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

~ (Author), Shelley Smith (Author) "No, Keyshawn Johnson is not here," I said softly to the voice on the other end of the phone and started to hang up..." (more)
Key Phrases: scalping tickets, million signing bonus, damn ball, New York, Keyshawn Johnson, Los Angeles (more...)

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 Description

In a fascinating, behind-the-scenes, no-holds-barred autobiography, college football sensation Keyshawn Johnson, presumed savior of the New York Jets, offers a candid look at his life on the field and his rookie season in the NFL.

Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson was a high school and college football superstar in California and an All-American who led the USC Trojans to a Rose Bowl win. He was the first player chosen in the 1996 NFL Draft, and Adidas has crowned him their new national spokesperson, complete with a specially designed signature shoe. He is being heralded by the New York Jets as the savior who will lead them from the cellar to the Super Bowl. In this autobiography, Johnson gives readers a look at his first season in professional football -- the exhilaration of winning, the despair of losing, the fickle fans, the relentless New York media, the money, and the extraordinary pressure placed on you when you're 23 and expected to perform miracles on the gridiron.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446521450
• ISBN-13: 978-0446521451
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #525,985 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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 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

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.