Notes

Chapter 1: “The Patriots Will Regret Hiring Bill Belichick” (2000 New England Patriots)

1. The six-year contract that: Bob Glauber, “Why Not Sooner?” (New York) Newsday, January 5, 2000.

2. Just prior to stepping: “12 Hours in Belichick’s World,” (Bridgewater, New Jersey) Courier-News, January 5, 2000.

3. He cited the uncertainty: Ibid.

4. While Hess and Belichick: Jake Nisse, “Bill Belichick somehow makes infamous Jets resignation sting worse,” New York Post, November 10, 2020.

5. The Patriots were looking: Carlo DeVito, Parcells, A Biography (Chicago: Triumph, 2011), 305–306, Scribd.

6. Just before Parcells: Ibid., 306.

7. However, in contrast to Parcells: Jeff Benedict, The Dynasty (New York: Avid Reader Press, 2020), 113, Scribd.

8. In January 1997: DeVito, Parcells, 265.

9. Since Parcells still: Ibid., 264.

10. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue: Rich Cimini and Wayne Coffey, “Tuna forced to stand pat,” New York Daily News, January 30, 1997.

11. After weeks of unsuccessful: Rich Cimini, “Parcells comes home & this time it’s for reel,” New York Daily News, February 11, 1997.

12. Three years later, when Belichick: Rich Cimini, “Belichick bails after one day,” New York Daily News, January 5, 2000.

13. One of Belichick’s prime concerns: Ian O’Connor, Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018), 276–277, Scribd.

14. Despite Parcells’s assurance that Belichick: Ibid.

15. “He bristles under that kind…”: Author interview with Bob Glauber, May 12, 2020.

16. “Especially… [with] an opportunity…”: Ibid.

17. Post columnist George Willis: George Willis, “Belichick error thankfully over,” New York Post, January 5, 2000.

18. Willis wrote, “If the Patriots…”: Ibid.

19. Sports Illustrated’s Peter King thought: Peter King, “The eyes had it in Tennessee,” CNNSI.com, January 10, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20020209025645/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/peter_king/news/2000/01/10/mmqb/ (accessed December 3, 2021); Peter King, “Still adrift, but opinionated: Bob Kraft should shun Belichick,” CNNSI.com, January 27, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20020208020725/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/peter_king/news/2000/01/26/ten_things/ (accessed December 3, 2021).

20. “That yellow line isn’t…”: Jeff Jacobs, “There is no defense for gutless reversal,” Hartford Courant, January 5, 2000.

21. “It’s the color of Belichick’s…”: Ibid.

22. A few weeks later, after Johnson & Johnson heir: Jeff Jacobs, “Replay it all you want, call still wrong,” Hartford Courant, January 12, 2000.

23. “Better they find out now…”: Adrian Wojnarowski, “Resignations leave team in confusion,” (North Jersey) Record, January 5, 2000.

24. “Belichick belongs…”: Ibid.

25. He called Belichick: Ian O’Connor, “A bizarre move by a disheveled man,” (Westchester, New York) Journal News, January 5, 2000.

26. “He was more negative…”: Paul Doyle, “A coach’s road from failure to genius,” Hartford Courant, February 6, 2005.

27. “Guys would hate coming to work…”: Ibid.

28. In the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News: Greg Simms, “Belichick still scared,” Dayton (Ohio) Daily News, January 9, 2000.

29. In a column skewering: Terry Pluto, “No Mr. Bill? Fans of Jets,” Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal, January 6, 2000.

30. “Consider Belichick little more…”: Filip Bondy, “Kraft-y move by Belichick,” New York Daily News, January 5, 2000.

31. “He is, after all…”: Ibid.

32. Glauber, in Newsday: Glauber, “Why Not Sooner?”

33. “He had the perfect…”: Ibid.

34. In the Record: John Rowe, “Ungrateful Belichick, lost at sea,” (North Jersey) The Record, January 9, 2000.

35. “Even if Parcells doesn’t…”: Ibid.

36. Kraft told Sports Illustrated: Peter King, “Robert Kraft Made a ‘Mistake’ and Turned it into a Dynasty,” Sports Illustrated, January 30, 2017, https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/01/30/robert-kraft-patriots-nfl-super-bowl-51-falcons-peter-king (accessed February 24, 2022).

37. Kraft also admitted: Ibid.

38. Nobody thought it was: Ibid.

39. He even had media: Ibid.

40. With the NFL prohibiting: Gary Myers, “Belichick to file NFL grievance,” New York Daily News, January 5, 2000.

41. “Why any team would…”: Dan Pompei, “There is no sane reason for all the fuss over Belichick,” Sporting News, January 17, 2000.

42. Pompei also hypothesized: Ibid.

43. “Just because Belichick is…”: Ibid.

44. “If I’m… Bob Kraft”: Peter King, “Still adrift, but opinionated: Bob Kraft should shun Belichick,” CNNSI.com, January 27, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20020208020725/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/peter_king/news/2000/01/26/ten_things/ (accessed December 3, 2021).

45. King didn’t understand: Ibid.

46. “[Former Carolina Panthers head coach]…”: Ibid.

47. “Kraft could be headed…”: Garry Brown, “Belichick would be the wrong call,” (Springfield, Massachusetts) Union-News, January 7, 2000.

48. “That would be…”: Ibid.

49. The Patriots gave up: Rich Cimini, “Tuna, Kraft agree to bury hatchet,” New York Daily News, January 28, 2000.

50. “I’m kind of a little surprised”: Bob Duffy, “Mixed reviews from around the league,” Boston Globe, January 28, 2000.

51. “Giving up a No. 1…”: Ibid.

52. In the (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle: Bob Matthews, “Patriots gave up too much to obtain Belichick,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, January 29, 2000.

53. Boston-based radio host Ted: Jon Couture, “Here’s what experts thought of the Patriots hiring Bill Belichick in 2000,” Boston.com, January 27, 2019.

54. The Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian: Author interview with Karen Guregian, May 9, 2020.

55. Among them: Vince Lombardi: Karen Guregian, “Pats get their man, Bill just not the ticket,” Boston Herald, January 28, 2000.

56. Belichick, she concluded: Ibid.

57. “Sorry folks. Bill Belichick…”: Ibid.

58. Ian O’Connor, in a: Ian O’Connor, “Patriots will regret hiring Belichick,” (Westchester, New York) Journal News, January 28, 2000.

59. “Soon enough,” O’Connor added…: Ibid.

60. “It’s turned out to be…”: Author interview with Karen Guregian, May 9, 2020.

61. “I didn’t think he had…”: Hayden Bird, “A New York sports writer looks back on writing ‘Patriots will regret hiring Belichick,” Boston.com, January 12, 2017, https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2017/01/12/a-new-york-sports-writer-looks-back-on-writing-patriots-will-regret-hiring-belichick/ (accessed January 6, 2022).

62. With respect to his: Ibid.

63. In a twist of fate: O’Connor, Belichick: The making of the greatest football coach of all time.

64. “I’m fascinated by how…”: Ibid.

65. She now believes: Author interview with Karen Guregian, May 9, 2020.

66. He wrote a column: Filip Bondy, “Media declare bill of wrongs,” New York Daily News, February 3, 2005.

67. Bondy posited that: Ibid.

68. He continued: “Who wanted this…”: Ibid.

69. “Parcells, who remains…”: Bill Livingston, “Belichick mumbles an ode to loyalty,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 9, 2000.

70. “Big Tuna would have…”: Ibid.

71. “It was one of…”: Author interview with Bob Glauber, May 12, 2020.

72. “I would be the first…”: Filip Bondy, email message to author, May 7, 2020.

73. “During my long…”: Ibid.

74. “If there was any proof…”: Bondy, “Media declare bill of wrongs,” February 3, 2005.

Chapter 2: “Trade Dan Marino. Keep Scott Mitchell” (1993 Miami Dolphins)

1. “Trade Dan Marino. Keep Scott Mitchell.”: Greg Cote, “The unthinkable: A trade of Marino,” Miami Herald, November 1, 1993.

2. Ahead of Miami’s upcoming: Stephen Edelson, “Mitchell looking a lot like Marino,” Asbury Park (New Jersey) Press, November 5, 1993.

3. “Sometimes you look…”: Paul Needell, “Great Scott! Miami doesn’t miss a beat,” New York Daily News, November 4, 1993.

4. The day after the Chiefs: Cote, “The unthinkable: A trade of Marino.”

5. In the piece, Cote lamented…: Ibid.

6. Additionally, he noted…: Ibid.

7. With Mitchell playing so well…: Ibid.

8. “I instantly knew what I had written…”: Author interview with Greg Cote, September 15, 2020.

9. That same day, in the afternoon: George Diaz, “No one is sacred in sports—football players, sports writers,” Orlando Sentinel, November 5, 1993.

10. The interview with Cote: Ibid.

11. As a joke, Cote’s face: Author interview with Greg Cote, September 15, 2020.

12. When he was introduced: Ibid.

13. “I think they should trade…”: “Quarterback Audible,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, November 10, 1993.

14. “We have a future…”: Ibid.

15. A few days later: Armando Salguero, “Why Marino isn’t going anywhere,” Miami Herald, November 7, 1993.

16. One NFL GM: Ibid.

17. “It does make some sense”: “Trading Marino makes sense now,” Associated Press, November 2, 1993.

18. “Privately, he probably thought…”: Author interview with Greg Cote, September 15, 2020.

