Customer Reviews

Jim Otto: The PAIN OF GLORY

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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Reviewer: Bisoneyes from Redditch, Worcestershire United Kingdom
Jim Otto. The Pain of Glory is a book that covers Otto's life to date, but pays particular attention to the early years of the storied NFL club the Oakland Raiders.

Beginning with his poor childhood in rural Wisconsin, the book tracks Otto's progression to college, and on to the NFL. It outlines Otto's determination to succeed when all about him were telling him he was too small to play college football at the centre position, let alone go on to the Pro game.

Once at the Raiders the book highlights the painful beginnings for the club, and the struggles Otto overcame to become an All Pro centre. Otto's obvious love for the club and for its owner Al Davis shine through the pages. Along with this Otto highlights the key players with whom he played football with and tells some great stories about the likes of Ben Davidson, Kenny Stabler and other Raider greats.

He speaks out in the book against the modern NFL and the attitude of the player and their agents. He rages against the inclusion of players he consider unworthy of selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but whose busts stand side by side with his. Finally he lambasts the NFL who called him a liar.

Most movingly though Otto speaks of the 'Pain of Glory'. About the untold operations he has had on his once primed body, which is now giving up on him as he pays for the success he enjoyed in ways he probably never thought of. This section is an emotional, insightful and tragic commentary on professional football.

In summary 'The Pain of Glory' is a superb reflection on an exemplorary career. Its a must read for all Raiders fans, and those interested in the NFL.

A very straight forward book by Jim Otto. There is a price when one wants to achieve or aspire to achieve glory on the gridiron. Jim Otto is that person and he candidly tells us what he was willing to sacrifice to reach that plateau. For the Raider fan at heart, or a football fan in general, this is the book to read.

Really well done sports autobiography as far as these things usually go by one of the more legendary football players of the past 40 years. This book is an easy read filled with inspiration, humour, and an overall healthy attitude towards the life lived and the game of American football. Not to mention some very funny stories about the early days of the Oakland Raiders (nee Senors - thank God they didn't keep that name).

This is an interesting read for a Raiders or an AFL fan, but it doesn't flow well at all, is circular at times and can be choppy. Being a Chiefs fan and knowing the Raider greats, I found it interesting to learn more about the great Jim Otto personally, but the book is not that well written. Jim Otto's physical trama and pain tolerance in the AFL must have been unbelieveable! What a tough guy!!

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. JIM OTTO WAS TRULY A MAN DEDICATED TO HIS PASSION. HE PLAYED THRU SO MANY INJURIES THAT WOULD HAVE KILLED MANY CAREERS. HIS DESCRIPTION OF HIS MANY KNEE INJURIES HAD ME WINCING AND MY KNEES WERE HURTING JUST READING ABOUT THE PAIN HE ENDURED THRU OUT HIS CAREER. AN AMAZING MAN WITH SUCH A TOLERANCE FOR PAIN. HIS RETELLING OF EARLY RAIDER DAYS WAS VERY NOSTALGIC. I ENJOYED HIS COMMENTS ABOUT LYNN SWANN AND VARIOUS OTHER FORMER PLAYERS AND OWNERS. A MUST READ FOR ALL RAIDER FANS AND FOR FANS WHO LIKED PLAYERS WHO WERE AS TOUGH AS NAILS.

A great football, as well as a great Raiders, book. All football fans will enjoy this simple yet articulate story of one of the true iron men in professional athletics history. Raiders fans will enjoy it for some insight into the early history of the team as Jim Otto was there from day one. Very humourous as well! Jim Ottos is a walking miracle. Highly enjoyable & highly recommended!

This books tells of the amazing story which is Jim Otto. I would rekemand it for any one who wants to know Double O. Also any Raider fans because it also tells of the early history of Raiders. Plus it talks about Al Davis. Many plan Football fans will enjoy this book too.

Jim Otto's injuries have left him a pitiful cripple, in constant pain, who can't do even the simplest physical tasks that normal people take for granted. He will probably die soon from their aftereffects, in fact should have died from them several times already. We know this because he says so, while matter-of-factly stating that, if he had it to do over again, he would do things exactly the same?! I don't get it, and even if I did get it I wouldn't approve of it--if there is anything worth putting yourself through this kind of hell for, it is surely not the fleeting "glory" of the football field. In spite of, or maybe because of, all this, the book is endlessly readable and interesting--his hardcore masochism holds the same kind of strange fascination that makes people watch car wrecks (and football games, I suppose). It helps that Otto comes across as very likable, even admirable in his way--honest, conscientious, and of course dependable. Even if at times he seems to be rather, um, stupid.

I would rekemand this book to ennyone who loves football. Esspeshly the raiders. I love al davis and Jim otto and this book tells a tale of both. Kudos to the author. Wow!