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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 29, 2011 20:38:57 GMT -5
I just finished a brand new book called The Third Team. It is about NFL officiating and it covers many officiating related topics. This book is as good or better than Jerry Markbreit's books. For me, that's saying a lot. The book delves into how the NFL officials got bitten by the officiating bug, how they juggle dual lives, how they deal with screaming coaches (do you know they used to be allowed to cuss back at a coach?), how they deal with replay, and it breaks down mechanics and assignments on various plays. Beleive me, if you officiate high school football, it makes your head swim when you read the pre-snap keys for NFL guys. The book interviews a whose-who of NFL officiating in the last 40 years. Markbreit, Cashion, Jury, Botchan, Slavin, McElwee, Pereira, Quirk, Kukar, the Bergman family, Carollo, Fred Swearingen (the Immaculate Reception referee), and many more. The story about how the author took a stab in the dark to do this book is just as entertaining as the book itself. This book comes with a five-star, FF7 gold seal of approval. It is a must read for any fan of NFL officiating. There is some rated-R language sprinkled in the book, but if I can handle it, so can you. Disclaimer - I don't know the author, publisher, or anyone affiliated with this book although they can send a check to BTFS, attn: FredFan7 for the free publicity! ;D ;D thethirdteam.com/ |
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Post by jc on Jan 29, 2011 21:10:45 GMT -5
Is that Ron baynes- sr, Tim Millis and Jim Daopolus on the cover...
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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 29, 2011 21:23:19 GMT -5
Yes, from Super Bowl 33.
The site also has some rotating photos that you might also enjoy!
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Post by BTFS Admin on Jan 30, 2011 11:38:56 GMT -5
Richard Lister would be a great interview...maybe we could see about doing a Q&A or something.
If you guys and gals have questions or interest, we can put something together and send it over to him.
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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 30, 2011 16:53:18 GMT -5
There is just one extra chapter he should have written if at all possible - the decision to retire or leave the field.
Leaving the field, be it on one's own or being "retired" by the league, is always a dramatic and emotional decision. The last game if full of emotion. It would have been very compelling to read about that.
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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 30, 2011 20:12:16 GMT -5
By the way, Ryan, congrats for crossing the 1000 post threshold a little while ago.
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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 30, 2011 20:13:15 GMT -5
I'm all for interviewing him! You can also steer him to this site!  |
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Post by cj on Jan 30, 2011 21:41:38 GMT -5
There is just one extra chapter he should have written if at all possible - the decision to retire or leave the field. Leaving the field, be it on one's own or being "retired" by the league, is always a dramatic and emotional decision. The last game if full of emotion. It would have been very compelling to read about that. It would be very interesting hearing Ben Dreith's take on this! |
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Post by FredFan7 on Jan 30, 2011 22:09:36 GMT -5
While it would be a longshot, it would be nice if we could get some retired NFL officials to come to this site and regale us with stories and give us some insight to the pro officiating game. Wouldn't you love to have a "Ask Jerry Bergman/Dick Hantak/Don Hakes/Ron Botchan Thread" where they would come on and answer?
We do have some pro and college officials who lurk here, but as active officials I understand why they can't/won't post.
Ok, done daydreaming. Lister would be a good "get" for this site!
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Post by melkaman8200 on Feb 1, 2011 21:45:22 GMT -5
I ordered this book last week and it arrived the other day. Currently, I have a migraine about the size of North Dakota so I can't really read anything.
Maybe this will give me something to do during tomorrow's blizzard. A foot of snow is a lot of snow-even for Michigan, but at least we're better situated to handle it as opposed to the southern states. And I'd rather take the snow than the inch of ice that Indianapolis is getting! (I mean really, an inch of ice?)
I wonder how this "Snowmageddon" or whatever nickname you want to give it will affect Super Bowl travel. I heard the Dallas airport might be closed.
At any rate, once I read the book, I'll share my thoughts.
(Of course, I suppose I could have just waited to read it before posting anything, but what's the fun in that?)
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Post by cball1985 on Feb 1, 2011 22:51:05 GMT -5
I ordered this book last week and it arrived the other day. Currently, I have a migraine about the size of North Dakota so I can't really read anything. Maybe this will give me something to do during tomorrow's blizzard. A foot of snow is a lot of snow-even for Michigan, but at least we're better situated to handle it as opposed to the southern states. And I'd rather take the snow than the inch of ice that Indianapolis is getting! (I mean really, an inch of ice?) I wonder how this "Snowmageddon" or whatever nickname you want to give it will affect Super Bowl travel. I heard the Dallas airport might be closed. At any rate, once I read the book, I'll share my thoughts. (Of course, I suppose I could have just waited to read it before posting anything, but what's the fun in that?) I live in DFW and yes DFW was closed this morning from 7-8:30. I really hate Texas weather this past weekend it was in the 70's on Friday and Sunday and 80 on Saturday. WE did not get snow we got ice  . I think all the schools were closed today and I see the little scroll on TV and it looks like the majority are closed tomorrow. |
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Post by FredFan7 on Feb 10, 2011 0:49:54 GMT -5
We're working out the details, but we might be able to get Mr. Lister on this site for a Q&A.
I'll keep you posted.
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Post by FredFan7 on Dec 12, 2011 11:40:14 GMT -5
Bump. If you are looking for a last-minute gift idea, this book is IT! www.thethirdteam.comI have no personal or financial interest in this book. It's just a great read! |
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Post by FredFan7 on Dec 12, 2011 11:45:27 GMT -5
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. I think all the schools were closed today and I see the little scroll on TV and it looks like the majority are closed tomorrow.