Just Give Me the Damn Ball!: The Fast Times and Hard Knocks of an NFL Rookie [Hardcover]

Keyshawn Johnson (Author), Shelley Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997

"Well, son, I guess we have to go the to bank." That's what Leon Hess told me the day the Jets drafted me as the number-one player in the NFL draft. But that first day, the day of the draft, was one of the happiest days in my life, because I knew I was ready to make things happen in the league and help turn things around for the sorry-ass Jets. But what a nightmare! Week after week, loss after loss. The Jets went in with a loser reputation, and they were earning it all over again. We had no emotion, no energy, no hunger. The media tried to cover it all. Rich Kotite tried to explain the disasters away. But nobody outside the team knew the real truth of what really went on. This book is going to change all that.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Keyshawn Johnson, the highly touted second-year receiver for the Jets, is a man of few words--he seems to know only a few, most of which are unprintable.... Johnson has caught just 63 passes so far in his pro career, and the only record he holds is "most pages per catch." -- The New York Times Book Review, Allen Barra

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446521450
• ISBN-13: 978-0446521451
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 0.9 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,352,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint of heart., January 20, 2006

By 

Navy Bean "Navy Bean" (Amsterdam/Dayton, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just Give Me the Damn Ball!: The Fast Times and Hard Knocks of an NFL Rookie (Hardcover)

Great guy! Mr. Johnson is gutsy. He's not afraid to take on the sacred cows of the NFL. His numbers would tell you that he is an above-average receiver, while Keyshawon will tell you that he's the best receiver of all time. Who's right? I'm not sure, but reading this book will have you laughing in recognition. What a ride! His infectious smile will melt your heart and his double-talk unedited stream of consciousness logic will confound you. I only hope that Mr. Johnson will finish his career in Canada or possibly NFL Europe, which appears where he's headed. By 2007. my guess. Thank you Key! Stay hot and don't let bad stats get you down. You're a winner in my book. Which, I'm thinking of titling "Keyshawon Johnson: Genius and Scholar."

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, a must read for antyu football fan., October 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Just Give Me the Damn Ball!: The Fast Times and Hard Knocks of an NFL Rookie (Hardcover)

This is a great book. Keyshawn tells his story as if he has no care about any criticism he may receive. This makes the book that much more interesting.

5.0 out of 5 stars personal side of the outspoken Jet receiver, July 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Just Give Me the Damn Ball!: The Fast Times and Hard Knocks of an NFL Rookie (Hardcover)

A great story about life inside an NFL player. Key talks about his feelings toward John Robinson, Rich Kotite, Neil O'Donnell and other coaches & players. The former USC receiver gives you a diary of the tumultuous 1-15 '96 Jets season.