19. “I’ve only been out two games…”: Patrick McManamon, “Stop making sense: Marino trade talks not realistic,” Palm Beach Post, November 2, 1993.

20. “From a logical standpoint…”: Ibid.

21. “But from a realistic…”: Ibid.

22. “There was all kinds…”: Author interview with Scott Mitchell, May 12, 2020.

23. “The Dolphins had been…”: Ibid.

24. “No, no, no… not in…”: Author interview with O. J. McDuffie, October 13, 2020.

25. Later in the week: Diaz, “No one is sacred in sports.”

26. In a follow-up column: Greg Cote, “About that trade…” Miami Herald, November 5, 1993.

27. “I am not an animal!”: Ibid.

28. “He was not championing…”: Ibid.

29. “All I’m saying, bottom line…”: Ibid.

30. “Thank God for one thing”: Charles Bricker, “Good, we can get off from trade-Marino rot,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, November 9, 1993.

31. “Scott Mitchell’s soiree…”: Ibid.

32. “Whoever wrote that better…”: Herald Staff, “Esiason: Trade Marino? You are joking, right?,” Miami Herald, November 8, 1993.

33. “One of the main reasons…”: Ibid.

34. “I could barely pick”: Author interview with Scott Mitchell, May 12, 2020.

35. Mitchell did become: Curt Sylvester, “Lions like what they see, sign Mitchell,” Detroit Free Press, March 7, 1994.

36. It included a $5 million: Ibid.

37. At the press conference: Charlie Vincent, “Great Scott?” Detroit Free Press, March 8, 1994.

38. “I had really good years…”: Author interview with Scott Mitchell, May 12, 2020.

39. “We made the playoffs…”: Ibid.

40. “If you really understand…”: Ibid.

41. “The Lions’ signing of: “Worst Free Agent Signings.” NFL Top 10. Episode 72, NFL Network, 2011.

42. “Scott Mitchell just…”: Ibid.

43. “He wasn’t as bad…”: Ibid.

44. “People forget just…”: Ibid.

45. “In our play-by-play…”: Ibid.

46. “The way it turned out…”: Greg Cote, “Revisiting my infamous ‘trade Marino’ column, 22 years later,” Greg Cote’s Random Evidence Blog, MiamiHerald.com, March 5, 2016. https://blogs.herald.com/random_evidence/2016/03/xxx-xx.html (accessed November 24, 2021).

47. “Look, they weren’t winning”: Author interview with Greg Cote, September 15, 2020.

48. “It’s frustrating because…”: Author interview with Scott Mitchell, May 12, 2020.

49. “It’s just that being…”: Ibid.

50. “Had I not got injured…”: Ibid.

51. “Especially of we go…”: Ibid.

52. “I’m gonna play…”: Ibid.

53. “Being in the same…”: Ibid.

Chapter 3: “Chip Kelly Is the Answer to Our City’s Prayer” (2013–2015 Philadelphia Eagles)

1. Kelly’s offense at Oregon was: Jason Wolf, “Eagles prepare to debut innovative signs of the times,” USA Today, September 9, 2013; Duke Ho, “Trojans set focus on speed,” DailyTrojan.com, October 19, 2010, https://dailytrojan.com/2010/10/19/trojans-set-focus-on-speed/ (accessed November 29, 2021).

2. Most no-huddle offenses take: Ho, “Trojans set focus on speed.”

3. Oregon, at its fastest, averaged: David Wharton, “Webbed fleet,” Los Angeles Times, August 6, 2011.

4. Centered on tempo, Kelly’s offense: Paul Domowitch, “Eagles coach a Chip off the old inventions,” Philadelphia Daily News, September 6, 2013.

5. One concept he frequently: Jeff McLane, “Keeping it simple pays off for Vick,” Philadelphia Inquirer, August 18, 2013.

6. With an RPO, the quarterback: Robert Mays, “The RPO Takeover Isn’t Complete Just Yet,” The Ringer, August 14, 2018, https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2018/8/14/17687896/run-pass-option-evolution-chiefs-eagles-college-offense (accessed September 20, 2021).

7. There have been teams in: Chris Brown, “The Future of the NFL: More Up-tempo No-huddle,” SmartFootball.com, http://smartfootball.com/offense/the-future-of-the-nfl-more-up-tempo-no-huddle#sthash.bp4NoDM8.kQxQZ4OW.dpbs (accessed September 20, 2021).

8. But by 2013, only Peyton: Ibid.

9. Most teams in the NFL did not: Ibid.

10. So much so that it was: Tim McManus, “Eagles Wake-Up Call: Chip Won’t Commit,” Phillymag.com, January 7, 2013. https://www.phillymag.com/birds247/2013/01/07/eagles-wake-up-call-chip-wont-commit/ (accessed September 20, 2021).

11. and viewed by some as: John Kincade (@JohnKincade), “No to Chip Kelly for the Eagles. No gimmick offense college coaches that want to ‘try it’ in NFL. Google Steve Spurrier,” Twitter, December 31, 2012, 8:20, a.m., https://twitter.com/JohnKincade/status/285737183439097856?s=20 (accessed July 18, 2021).

12. “They told us they…”: Monday Night Football, September 9, 2013, aired on ESPN.

13. “Keep in mind these…”: Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit), “Look at that hole!!! Keep in mind these vaunted NFL Defensive Coordinators have had 8 months to slow down this “gimmick college offense,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:42 p.m., https://twitter.com/KirkHerbstreit/status/377230660853071872?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

14. “NFL GMs are sitting…”: Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout), “NFL GMs are sitting at home drooling over this Chip Kelly offense, and they’re gonna want Marcus Mariota to run it for their team,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:38 p.m., https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/377229636188372993?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

15. “Wow, you think Chip…”: Donovan McNabb (@donovanjmcnabb), “Wow, you think Chip Kelly’s offense will work in the NFL? You have your answer now,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:43 p.m., https://twitter.com/donovanjmcnabb/status/377230841157414913?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

16. “I kept hearing…”: Trent Dilfer (@DilfersDimes), “I kept hearing (and strongly disagreeing) all off-season that NFL D coaches would figure out this Saturday offense. Uhmm… I don’t think so,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:48 p.m., https://twitter.com/DilfersDimes/status/377232014287437824?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

17. “Man, every def coordinator…”: Danny Kanell (@dannykanell), “Man, every def coordinator who has Philly on their schedule is gonna have nightmares tonight. #boogieman,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 9:20 p.m., https://twitter.com/dannykanell/status/377240157893566464?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

18. “This is not an ‘after one game’…”: Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein), “This is not an ‘after one game’ thought. Many of us who followed Oregon knew Chip Kelly’s tempo was going to mean to the NFL,” Twitter, September 10, 2013, 9:22 a.m., https://twitter.com/LanceZierlein/status/377421857806221313?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

19. “When I talk to guys…”: Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer), “When I talk to guys who have coached with or against Chip Kelly, the most common reason they think he’ll succeed is ‘he’s too smart to fail,’” Twitter, September 10, 2013, 8:56 a.m., https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/377415256953618432?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

20. “Happy National Chip Kelly”: Bill Reiter (@sportsreiter). “Happy National Chip Kelly NFL Offensive Revolution Day,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 9:16 p.m., https://twitter.com/sportsreiter/status/377239179341484032?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

21. “Just wait until Chip Kelly”: Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs), “Just wait until Chip Kelly gets his quarterback,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:51 p.m., https://twitter.com/dennisdoddcbs/status/377232887256723456?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

22. “That sound u hear…”: Booger McFarland (@ESPNBooger), “That sound u hear is The phone ringing of any spread up tempo offensive coach in college football,” Twitter, September 9, 2013, 8:43 p.m., https://twitter.com/ESPNBooger/status/377230741471789056?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

23. “A THING OF DEBUTY”: “A THING OF DEBUTY,” Philadelphia Daily News, September 10, 2013.

24. In Business Insider, sports: Tony Manfred, “The NFL Is Freaking Out Over Chip Kelly, the Eagles Coach who Could Change Pro Football Forever,” Business Insider, September 10, 2013, https://www.businessinsider.com.au/chip-kelly-offense-could-change-nfl-forever-2013-9 (accessed September 20, 2021).

25. Later that week: John George, “Philadelphia Eagles ticket demand soars after fast start,” Philadelphia Business Journal, September 13, 2013, https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2013/09/13/demand-for-eagles-tickets-soars.html (accessed September 20, 2021).

26. “The Eagles offense isn’t…”: ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio), “Hear @ESPN_Colin #intheHERD: The Eagles offense isn’t a fad. They’re technology advancing… and we’re NEVER going back to dial-up!” Twitter, September 10, 2013, 10:04 a.m., https://twitter.com/espnradio/status/377432374897696768?s=21 (accessed September 21, 2021).

27. “They’re technology advancing…”: Ibid.

28. “I love it”: Jarrett Bell, “Kelly sets his own pace,” USA Today, September 10, 2013.

29. “That was thoroughly impressive…”: Ibid.

30. Toronto Star columnist: Cathal Kelly, “Chip Kelly changing the NFL forever,” Toronto Star, September 16, 2013.

31. “[The Eagles’ win] changed…”: Chris Wesseling, “Is Chip Kelly’s Eagles offense revolutionizing the NFL?” NFL.com, September 19, 2013, https://www.nfl.com/news/is-chip-kelly-s-eagles-offense-revolutionizing-the-nfl-0ap2000000247341 (accessed September 21, 2021).

