Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula, and the Rise of the Modern NFL

De: Jack Gilden

Narrado por: Kevin F Spalding

In their seven years together, quarterback Johnny Unitas and coach Don Shula, kings of the fabled Baltimore Colts of the 1960s, created one of the most successful franchises in sports. Unitas and Shula had a higher winning percentage than Lombardi's Packers, but together they never won the championship. Baltimore lost the big game to the Browns in 1964 and to Joe Namath and the Jets in Super Bowl III both in stunning upsets. The Colts near misses in the Shula era were among the most confounding losses any sports franchise ever suffered. Rarely had a team in any league performed so well, over such an extended period, only to come up empty.

The two men had a complex relationship stretching back to their time as young teammates competing for their professional lives. Their personal conflict mirrored their tumultuous times. As they elevated the brutal game of football, the world around them clashed about Vietnam, civil rights, and sex. Collision of Wills looks at the complicated relationship between Don Shula, the league's winningest coach of all time, and his star player Johnny Unitas, and how their secret animosity fueled the Colts in an era when their losses were as memorable as their victories.

The book is published by University of Nebraska Press. The audiobook will be published by University Press Audiobooks.

©2018 Jack Gilden (P)2018 Redwood Audiobooks

Reseñas de la Crítica

"With passion for the subject, extensive reporting, and sharp analysis, Jack Gilden brings to life Johnny Unitas, Don Shula, their team, their era, and their city." (John Eisenberg, former Baltimore Sun sports columnist)

"A revealing look behind the scenes of one of the game's most idolized players, and one of its most triumphant coaches..." (Michael Olesker, Baltimore Jewish Living)

More than a football book, this is an epic character study

Jack Gilden takes the reader on a journey of discovery, finding out who these strong-willed and indomitable men really were and how they interacted with each other. And what I love most is the way in which the author weaves the context of the world they lived in to this narrative, exploring other strong-willed people like David Halberstam and Bobby Knight. It's a great read and I highly recommendit!

Spectacular Football History Book

This is a must listen to book for anyone who was a fan of Johnny Unitas, Don Shula or the Baltimore Colts or even anyone who happens to be a sports historian. I will admit that I was never much of a Johnny Unitas, Don Shula or even a Baltimore Colts fan and I am certainly not a sports historian. But being the Joe Namath and Jets fan and Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers fan that I was, I can truly relate to and appreciate this book.

Collision of Wills Hits Home

Great story that touched many fronts; sports icons, turbulent times and social insights.

Learned more than I wanted about both. Great connection with the history of the time. Thoroughly enjoyed the Kevin Spaulding’s easy listening and melodic style.

Good listen for older audiences only.

Well written and well narrated - a great insight into a coach and his quarterback

A wonderfully written and narrated book on the complex relationship between one of the greatest NFL coaches and the leagues top quarterback in their time. This book gives a look at the NFL during the 1950’s and 60’s during the merger if both leagues. Great historical background of the leagues teams during that time and how the Colts made their mark and the complexity of player, coach and owner was fascinating. Easy listening and kept your my interest.

Great Football History Piece

This is a great listen for fans of football prior to the 'no touch era' that we are currently in. The book covered the history that helped forge the league into what it is today. Fans of Vince Lombardi and Joe Namath will truly enjoy this listen.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.