Freddie Steinmark

Faith, Family, Football

By: Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan

Narrated by: Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan, Sammy Steinmark

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Freddie Steinmark was starting safety for the undefeated University of Texas Longhorns in 1969. In the thrilling “Game of the Century,” a come-from-behind victory against Arkansas that ensured Texas the National Championship, Steinmark played with pain in his left leg. Two days later, X-rays revealed a cancerous bone tumor so large that it seemed a miracle Steinmark could walk, let alone play football. Within a week of the Arkansas game, his leg was amputated.

A gritty, undersized player, Steinmark had quickly become a fan favorite at Texas. What he endured during the Longhorns’ memorable 1969 season, and what he encountered afterward, captivated not only Texans, but the country at large. Americans watched closely as Steinmark confronted life’s ultimate challenge, and his openness during his battle against savage odds helped reframe the national conversation surrounding cancer, prompting President Nixon to sign the first National Cancer Act establishing the ongoing race for a cure.

Written with unfettered access to the Steinmark family and archives, Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football is the exploration of a brief but full life, one that began humbly but ended on a grand stage. Narrated by the authors, with Steinmark’s younger brother, Sammy, voicing Freddie’s statements and thoughts, this audiobook includes many historical audio clips, dramatized clips from the major motion picture My All American, and sound effects inserted into the narrative, bringing to life Freddie’s remarkable universal journey of hope and heart that transcends the game. 

An inspirational and timeless story of a legendary Longhorn whose photograph, emblazoned with the word “heart”, flashes on the Freddie Steinmark Scoreboard’s Jumbotron prior to each home football game in UT’s Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at Joe Jamail Field.

©2015 Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan (P)2023 Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan

Storytelling at its finest—don’t miss this

Freddie Steinmark has always inspired my children. They admire his humility, work ethic, love of family, and positivity. His life has modeled for them how to face tragedy with honor. Everyone, especially young athletes, should know his story. It is powerfully brought to life in this audiobook narrated by authors Bower Yousse and Thomas Cryan and Freddie's brother, Sammy. Implausible as it will seem to those who already loved the book, they’ve managed to make it even better. Historical audio clips, sound effects, and bonus materials enhance the listening experience and will keep you enthralled. It’s an emotional read, but ultimately so uplifting.

Inspiring

A moving and passionate story that offers insight and guidance for a life well lived.