32. “It was spectacular…”: Ben Volin, “So far, Patriots have not been a driving force,” Boston Globe, September 15, 2013.

33. “In this offense…”: Ibid.

34. “These three guys…”: Ibid.

35. Included in Cataldi’s Metro Philadelphia: Angelo Cataldi, “Chip Kelly Saving Philly Sports,” Metro Philadelphia, September 11, 2013.

36. “The rest of the NFC…”: Matt Mullin (@matt_mullin), “Rest of the NFC East should be concerned by this: Chip Kelly isn’t going anywhere, and he’s only going to get better,” Twitter, January 3, 2014, 12:02 p.m., https://twitter.com/matt_mullin/status/419151673492119552?s=20 (accessed January 9, 2022).

37. “A few days after the…”: Sports Radio 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP), “[The Eagles] will win a Super Bowl with Chip Kelly. It’s going to happen [eventually],”—@RealGlenMacnow, http://bit.ly/94listen, Twitter, January 2, 2014, 10:15 a.m., https://twitter.com/SportsRadioWIP/status/418762495344803840?s=20 (accessed September 21, 2021).

38. Cataldi maintained the rosy: Angelo Cataldi, “Eagles have stability, winning ways with Kelly,” Metro Philadelphia, January 6, 2014.

39. In Metro Philadelphia: Mike Greger, “Lurie’s gamble on Kelly pays off for Eagles,” Metro Philadephia, January 5, 2014.

40. In addition (as described…): Matt Lombardo, “Former Eagles front office executive: Chip Kelly alienated scouts ‘almost immediately,’” NJ.com, January 16, 2019, https://www.nj.com/eagles/2016/03/former_eagles_front_office_executive_chip_kelly_al.html (accessed September 21, 2021).

41. According to a former: Ibid.

42. Infuriated, Kelly convinced: Ibid.

43. He even traded Foles: Fox Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX), “He’s the starting QB for the next 1,000 years here”—Chip Kelly names Nick Foles the Eagles’ quarterback through at least 3013,” Twitter, December 2, 2013, 5:05 p.m., https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/407631686453559296?s=20 (accessed September 21, 2021).

44. From then on, the Eagles: Jeff McLane, “Tempo Secondary to Production,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 3, 2014.

45. His drastic roster decisions: “Report: Kelly’s lack of ‘people skills ruined holiday party, strained relationship with Lurie,” PhillyVoice.com, January 3, 2016, https://www.phillyvoice.com/eagles-chip-kelly-people-skills-lurie-christmas-party/ (accessed September 21, 2021).

46. Numerous people: Reuben Frank and Dave Zangaro, hosts, “#220 Eagles legend Merrill Reese joins the pod,” Eagle Eye: A Philadelphia Eagles Podcast, episode 220, NBC Sports Philly, May 21, 2020, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eagle-eye-a-philadelphia-eagles-podcast/id1376641140.

47. Merrill Reese, the play-by-play: Ibid.

48. “He was the worst communicator”: Ibid.

49. Cornerback Brandon Boykin: Jared Dubin, “Brandon Boykin: Chip Kelly not racist, but has trouble relating to players,” CBSSports.com, August 2, 2015, https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/brandon-boykin-chip-kelly-not-racist-but-has-trouble-relating-to-players/ (accessed September 21, 2021).

50. A few months before: Elliot Shorr-Parks, “Ex-Eagles coach says players in locker room sense ‘a hint of racism,’” NJ.com, March 10, 2015, https://www.nj.com/eagles/2015/03/ex-eagles_coach_says_players_in_locker_room_sense.html (accessed September 21, 2021).

51. While Chip’s offensive “revolution”: Tim McManus, “Eagles pull from Chip Kelly playbook to awaken 2013 Nick Foles,” ESPN.com, January 26, 2018, https://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/24097/eagles-pull-from-chip-kelly-playbook-to-awaken-2013-nick-foles (accessed July 19, 2021).

52. Although not the first coach: Nick Fierro, “Run or pass? Eagles, Foles have options,” Baltimore Sun, February 2, 2018.

53. Since 2013, the RPO has: Mays, “The RPO Takeover Isn’t Complete Just Yet.”

54. Kelly’s successor in Philadelphia: McManus, “Eagles pull from Chip Kelly playbook.”

55. In 2017, when Eagles starting quarterback Carson: Ibid.

56. In 2014, an NFL Films: Andrew Porter, “Video: Kelly, Foles, Sanchez Mic’d Up Vs. Giants,” CBS Philly, October 16, 2014, https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/video-kelly-foles-sanchez-micd-up-vs-giants/(accessed November 8, 2021).

Chapter 4: “How Could the Ravens Pass Up Lawrence Phillips, Take OT Jonathan Ogden, and Draft ‘Smallish’ Ray Lewis?” (1996 Baltimore Ravens)

1. “A”—that’s the grade: Rick Gosselin, “Team-By-Team Analysis,” Dallas Morning News, April 20, 1998.

2. In 2001, the Arizona Republic: Kent Somers, “Rams make all the right moves,” Arizona Republic, April 23, 2001.

3. In 2005, Florida Today: Carl Kotala, “NFC draft grades,” Florida Today, April 27, 2005.

4. Many thought he had: Arnie Stapleton, “Packers digging for draft gold,” Associated Press, April 20, 1996.

5. Going into his junior: Jim Corbett, “Jets banking on Johnson as key to their turnaround,” Gannett News Service, April 20, 1996.

6. However, after an early September: Margaret Reist and Ken Hambleton, “Phillips enters plea; Benning exonerated,” (Lincoln, Nebraska) Journal Star, September 20, 1995.

7. Phillips proceeded to drag her: Ibid.

8. Eventually, he pled no contest: Ibid.

9. After six games without Phillips: Steve Sipple, “NU players welcome back Phillips,” (Lincoln, Nebraska) Journal Star, October 25, 1995.

10. “Shining moment is tainted”: Jason Whitlock, “Shining moment is tainted,” Kansas City Star, January 3, 1996.

11. Baltimore Sun staff writer: Don Markus, “Sour notes outnumber triumphs,” Baltimore Sun, January 5, 1996.

12. Going into the 1996: Gary Lambrecht, “Ravens may seek trade to get Phillips,” Baltimore Sun, April 12, 1996.

13. Before the draft, the Ravens: Mike Preston, “Ravens opt to line up with Ogden,” Baltimore Sun, April 21, 1996.

14. Most mock drafts had him: Ibid.

15. The Ravens were preparing to choose: Ibid.

16. They passed on Phillips: Ibid.

17. Apparently, part of the reason: Len Pasquarelli, “NFL Draft, day one at a glance,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 21, 1996.

18. While he was a well-respected prospect: Ray Lewis, with Daniel Paisner, I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory (New York: Atria, 2016), 144–149, Scribd.

19. “He didn’t have the ideal…”: Jamison Hensley, “Sizing up a legend: Inside Ray Lewis’ draft-day slide to the Ravens,” ESPN.com. February 2, 2018, https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/42671/inside-ray-lewis-fall-to-the-ravens-and-beginning-of-a-hall-of-fame-career (accessed September 17, 2021).

20. “There’s a feeling that…”: Ibid.

21. He admitted that: Ken Rosenthal, “… but if not for Bidwill, Modell would’ve strayed,” Baltimore Sun, April 21, 1996.

22. Even after Arizona: Preston, “Ravens opt to line up with Ogden.”

23. According to Hank Goldberg: NFL Draft, April 20, 1996, aired on ESPN.

24. “If it helps our team”: Rosenthal, “… but if not for Bidwill.”

25. He made sure to point out: Preston, “Ravens opt to line up with Ogden.”

26. According to Modell: Bernie Miklasz, “Tale of Two Teams: Blues, Rams Making Headlines,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 27, 1996.

27. “That doesn’t excuse…”: Ibid.

28. “This was the love…”: Ibid.

29. Tampa Bay Times NFL reporter: Rick Stroud, “Rams, Bucs, Oilers make power picks,” Tampa Bay Times, April 21, 1996.

30. Miami Herald columnist: Greg Cote, “NFL Draft/Grading the Teams,” Miami Herald, April 22, 1996.

31. The Chicago Sun-Times asked: Dan Pompei, “Weak Teams Find Strength in Draft,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 23, 1996.

32. Len Pasquarelli, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Len Pasquarelli, “Rams, Bucs fare best; Jets worst despite top pick,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 22, 1996.

33. Los Angeles Times columnist: Bill Plaschke, “Edwards’ News is a day late,” Los Angeles Times, April 22, 1996.

34. “We thought Art Modell…”: Ibid.

35. “Phillips should have been…”: Ibid.

36. Randy Lange, a reporter for: Randy Lange, “Randy Lange’s AFC draft analysis,” (North Jersey) Record, April 28, 1996.

37. “Lewis,” Lange wrote, “like [linebacker]…”: Ibid.

38. Stroud wrote in his next: Stroud, “Rams, Bucs, Oilers.”

39. Plaschke was also lukewarm: Plaschke, “Edwards’ News is a day late.”

40. “I really believe that this…”: NFL Draft, April 20, 1996, aired on ESPN.

41. “I still believe that…”: Ibid.

42. “It’s too deep a year…”: Ibid.

