting a scholarship from Oklahoma State University, he set several college football records and earned the Heisman Trophy as 1988's most outstanding player. In only his junior year of college, he was the third overall pick in the NFL draft, where he was selected to play for the Detroit Lions. He stayed with the Lions for his entire career and achievedPro Bowl status in all of his 10 seasons as a pro. At the age of 30, still healthy and a season away from topping Walter Payton's career rushing record, Sanders stunned fans when he unexpectedly announced his retirement from the game. In addition to spending time with his family, this former MVP and NFL record-holder now raises funds for various charities, including those for scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease.