Wedded to the Game: The Real Lives of NFL Women [Paperback]

Shannon O'Toole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006

What is it really like living in the shadow of the NFL? Contending with marital issues in a media spotlight? Raising kids whose father is idolized for his bone-crushing work on national TV? Trying to pursue friendships and career while constantly on the move? Reporting from the home field, Shannon O’Toole offers an intimate perspective on the culture of the NFL based on her interviews with dozens of wives and girlfriends of NFL players and coaches.

Bringing to bear a background in sociology and a firsthand understanding of being married to the NFL, O'Toole is uniquely qualified to report from behind pro football’s doors. Part insider tell-all, part sociological study, her book is packed with candid on-the-spot accounts of NFL life, providing a rare glimpse into the often hidden world behind the game.

Women—already 43 percent of the NFL’s fan base—make up the sport’s fastest growing group of fans: this book is certain to appeal to them and to anyone who wonders about the hidden realities of America’s favorite game.

(20060411)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Wedded to the Game [is] a book that comes as a real eye-opener. . . . [This] is not a book about John Morton and Shannon O''Toole. Where their experience is illustrative O''Toole mentions it, but there''s no breast-beating about unfair treatment or bad breaks or anything else. She''s really more interested in what''s happened to other players'' wives, and some of them prove interesting indeed. . . . There''s much more about it . . . in this intelligent, thoughtful book."—Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post

(Jonathan Yardley The Washington Post 20060301)

"This book offers an insider''s glimpse of life in the NFL from a unique perspective: that of the players'' and coaches'' wives. . . . Because sociologist O''Toole is herself the wife of an ex-NFL player and coach, she is able to provide both a pragmatic and an intellectual view of NFL culture in her well-organized and accessible text."—Library Journal

(Kimberley Robles-Smith Library Journal 20060301)

"Shannon O''Toole blends her education in sociology with her real life experience as an ''insider,'' a woman living the NFL life. Shannon''s insight and perspective provides the average fan a brief glimpse into the emotions and struggles, yes struggles, of these women."—FemmeFan.Com

(Ivette Ricco FemmeFan.Com 20050914)

"Shannon O''Toole pens a compelling and realistic portrayal of life in the NFL through the eyes, hearts, and voices of players'' and coaches'' wives and girlfriends. . . . Whether you''re a casual fan or a gridiron devotee, you''ll enjoy O''Toole''s perspective on the NFL."—Andrea Kremer, ESPN national correspondent

(Andrea Kremer 20050914)

"In Wedded to the Game, Shannon O''Toole, the wife of an ex-NFL player and coach, offers a side of the NFL that doesn''t show up in newspaper summaries. It should be a hit with NFL fans."—Charean Williams, NFL writer and columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

(Charean Williams 20050914)

"This book is a very realistic, factual, well-documented account of the trials and tribulations of coaches'' and players'' wives, and will make for very interesting reading. It is not an exposé, but is a realistic look at a different side of the NFL."—Larry Kennan, executive director of the National Football League Coaches Association

(Larry Kennan )

About the Author

Shannon O'Toole holds a master's degree in sociology from Western Michigan University. Her husband, John Morton, has played wide receiver in the NFL, the CFL, and the NFL-sponsored World League and coached in the NFL for eight years. A member of the North American Society for the Study of Sport, O'Toole writes book reviews for newspapers and sports-related Web sites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books; 1 edition (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803286252
• ISBN-13: 978-0803286252
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,384,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Wedded" is really good!, June 3, 2006

By 

Noreen Franklin "Librarian" (Castro Valley, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wedded to the Game: The Real Lives of NFL Women (Paperback)

Shannon O'Toole, a first-time author, writes smoothly and beautifully in this fast-paced, informative, and surprisingly juicy book. As an NFL insider, Shannon has definitely done her homework bringing to the forefront an aspect that is rarely seen in public - the other half of the men in the NFL - their wives, fiancées and girlfriends of the many players and coaches. We so often hear about the male players in the NFL so it is very refreshing to learn how these women are indeed a factor in the success of their husband's careers. "Wedded To The Game" is an eye opener for all who are interested in the dynamics of relationships that stand the test of time, stress, children and insecurities galore. Who would ever guess that these marriages last and the reasons are similar to one another? No other book will give you this insight, I highly recommend it!

O'Toole is candid about her own life leading up to and in the NFL and interviews with notables as Jackie Rice, Kathy Waufle, Pat Kennan, Kim Singletary, Kim Ruddy, Kori Shaw and many others are candid as well. I can guarantee that you will enjoy it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great depiction of the lifestyle when dating a pro athlete, July 4, 2009

By 

APG "Annie" (Montreal, QC.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wedded to the Game: The Real Lives of NFL Women (Paperback)

This book serves as a great tool allowing women to understand and project themselve in a life that may await them if their partner aspires to or becomes a professional athlete. One can feel the authenticity of the women's testimonies and it definitively helps to set apart reality from media-enhanced stereotypes. Whether dating a NFL player or not, the typical "super woman" who is primarily responsible for handling the kids, the finances, the frequent moves, and the emotional stress brought about by their husband' s unique job will surely relate to this book.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NFL Fan, April 8, 2006

By 

Joie "Jo" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wedded to the Game: The Real Lives of NFL Women (Paperback)

The insiders view of living with the NFL. Great commentary on women adjusting to life as a partner in the NFL. Surprising revelations and expectations. A good read.