43. He told Kiper: Ibid.

44. “We obviously don’t…”: Lorraine Kee, “Running into Trouble?” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 21, 1996.

45. Banks was thought to have: Jim Thomas, “Rams Are Putting Quarterback Investment in A Banks,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, April 21, 1996.

46. Nevertheless, Brooks saw him as: Ibid.

47. Pasquarelli gave the Rams: Pasquarelli, “Rams, Bucs fare best.”

48. Stroud listed St. Louis: Stroud, “Rams, Bucs, Oilers.”

49. Stroud also added that: Ibid.

50. Like many others, he lauded: Plaschke, “Edwards’ News is a day late.”

51. Plaschke also gushed that: Ibid.

52. “Instant offense with RB…”: Mike O’Hara, “Team by team grades on the draft,” USA Today, April 21, 1996.

53. “Grade A-minus”: Ibid.

54. Vinny DiTrani, in the Record: Vinny DiTrani, “Vinny DiTrani’s NFC draft analysis,” (North Jersey) Record, April 28, 1996.

55. The Buffalo News’s Milt Northrop: Milt Northrop, “Four NFC Clubs Get Top Grades, Bills ‘C’ May Stand For Curious,” Buffalo News, April 22, 1996.

56. “St. Louis had the nerve…”: Ibid.

57. The Dallas Morning News called: Miklasz, “Tale of Two Teams.”

58. “Could a team have done…”: Pompei, “Weak Teams Find Strength in Draft.”

59. “They got the best…”: Ibid.

60. Soon after, he was signed: Jeff Shain, “Dolphins release Phillips,” Associated Press, July 26, 1998.

61. to which he eventually pled: Matthew Stanmyre, “Former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips suspected of killing cellmate,” NJ.com, April 14, 2015, https://www.nj.com/giants/2015/04/former_nfl_college_football_star_lawrence_phillips.html (accessed September 18, 2021).

62. But after struggling on the field: Dennis Georgatos, “Phillips surprised by suspension,” Associated Press, November 18, 1999.

63. he was released by the Niners: John Crumpacker, “49ers cut and run from Phillips,” San Francisco Examiner, November 24, 1999.

64. “We do not—especially…”: David Ginsburg, “NFL DRAFT: Ravens to employ tested formula with first-round pick,” Associated Press, April 26, 2007.

65. “We factor who’s the best player”: Ibid.

66. “Ozzie is the foundation…”: Aaron Wilson, “Ozzie Newsome learned from Bill Belichick, Ernie Accorsi,” Baltimore Sun, January 27, 2013.

67. “Although there is a…”: “Exploring Ozzie Newsome’s Declining Draft Results,” FoxSports.com, June 30, 2017, https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/exploring-ozzie-newsomes-declining-draft-results (accessed March 23, 2022).

Chapter 5: “I’m Telling You, [the Chargers] Have Something Special Here [with Ryan Leaf]” (Preseason Performance Traps)

1. Ryan Mallett, a tall: Mac Engel, “Razorbacks QB ends up right where he started,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 25, 2010.

2. However, during the 2011: “Heady times for Ryan Mallett,” Associated Press, May 8, 2011.

3. Facing mostly the Jaguars’: Howard Ulman, “Gabbert Inconsistent in NFL debut for Jaguars,” Associated Press, August 12, 2011.

4. NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks: Bucky Brooks, “Mallett, Kolb among QBs who shined in preseason debut,” NFL.com, August 12, 2011. https://www.nfl.com/news/mallett-kolb-among-qbs-who-shined-in-preseason-debut-09000d5d821688d6 (accessed November 22, 2021).

5. ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen relayed: Chris Mortensen (@mortreport), “RT @BrandonHartung: how many teams wish they had drafted Mallett already? >> He’s in a good spot but already had 1 GM 2nd-guessing himself,” Twitter, August 12, 2011, 10:01 p.m., https://twitter.com/mortreport/status/102197987798827008?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

6. Fox Sports’ NFL writer Peter Schrager: Peter Schrager (@PSchrags), “Five months after the fact, still shocked and disturbed over Andy Dalton being taken before Ryan Mallett. Everyone was ok with that. Unreal,” Twitter, August 12, 2011, 7:58 p.m., https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/102167053896646656?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

7. To Schrager, the Arkansas: Peter Schrager (@PSchrags), “Ryan Mallett will have another fantastic outing tonight. The fact he slipped to the third round is MIND BOGGLING. I’ll say it every week,” Twitter, August 18, 2011, 6:45 p.m., https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/104323120978083840?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

8. But unlike the previous example: Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout), “Would #Bills fans love EJ Manuel this much if the #Jets had drafted him? Doubt it. Realize you drafted a project,” Twitter, April 26, 2013, 12:13 p.m., https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/327817629588930560?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

9. “Finally, the Bills…”: Adam Schein (@AdamSchein), “Finally, the Bills have their QB in @EJManuel3,” Twitter, August 12, 2011, http://thecomeback.com/freezingcoldtakes/nfl/in-2013-after-two-2nd-half-preseason-appearances-many-were-bullish-on-the-ej-manuel-era-in-buffalo.html (Tweet has since been deleted).

10. “EJ Manuel has command…”: Natalie Pierre (@NataliePierre_), “Warren Sapp on NFL Network: EJ Manuel has command and control of this offense like no rookie I’ve seen,” Twitter, August 16, 2013, 9:46 p.m., https://twitter.com/NataliePierre_/status/368549417235664897?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

11. An article on the website: Steven Cook, “EJ Manuel’s Promising Preseason Debut Signs of Things to Come for Buffalo Bills,” BleacherReport.com, August 15, 2013, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1735810 (accessed September 11, 2021).

12. He started 10 games: John Wawrow, “Bills still a work in progress,” Associated Press, December 31, 2013.

13. Once healthy again: Sal Maiorana, “Time is right for QB move,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, September 30, 2014.

14. Taking advantage of favorable: Frank Cooney, “Sloppy 49ers are scoreless in Seattle,” San Francisco Examiner, August 22, 1993.

15. All in all, he went: Ibid.

16. In his game column: Steve Kelley, “Starting now, Mirer should be Seahawks’ top quarterback,” Seattle Times, August 22, 1993.

17. “If you think we’re making…”: Nick Canepa, “Sure, it’s early, but Ryan Leaf is for real,” San Diego Union-Tribune, August 16, 1998.

18. “He’s going to be…”: Ibid.

19. Canepa continued: Ibid.

20. In the Browns’ 2010: Tom Withers, “Browns QBs comfort fans for future,” Associated Press, August 17, 2010.

21. About the drive: Ibid.

22. Two games later: Steve Doerschuk, “Browns lose, but Delhomme ‘outstanding,’” Canton (Ohio) Repository, August 29, 2010.

23. during which Sports Illustrated’s: King, Peter (@peter_king). “RT @BrownieTheElf: idk if this goes along ur lines that its only preseason but how bout jake delhomme hes been impressive… Jake’s reborn.” Twitter, August 29, 2010, 6:51 p.m., https://twitter.com/peter_king/status/22473957268?s=2 (accessed September 11, 2021).

24. In his Cleveland Examiner column: Greg Swartz, “Jake Delhomme just what the doctor ordered for ailing Cleveland Browns,” Cleveland Examiner, August 28, 2010.

25. Delhomme suffered a high ankle sprain: Tom Withers, “Browns’ Delhomme does football drills,” Associated Press, September 30, 2010.

26. A prolific four-year starter: Jeff Reynolds, “Notebook: Will undersized McCoy prove Browns made right choice?” NFLDraftScout.com, April 24, 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20130618062741/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/13285393/notebook-will-undersized-mccoy-prove-browns-made-right-choice (accessed September 11, 2010).

27. A few days later, ESPN’s: Evan Silva (@evansilva), “Merril Hoge on Colt McCoy: “Love what I see… Does a great job w/ his eyes. Cleveland may have solidified the position for the next 10 yrs,” Twitter, August 17, 2011, 2:29 p.m., https://twitter.com/evansilva/status/103896199651799040?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

28. During the game: John Clayton (@JohnClaytonNFL), “Colt McCoy continues to show he’s might be the most improved QB in football. Working out with B. Favre did pay off,” Twitter, August 19, 2011, 7:54 p.m., https://twitter.com/JohnClaytonNFL/status/104702747751878656?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

29. A few days after, Cleveland-based: Branson Wright, “Colt McCoy was the right choice by the Cleveland Browns,” Blogs. Cleveland Plain Dealer. August 24, 2011.

30. Later in the preseason: King, Peter (@peter_king). “RT @CommodorePowers: How do you feel about Colt McCoy this year?… He’ll be one of the 5 breakout start in league.” Twitter, August 27, 2010, 1:43 a.m., https://twitter.com/peter_king/status/107327357731352576?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

31. King also requested: Peter King (@peter_king), “RT @IlGreven: I’m not sold that Holmgren is sold on McCoy… He will be after this year, mark my words,” Twitter, June 8, 2011, 1:21 a.m., https://twitter.com/peter_king/status/78330696854274048 (accessed September 11, 2021).

32. ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted about: Ed Werner (@WernerEdESPN), “Norv Turner impact..RT.’@ESPNNFL: In his 6 drives through 2 preseason games, QB Brandon Weeden has led the @Browns to 3 TDs, 2 field goals,” Twitter, August 16, 2013, 12:32 p.m., https://twitter.com/WerderEdESPN/status/368409955407106050?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

33. Syracuse.com writer: Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills), “The Power of Norv. RT ‘@PriscoCBS: Weeden looks sharp tonight.’” Twitter, August 15, 2013, 8:26 p.m., https://twitter.com/RyanTalbotBills/status/368166894236205057?s=20 (accessed September 11, 2021).

34. Writer Andrea Hangst was so impressed: Andrea Hangst, “It’s Time to Buy into Brandon Weeden After Another Dominant Preseason Showing,” BleacherReport.com, August 16, 2013, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1740312-its-time-to-buy-into-brandon-weeden-after-another-dominant-preseason-showing (accessed September 11, 2021).

35. “Believe it, Browns fans”: Ibid.

36. “[Kizer] is the future…”: Good Morning Football. Aired August 15, 2017, on NFL Network.

37. “[He] is the next generation…”: Ibid.

38. Burleson also predicted that Kizer: Good Morning Football. Aired August 28, 2017, on NFL Network.

39. “When I watch him…”: CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet), “‘When I watch him, he’s a special quarterback.’ @LFletcher59 on DeShone Kizer #T2S,” Twitter, August 30, 2017, 6:41 p.m., https://twitter.com/CBSSportsNet/status/903024861349638144?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

40. The day after that game: Ruiz, Steven. “The Browns’ 18-year search for a quarterback is finally over,” For The Win (website). USATODAY.com. August 28, 2017, https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/08/nfl-browns-deshone-kizer-starting-quarterback-hue-jackson (accessed November 22, 2021).

41. In it, he wrote: Ibid.

42. While he admitted that Kizer: Ibid.

43. “This time it feels different”: Ibid.

44. “This time it is different”: Ibid.

45. While he sometimes showed flashes: Bryan Manning, “NFL Draft 2014: Logan Thomas’ Draft Stock Mirrors His on-Field Play,” Bleacher Report.com, January 25, 2014. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934697-nfl-draft-2014-logan-thomas-draft-stock-mirrors-his-on-field-play (accessed February 27, 2022).

46. With his freakish physical attributes: BJ Kissel, “Would Position Change Give Logan Thomas a Better Shot at Sustainable NFL Career,” BleacherReport.com, April 15, 2004, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2030830-would-position-change-give-logan-thomas-better-shot-at-sustainable-nfl-career (accessed December 31, 2021).

47. ESPN’s Ron Jaworski called: Marc Sessler, “Jaws: Cardinals’ Logan Thomas ‘best’ rookie QB so far,” NFL.com, August 13, 2014, https://www.nfl.com/news/jaws-cardinals-logan-thomas-best-rookie-qb-so-far-0ap3000000377439 (accessed November 22, 2021).

48. Rivals.com college football analyst: Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike), “Jaws says Logan Thomas best rookie QB so far with #Cardinals. I’m one of few who still thinks he can be very very good. #Hokies,” Twitter, August 13, 2014, 9:14 p.m., https://twitter.com/rivalsmike/status/499725754117406722?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

49. On NFL.com, media personality: Adam Schein, “Johnny Manziel, Kelvin Benjamin produce preseason excitement,” NFL.com, August 11, 2014. https://www.nfl.com/news/johnny-manziel-kelvin-benjamin-produce-preseason-excitement-0ap3000000376710 (accessed November 22, 2021).

50. “They’re eating a lot…”: Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss), “Arians on critics of Logan Thomas who said he’d never make it and should play TE: ‘They’re eating a lot of crow this week. So that’s fun,’” Twitter, August 13, 2014, 3:34 p.m., https://twitter.com/joshweinfuss/status/499640129594859520?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

51. “So that’s fun”: Ibid.

52. While Thomas may have shined: Ed Valentine, “Scouting Logan Thomas: What to know about Giants’ new QB,” BigBlueReview.com, June 19, 2016, https://www.bigblueview.com/2016/6/19/11970516/scouting-logan-thomas-what-to-know-about-new-york-giants-new-qb-dophins-cardinals (accessed December 31, 2021).

53. But he had spent the off-season: Brett Martel, “Jaguars Showing Promise,” Associated Press, August 20, 2012.

54. During the second game: Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS), “Where are all the Gabbert rippers?” Twitter, August 17, 2012, 8:51 p.m., https://twitter.com/PriscoCBS/status/236626402634514432?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

55. “To which former Jaguars…”: Tony Boselli (@TonyBoselli), “It doesn’t fit their script! RT @PriscoCBS: Where are all the Gabbert rippers?” Twitter, August 17, 2012, 8:53 p.m., https://twitter.com/TonyBoselli/status/236626905409937410?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

56. “Your magic spell is working”: Peter King, “Luck and Gabbert off to hot starts, not Kolb; more camp lessons,” SI.com, August 20, 2012. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/08/20/mmqb (accessed December 7, 2021).

57. “The Eagles are gonna be…”: Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR). “The Eagles are gonna be awesome this year. I want as many PHI players as I can get this year.” Twitter, August 29, 2015, 8:24 p.m., https://twitter.com/MatthewBerryTMR/status/637782802927353856?s=20 (accessed January 18, 2022).

58. “I want as many [Philadelphia]…”: Ibid.

59. “Get excited about this Eagles team”: Andrew Porter, “Didinger: Eagles ‘Shock And Awe Offense Best in Team’s Preseason History,” philadelphia.cbslocal.com, August 31, 2015. https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/08/31/ray-didinger-eagles-offense/ (accessed November 22, 2021).

60. “You’re allowed.”: Ibid.

61. “I’m telling you…”: Ibid.

62. Former Eagles linebacker and Philadelphia: Eagles (@Eagles), “My mouth is watering, waiting for this offense to take the field Monday Night in Atlanta,” @Ike58Reese WATCH: http://bit.ly/TgSqAGem, Twitter, August 29, 2015, 11:17 p.m., https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/637826481104781312?s=20 (accessed November 22, 2021).

63. “The chemistry on this squad…”: Nick Fierro, “Eagles are looking super so far,” (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania) Morning Call, August 31, 2015.

64. “The Eagles should be good…”: Ibid.

Chapter 6: “No Point in Keeping Tom Coughlin Around” (2004–2007 New York Giants)

1. During the third quarter: Gary Myers, “Hacking Cough: Reign of error must come to end,” New York Daily News, December 25, 2006.

2. When the game finally: Ibid.

3. In the final few: “Fassel’s Fall,” Asbury Park (New Jersey) Press, December 18, 2003.

4. frequently committed brainless penalties: Tara Sullivan, “Finding new and creative ways to lose,” (North Jersey) Record, December 10, 2003.

5. One of the team’s principal: Tom Canavan, “Coughlin signs on as Giants coach,” Associated Press, January 7, 2004.

6. As a strict, detail-oriented: Gary Myers, “Tuna Helper Fits Bill for the Giants,” New York Daily News, January 7, 2004.

7. As soon as he arrived: Ralph Vacchiano, “Giants Try Again with Blue Meanie: Coughlin will lay down the law,” New York Daily News, January 7, 2004.

8. He came armed: “Coughlin rules,” New York Daily News, January 7, 2004.

9. If a player ran afoul: Plaxico Burress and Jason Cole, Giant: The Road to the Super Bowl (New York: HarperCollins, 2009), 139, Scribd.

10. However, by the end: Hays Carlyon, “Coughlin created his own demise,” (St. Augustine, Florida) Record, December 31, 2002.

11. “At least 10…”: Michael Strahan, with Veronica Chambers, Wake Up Happy (New York: Atria, 2015), 101, Scribd.

12. “Nine out of the 10…”: Ibid.

13. In September, three: “3 Giants contest fines over team meetings,” Associated Press, September 13, 2004.

14. Strahan was fined: Ibid.

15. “I absolutely hated…”: Strahan and Chambers. Wake Up Happy, 104.

16. “Guys absolutely hate…”: “Tipsheet,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 27, 2004.

17. “He’s not the type…”: Ibid.

18. In early September: Bob Raissman, “Coughlin Critics Out of Bounds,” New York Daily News, September 24, 2004.

19. That same Sunday, on CBS’s: Ibid.

20. Around the same time: Steve Rushin, “Under Tom’s Thumb,” Sports Illustrated, September 27, 2004.

21. Once, during training camp: Burress and Cole, Giant, 139.

22. Coughlin still fined him: Ibid., 140.

23. “But I told you…”: Ibid.

24. “Yeah, but you were…”: Ibid.

25. After the 2006 season: Steve Serby, “Coughlin Should Be Through With Little Blue,” New York Post, January 8, 2007.

26. “He just yells to yell”: Ibid.

27. Perhaps the most disappointing trend: Keith Idec, “No point in keeping Coughlin around,” (North Jersey) Herald-News, January 8, 2007.

28. On a few occasions: Ralph Vacchiano, “Tiki & Big Blue Feel Outfoxed,” New York Daily News, January 9, 2006.

29. Barber said that he: Ibid.

30. In July 2006, Shockey professed: Ralph Vacchiano, “NY Law & Disorder,” New York Daily News, September 26, 2006.

31. Later that year in September: Lisa Olson, “A Giant Disgrace,” New York Daily News, September 25, 2006.

32. A few months earlier: “Barber will retire at season’s end,” Associated Press, October 20, 2006.

33. In addition, concerns were growing: George Willis, “Miserable Manning-Giants’ Franchise Quarterback Keep Regressing,” New York Post, December 25, 2006.

34. Manning, who was in his: “Young rallies Titans from 21-point deficit to stun Giants,” Associated Press, November 26, 2006.

35. From the Journal News: Ernie Palladino, “The once and future king,” (Westchester, New York) Journal News, January 7, 2007.

36. “Of course, Tom Coughlin…”: Stephen Edelson, “Coughlin must go,” Asbury Park (New Jersey) Press, December 26, 2006.

37. “Regardless of… whether the Giants…”: Stephen Edelson, “Time for Giants to start over,” (Central New Jersey) Home News Tribune, December 31, 2006.

38. New York Post Giants beat writer: Paul Schwartz, “Upheaval of Entire Muddled Operation The Only Salvation,” New York Post, December 26, 2006.

39. In the New York Times: Selena Roberts, “Coughlin and His Team Seem to Be a Mismatch,” New York Times, December 25, 2006.

40. “Barber is on his way out…”: Tara Sullivan, “Blue Christmas: Give Coughlin ax,” (North Jersey) Record, December 25, 2006.

41. “Because it’s become…”: Ibid.

42. “[John] Mara and Steve Tisch…”: Myers, “Hacking Cough.”

43. “[The Giants should] go after Weis…”: Steve Serby, “Big Bang Theory Fit for Big Blue,” New York Post, December 26, 2006.

44. “Weis would be…”: Ibid.

45. In December 2003: Steve Serby, “Pats Offensive Genius Is Weis Choice,” New York Post, December 18, 2003.

46. The loss further highlighted: Filip Bondy, “Dumb plays from start to finished: Ouster sums up story of season,” New York Daily News, January 8, 2007.

47. “[Coughlin] is fired…”: Bob Raissman, “Fox on prowl to crush Tom,” New York Daily News, January 9, 2007.

48. “He lost the football team”: Ibid.

49. ESPN commentator Sean Salisbury: Ibid.

50. In a column later: Dan Shaughnessy, “Hall of Fame decisions, and some other picks,” Boston Globe, December 27, 2006.

51. “No point in keeping Coughlin…”: Idec, “No Point in Keeping Coughlin Around.”

52. “Coughlin must go…”: Gary Myers, “Coughlin must go,” New York Daily News, January 8, 2007.

53. “Too many players…”: Ibid.

54. Also, in the Record: Ian O’Connor, “Don’t delay in handing Coughlin a pink slip,” (North Jersey) Record, January 8, 2007.

55. and in the New York Post, Serby pleaded: Serby, “Coughlin Should Be Through…”

56. “Tom Coughlin is our coach…”: “Coughlin gets contract extension to coach Giants,” Associated Press, January 10, 2007.

57. In reaction to the news: Steve Serby, “Keeping Coughlin would be a big blue boo-boo,” New York Post, January 10, 2007.

58. New York Post columnist Mike Vaccaro: Mike Vaccaro, “Wrong Answer—Keeping Coughlin may land Big Blue in no-man’s land,” New York Post, January 11, 2007.

59. The way he saw it: Ibid.

60. He concedes that much of: Tiki Barber, with Gil Reavill, Tiki: My Life in the Game and Beyond (New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2007), 117, 202, Scribd.

61. In February 2017, just over: Bob Raissman and Leo Standora, “Tiki’s Set To Tackle TV News,” New York Daily News, February 13, 2007.

62. He intimated that: Bob Raissman, “Tiki TV turns rerun,” New York Daily News, February 14, 2007.

63. Barber later admitted that: Barber and Reavill, Tiki, 21.

64. “I knew enough about…”: Ibid.

65. “I needed to make…”: Ibid.

66. Among many other thoughts: Ibid., 201.

67. and that “If Tom Coughlin…”: Ibid., 20.

68. “[He] never uttered…”: Ibid., 9–10.

69. It was an asset much: Dennis Waszak Jr., “New York teams traveling different roads to playoffs,” Associated Press, January 6, 2007.

70. “He hasn’t shown leadership”: Arthur Staple, “Manning Follows His Lead,” Hartford Courant, August 22, 2007.

71. “[Manning’s] personality hasn’t…”: Ibid.

72. The comments really pissed: Ralph Vacchiano, Eli Manning: The Making of a Quarterback (New York: Sports Publishing, 2012), 233, Scribd.

73. “I guess I could have…”: Staple, “Manning Follows His Lead.”

74. But the most surprising: Ralph Vacchiano, “Big Blue Happy Family,” New York Daily News, September 6, 2007.

75. He was committed to becoming: Burress and Cole, Giant, 155.

76. “[Mara and Tisch] were…”: Author interview with Gary Myers, April 12, 2021.

77. “They told him…”: Ibid.

78. The defense was porous: Stephen Edelson, “Coughlin still can’t control these guys,” Asbury Park (New Jersey) Press, September 17, 2007.

79. “How fired is Tom Coughlin?”: Jim Armstrong, “Lightning can’t strike twice? Ask Broncos,” Denver Post, September 17, 2007.

80. “The housecleaning’s coming”: Edelson, “Coughlin still can’t control these guys.”

81. “Bringing Coughlin back…”: Ibid.

82. The following Sunday, on NFL Today: Aired September 23, 2007, on CBS.

83. “Tom lightened up”: Burress and Cole. Giant, 172.

84. “He was like the…”: Ibid.

85. When Mara and Tisch: Vacchiano, Eli Manning, 281–282.

86. The owners wanted Coughlin: Ibid.

87. A day later, Manning: Tom Canavan, “Eli emotionless following bad loss,” Associated Press, November 27, 2007.

88. The following Sunday, on ESPN’s: Neil Best, “Media rushed to judgment,” (New York) Newsday, December 4, 2007.

89. A few days later: Ralph Vacchiano, “Apple Sours on Eli,” New York Daily News, November 28, 2007.

90. “Maybe he should be…”: Ibid.

91. “New York is going to chew…”: Ibid.

92. “[Coughlin] needs to…”: Gary Myers, “Resting Giants a Perfect Plan,” New York Daily News, December 25, 2007.

93. Bob Glauber, in a Newsday: Bob Glauber, “Coughlin logically should let his players take a rest against Patriots,” (New York) Newsday, December 25, 2007.

94. “Anything beyond appearances…”: Bob Matthews, “Giants would be smart to rest their regulars,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, December 26, 2007.

95. “Of course we want…”: Arthur Staple, “Sirius trash talk: Giants react to Ronde’s slight,” (New York) Newsday, January 3, 2008.

96. “Tampa rested their players”: Fox NFL Sunday. Aired January 6, 2008, on Fox.

97. His fellow co-hosts: Ibid.

98. Next, despite Johnson, Long, Bradshaw: Fox NFL Sunday. Aired January 13, 2008, on Fox.

99. Bradshaw, who hadn’t been: Fox NFL Pregame: Super Bowl XLII Pregame. Aired February 3, 2008, on Fox.

100. One confident New England fan: Ian Begley, Mark Lelinwalla, and Michael O’Keefe, “Perfect T-Shirt doesn’t fit NFL,” New York Daily News, February 3, 2008.

101. The site started selling: Ibid.

102. They sold 700 shirts: Ibid.

103. During media day: Tom Canavan, “Still outspoken, he predicts a win over Patriots,” Associated Press, January 30, 2008.

104. When word about that: “Brady: Plax Prediction on Pats’ points puzzling,” Associated Press, January 30, 2008.

105. Spagnuolo changed the Giants: Glenn Stout and Richard A. Johnson, The Pats: An Illustrated History of the New England Patriots (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018), 621; Rich Cimini, “Brady bunched up,” New York Daily News, February 4, 2008, Scribd.

106. Spagnuolo also devised clever coverage: Hank Gola, “Giant coaches outclass the masters,” New York Daily News, February 4, 2008.

107. “With [that] three point loss…”: Gary Myers, “Super Survivors,” New York Daily News, February 5, 2008.

108. “As it turned out…”: Ibid.

109. After the game: Today. Aired February 4, 2008, on NBC.

110. When he caught up: Ibid.

111. From the studio: Ibid.

112. She then offered him: Ibid.

113. He praised Manning’s performance: Ibid.

114. “Right after the [2006 season]…”: Tara Sullivan, “Coughlin shows his sunny side,” (North Jersey) Record, February 5, 2008.

115. “You have to learn…”: Ibid.

116. In the days leading up: Ralph Vacchiano, “Tiki Barber says Tom Coughlin’s ‘job is in certain jeopardy and his control is slipping away,” New York Daily News, September 30, 2010.

117. It was no surprise: Gary Myers, “Losing to Chicago too much to Bear,” New York Daily News, October 4, 2010.

118. Soon thereafter, he tried: Gary Myers, “The truth about 2011,” New York Daily News, September 11, 2011.

119. Barber has said: Brad Gagnon, “Tiki Barber Doesn’t Think Giants Would Have Won Super Bowl XLII Had He Stayed,” BleacherReport.com, October 11, 2012, https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1367891-tiki-barber-doesnt-think-giants-would-have-won-super-bowl-xlii-had-he-stayed (accessed September 9, 2021).

120. Regarding his comments about: Justin Terranova, “5 questions for Tiki Barber,” New York Post, August 2, 2013.

121. He also contends: Gagnon, “Tiki Barber Doesn’t Think…”

122. “The dynamics of…”: Ibid.

123. “And at the time…”: Ibid.

