Touchdown Alexander
My Story of Faith, Football, and Pursuing the Dream
by Shaun Alexander with Cecil Murphey
Overview
From the Publisher
In this inspiring audiobook,Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, the NFL's Most Valuable Player for 2005, shares his amazing journey to success both on and off the field.
My thoughts
First of all I have to admit bias because I'm a HUGE Shaun Alexander fan and a HUGE Seattle Seahawks fan. Having said that, I was a little disappointed with some of the things I read about Shaun in this book regarding his work ethics. In a way, I admire him for not allowing football to guide his life. He made God #1 in his life and he based all his decisions on that principle. As a fan, I'm a little annoyed that he didn't work harder on the field with his God-given talent. If he excelled to this degree without working out in the off-season, imagine the possibilities had he gone all out. And yet even as I say that, I'm sure Shaun said it would have worked out differently had he not made God the priority in his life.
What I learned about Shaun Alexander in this book is that he's a very complex individual. Fans were quick to criticize when they didn't know the truth, but throughout the good and the bad Shaun has remained true to himself. What he believes, he believes with all his heart. If he comes off a little bit arrogant in his humility (yes, I do know what I just wrote!) keep reading because he closes the book in a powerful way that in my opinion makes up for any misconceptions along the way.
I wasn't sure what rating I'd give this book as I was reading it but the final chapters convinced me. This is definitely a 3 star book, and I wish Shaun Alexander, his wife and daughters, and his foundation all the success in the world.
Favorite Passage
While there, I glanced at the calendar one day and counted: I had only 16 days remaining before training for my second season as a Seahawk was to begin. I had been so busy speaking, I had neglected one very important activity for a professional athlete - I had hardly worked out the entire summer.
Reality set in. I was in North Carolina, and I wasn't in good shape. I tried to calm myself down by remembering, Hey, I'm just a backup for Ricky Watters. It's only my second year and Ricky is the man.
"God, help me!" I cried out in desperation. "I need to get into shape. What am I going to do?"
I didn't hear a voice, but I felt an inner assurance - as if God had said, Didn't I tell you to go out and speak? I'll give you what you need for the season.