124. In December 2008, he sat: Toni Monkovic, “Tiki Barber: I Was Wrong About You, Eli,” The Fifth Down (blog). New York Times. December 15, 2008, https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/15/tiki-barber-i-was-wrong-about-you-eli/ (accessed September 9, 2021).

125. “It was entirely based…”: Author interview with Tara Sullivan, December 8, 2020.

126. “The whole narrative…”: Ibid

127. “I love the fact…”: Ibid.

128. “I still contend that…”: Author interview with Gary Myers, April 12, 2021.

129. “We even shocked ourselves”: Gary Shelton, “Memorable rewrite of NFL history,” Tampa Bay Times, February 4, 2008.

Chapter 7: “Brian Brohm has more upside than Aaron Rodgers” (2008 Green Bay Packers)

1. A month before the 2008 Draft: Bob McGinn, “Brett Favre Retires: Filling a hole in the pocket, Packers are left to restock at quarterback,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 5, 2008.

2. To many, he was not: Todd Finkelmeyer, “In a rush, Badgers fans? You won’t top Iowa’s run,” (Madison, Wisconsin) Capital Times, March 8, 2008.

3. In July, he wanted: Paul Vandermause, “Favre-Packers affair like poker game,” Hattiesburg (Mississippi) American, July 14, 2008.

4. He said he wanted to: “Smilin’ Brian: Brohm finally relaxed in the spotlight as a senior at Louisville,” Associated Press, August 15, 2007, https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=2976095 (accessed January 6, 2022).

5. In June 2007, ESPN’s premier: Mel Kiper Jr., “Brohm No. 1, USC places five on initial Big Board,” ESPN.com, June 8, 2007.

6. By the time April rolled: Rick Bozich, “Big East should get No. 2 seed in the NCAAs,” Louisville Courier-Journal, March 4, 2008.

7. A Cardinals scout told: Bob McGinn, “What scouts had to say about the Packers’ 2008 draft picks,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 27, 2008.

8. Another scout told: Pete Dougherty, “Can the Packers pass on top prospect?” Green Bay Press-Gazette, April 22, 2008.

9. Before the draft, Kiper said: Orlando Ledbetter, “Falcons see lots of QBs after Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 20, 2008.

10. The week before the draft: Rick Bozich, “Love of Ryan over Brohm is puzzling,” Louisville Courier-Journal, April 21, 2008.

11. “I watched Brohm…”: Ibid.

12. “One thing I do not see…”: Ibid.

13. When the Brohm pick: Naila-Jean Meyers, “N.F.L. Draft: Second Round,” The Fifth Down (blog), New York Times, April 26, 2008, https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/26/nfl-draft-second-round/?searchResultPosition=2 (accessed September 17, 2021).

14. After announcing the Packers: ESPN News, aired April 26, 2008; “2008 NFL DRAFT Packers Select BRIAN BROHM,” YouTube, uploaded by PackersInsider, July 7, 2008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he0BIKmoq0s (accessed March 2, 2022).

15. Right away, Hoge, the former: Ibid.

16. “I like him,” he told Davis: Ibid.

17. “I honestly think Brian…”: Ibid.

18. He then added: Ibid.

19. He thought Rodgers: Ibid.

20. Hoge expounded further, stating: Ibid.

21. “[Packers GM Ted]…”: Tom Oates, “Rodgers will ‘be fine,’” Wisconsin State Journal, April 27, 2008.

22. Nevertheless, the same day: Rob Demovsky, “Brohm seen as ‘solid’ backup to Rodgers,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, April 27, 2008.

23. “I think that wasn’t…”: Author interview with Rick Bozich, May 29, 2020.

24. “[Before the NFL]…”: Ibid.

25. “In retrospect, the NFL…”: Ibid.

26. “[Ryan] definitely has…”: Ibid.

27. “I can’t believe he didn’t…”: Ibid.

28. “I look at some…”: Ibid.

Chapter 8: “The Jets Just Got the Steal of the Draft, Their Future Starting QB, Bryce Petty” (NFL Draft Freezing Cold Takes)

1. “The Giants’ first-round choice…”: Larry Fox, “Boo-birds sacking Giant draft of Simms,” New York Daily News, May 4, 1979.

2. “I don’t understand it…”: NFL Draft, April 26, 1983, aired on ESPN.

3. “After this draft is history…”: Ibid.

4. “I feel any team that…”: “Juniors boost QB talent pool,” Associated Press, April 19, 1990.

5. “[With Andre Ware at quarterback]: Bob Sansevere, “Lions to dominate with Ware at QB,” St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press, April 24, 1990.

6. “If I was New England…”: NFL Draft, April 25, 1993, aired on ESPN.

7. “Everybody should have drafted…”: “Rookie class much deeper than Manning, Leaf,” Hartford Courant, August 30, 1998.

8. [Danny Wuerffel’s] a winner: John McClain, “Former teammates deserve look at QB,” Houston Chronicle, April 13, 1997.

9. “I say it’s a no-brainer…”: Vic Carucci, “Colts may like Manning’s head, but Leaf’s arm will capture their hearts,” Buffalo News, April 5, 1998.

10. “Without a doubt, Peyton Manning…”: Pete Sirianni, “One bad opinion in 140 years isn’t the ‘biggest flop’” ncnewsonline.com, August 14, 2021, https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/lifestyles/column-by-pete-sirianni-one-bad-opinion-in-140-years-isnt-the-biggest-flop/article_490e5134-589e-5c0c-ab7d-b022fabed606.html (accessed January 7, 2022); Jason Lisk (@JasonLisk), “For everyone asking, I found this in an article in the New Castle (Pennsylvania) News from April 18, 1998. Four writers gave their draft thoughts and that was from someone named Kevin Flowers. I’m doing a project where I’m searching for old scouting comments pre-draft on QBs,” Twitter, March 31, 2018, 10:03 a.m., https://twitter.com/JasonLisk/status/980085599058169859?s=20 (accessed January 7, 2022).

11. “He is the quarterback…”: Jay Mariotti, “A-O-Cade,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 18, 1999.

12. “Obviously [Tom Brady] has…”: Alan Greenberg, “Patriots Draft Board Day 2,” Hartford Courant, April 17, 2000.

13. “I see Brett Favre in…”: Bob McGinn, “Tulane quarterback seen as Favre-like,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 18, 2004.

14. “Will [‘draft project’ Ben Roethlisberger]…”: Rick Green, “Steelers’ draft quite a project,” Erie (Pennsylvania) Times-News, April 27, 2004.

15. “In five years we will…”: Gregg Easterbrook, “Another season of bad predictions,” Page 2. ESPN.com, February 14, 2007, https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/070213 (accessed January 8, 2022).

16. “Dolphins could have had their…”: Jerry Greene, “It’s safe to come out now,” Orlando Sentinel, April 29, 2007.

17. “Mike Greenberg can’t contain his.…”: SportsCenter (@SportsCenter). “Producer: Greeny (Mike Greenberg) can’t contain his excitement about the Jets & Sanchez. He really believes Broadway Joe has met his match.” Twitter, April 27, 2009, 8:25 p.m., https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1634226055?s=20 (accessed January 15, 2022).

18. “If you are betting…”: Barry Jackson, “Experts mixed on Dolphins’ first-day picks,” Miami Herald, April 26, 2009.

19. “I love, love, love this…”: Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet), “I love, love, love this pick for Carolina. Jimmy Clausen. Man, teams are going to be sorry…,” Twitter, April 23, 2010, 7:21 p.m., https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/12730413024?s=20 (accessed January 10, 2022).

20. “If [Tim] Tebow…”: Tim Brando (@TimBrando), “If Tebow isn’t a Jaguar by tonight it’s my opinion is the Franchise is gone within 3 years. Not an immediate starter, but a business savior!” Twitter, April 22, 2010, 10:38 a.m., https://twitter.com/TimBrando/status/12642442034?s=20 (accessed September 20, 2021).

21. “I love [Jake] Locker. I’m…”: NFL Draft, April 20, 1996, aired on ESPN.

22. “LOVE IT. Christian Ponder…”: Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee), “LOVE IT. Christian Ponder to the Vikings. He will have a long successful career in Minnesota. Sleeper of the draft.” Twitter, April 28, 2011, 9:18 p.m., https://twitter.com/BarrettSallee/status/63774105849180161?s=20 (accessed January 18, 2021).

23. “The Cardinals should give up…”: “Path to the Draft: March 30, 2001,” WalterFootball.com, March 30, 2011, https://walterfootball.com/pathtothedraft2011_0330.php (accessed January 15, 2022).

24. “I don’t see Russell Wilson being…”: Dave Mahler (@Softykjr), “Hugh Millen: ‘I don’t see Russell Wilson being anything more than Seneca Wallace. I’m higher on Josh Portis as a prospect.’ #Seahawks,” Twitter, April 27, 2012, 10:41 p.m., https://twitter.com/Softykjr/status/196066543816282113?s=20 (accessed September 18, 2021).

25. “Dak Prescott is a backup…”: Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd), “Dak Prescott is a backup in NFL. At tight end,” Twitter, November 15, 2014, 5:16 p.m., https://twitter.com/ColinCowherd/status/533745272858607617?s=20 (accessed January 8, 2022).

26. “Johnny Football will bring…”: NFL Draft. Aired May 8, 2014 on ESPN.

27. “The Jets just got the steal…”: Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless), “The Jets just got the steal of the draft, their future starting QB, Bryce Petty,” Twitter, May 2, 2015, 12:26 p.m., https://twitter.com/RealSkipBayless/status/594538452932243456?s=20 (accessed January 8, 2022).

28. “[DeShone] Kizer… is going to…”: Dan Wolken (@DanWolken), “Kizer handles pressure so well. Going to make millions and millions of dollars. Multiple time Pro Bowler,” Twitter, September 4, 2012, 10:12 p.m., https://twitter.com/DanWolken/status/772618360706043904?s=20 (accessed January 20, 2022).

29. “HACKENBERG TO THE JETS!!!…”: Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed), Twitter, April 25, 2019, 10:24 a.m., https://twitter.com/OldTakesExposed/status/1121419799396016128?s=20 (contains screenshots of the tweets that include the quotes to which this citation refers, as the original tweets have been deleted) (accessed January 16, 2022).

30. “Chiefs are STOOPID”: Tony Massarotti (@TonyMassarotti), “Let me try this again. Chiefs are STOOPID,” Twitter, April 27, 2017, 9:41 p.m., https://twitter.com/TonyMassarotti/status/857771598815932417?s=20 (accessed January 20, 2022).

31. “It is unprecedented to see…”: “1st Round NFL Draft Grades | Bucky Brooks | 2017 Draft.” YouTube, uploaded by NFL, April 28, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIlcF_gj-rg (accessed January 18, 2022).

32. “[The] Chiefs just made…”: Andrew Holleran, “Recruiting Expert’s Old Tweet About QB Patrick Mahomes Is Going Viral,” The Spun, Sports Illustrated, September 16, 2018, https://thespun.com/news/recruiting-experts-old-tweet-about-qb-patrick-mahomes-is-going-viral (accessed January 20, 2022).

33. “It won’t happen, but if”: Booger McFarland (@espnbooger), “it wont happen but if Louisville were really thinking about Lamar Jackson’s future they would move him to wr,thats where he will play in NFL,” Twitter, June 20, 2017, 2:25 p.m., https://twitter.com/ESPNBooger/status/877230937284771842?s=20 (accessed January 21, 2022).

34. “I would consider any team…”: Rodger Sherman, “The Winners and Losers From Round 1 of the NFL Draft,” The Ringer, April 27, 2018, https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2018/4/27/17289496/2018-draft-winners-losers-buffalo-bills-josh-allen-lamar-jackson-baltimore-ravens (accessed January 16, 2022).

35. “Cincinnati should keep veteran…”: “2020 NFL Draft: What SHOULD the Bengals do with the No. 1 pick?” NFL.com, April 3, 2020, https://www.nfl.com/news/2020-nfl-draft-what-should-the-bengals-do-with-the-no-1-pick-0ap3000001108085 (retrieved February 1, 2022).

36. “The… Bears chose Walter Payton”: Red Smith, “Flesh market,” New York Times, January 29, 1975.

37. [Emmitt Smith will] be…”: Chris Harry, “If only the Bucs had taken Emmitt,” Orlando Sentinel, November 30, 2000.

38. “[Emmitt] Smith should be a solid…”: Kevin Lyttle, “Dallas gets draft grade B, as in blew it,” Austin American-Statesman, April 24, 1990.

39. “Blair Thomas will be…”: Brian Heyman, “Many needs, too few picks,” (North Jersey) Herald-News, April 22, 1990.

40. “Meet Curtis Enis. I admit…”: Jay Mariotti, “Enis is young anchor Bears need,” Chicago Sun-Times, April 19, 1996.

41. “Ten years from now…”: Elliott Smith, “Colts soon will regret choice to pass Williams,” Odessa (Texas) American, April 20, 1999.

42. “Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson…”: Stewart Mandel (@slmandel), “Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson in the same backfield next year? That’s pretty freaking cool.” Twitter, April 26, 2012, 11:07 a.m., https://twitter.com/slmandel/status/195697405851742208?s=20 (accessed January 17, 2022).

43. “Anyone else thinking Trent Richardson…”: Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed), “Appreciate u guys sending me all this T-Rich stuff, but this is where it’s at,” Twitter, August 10, 2017, 9:18 p.m., https://twitter.com/OldTakesExposed/status/895816612397412353?s=20 (contains screenshots of the tweets that include the quotes to which this citation refers) (accessed January 20, 2022).

44. “Wayne Gallman >>>> Derrick Henry…”: Todd Fuhrman (@Todd Fuhrman), “Wayne Gallman >>>> Derrick Henry when it comes to their careers at the next level.” Twitter, January 11, 2016, 11:53 p.m., https://twitter.com/ToddFuhrman/status/686772996711661569?s=20 (accessed January 22, 2022).

45. “I would rather have Kenneth…”: Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout), “I would rather have Kenneth Dixon than Derrick Henry. @Carlos_Danger,” Twitter, March 23, 2016, 11:07 a.m., https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/712657108915720192?s=20 (accessed January 8, 2022).

46. “[Dolphins third-round draft pick]…”: Jason Cole, “J.J. will take Shannon over Moss any time,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, April 20, 1998.

47. “[The] Colts reached”: Warner Hessler, “Grading the NFL Draft,” (Newport News, Virginia) Daily Press, April 24, 2001.

48. “This was the easy part…”: Bob Wojnowski, “Rogers’ talent running routes not his roots, warrants selection,” Detroit News, April 27, 2003.

49. “I’ll see you at his…”: Jim Weber, “Mel Kiper’s Top 10 NFL Draft Blunders,” Awful Announcing, April 10, 2017, https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/mel-kipers-top-10-nfl-draft-blunders.html (accessed January 20, 2022).

50. “Matt Jones, a WR-TE hybrid…”: Walter Cherepinsky, “2005 NFL Draft Grades and Re-Grades, AFC Re-Grades,” WalterFootball.com, June 3, 2008. https://walterfootball.com/draft2005Gafc.php (accessed January 25, 2022).

51. “Jay Cutler says THANK YOU…”: Skip Bayless (@realSkipBayless), “Jay Cutler says THANK YOU. Kevin White will be a BEAST. Extremely confident and backs it up. Big/strong/fast/tough. #CHIpick,” Twitter, April 30, 2015, 8:57 p.m., https://twitter.com/RealSkipBayless/status/593942179166363648?s=20 (accessed January 22, 2022).

52. “[Rickey] Dudley will be…”: John Marvel, “John Marvel looks at the first day of the NFL Draft,” Contra Costa (California) Times, April 21, 1996.

53. “People are high on Arizona TE…”: Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed). “DELETION: Looks like @GregABedard recently reached his breaking point with this classic (Thx @thoughtsnprayer),” Twitter, March 28, 2016, 9:18 a.m., https://twitter.com/OldTakesExposed/status/714441634780430336 (contains a screenshot of the tweet that has the quote to which this citation refers, as the original tweet has been deleted) (accessed January 8, 2022).

54. “The thought of the New England…”: Gregg Easterbrook, “Is the NFL draft science or lottery,” Page 2, ESPN.com, April 27, 2010, http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/100427_tuesday_morning_quarterback_draft_review (accessed January 19, 2022).

55. “[Buffalo Bills]: Worst Pick…”: “Rough draft—but not for Shula,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, May 2, 1985.

56. “[Chris Doleman] is a projection…”: “Schemes and Dreams | 1985 Caught in the Draft,” YouTube, uploaded by NFL Films, April, 22, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWtUS8arQbA&t=895s (accessed January 19, 2022).

57. “Should the Panthers use…”: Dan Arkush, “With the draft’s No. 2 overall pick, Carolina faces a tough decision,” Pro Football Weekly, April 10, 2002.

58. “Charles Woodson… won’t have the…”: Jason Lisk (@JasonLisk), “and for those saying someone couldn’t be more wrong. Well, I couldn’t fit all of it in the screen grab. Here was his Best Bet.” Twitter, March 31, 2018, 10:23 a.m., https://twitter.com/JasonLisk/status/980085599058169859?s=20 (accessed January 7, 2022).

59. “Let’s face it: [Ed] Reed…”: Mike Preston, “Let’s face it: Reed is a pick without pizazz,” Baltimore Sun, April 21, 2002.

60. “With [Defensive tackle Vernon] Gholston…”: Matt Sohn, “Rare athlete fits in perfectly with Jets’ complex ‘D,’” April 26, 2008.

61. “[The Houston Texans] will rue…”: Chris Baldwin, “Texans will rue the night they took Pizza Boy J. J. Watt over Nick Fairley, Houston lover,” Culture Map (Houston), April 29, 2011, https://houston.culturemap.com/news/sports/04-29-11-texans-will-rue-the-night-they-took-pizza-boy-watts-over-nick-fairley-houston-lover/#slide=0 (accessed January 7, 2022).

62. “Luke Kuechly at No. 10…”: Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff), “Luke Kuechly at No. 10 to Panthers is not going to work out well. Tacklers are easy to find. I know he can cover TEs, but cmon,” Twitter, April 26, 2012, 8:54 p.m., https://twitter.com/andrewperloff/status/195677331174596610?s=20 (accessed January 20, 2022).

Chapter 9: “Tony Mandarich Is in a Class by Himself… It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This” (1989 Green Bay Packers)

1. In 2009, former Rutgers: Kory Kozak, “Steroids fueled spectacular rise and fall,” April 17, 2009, https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4073575 (September 21, 2021).

2. “He’s faster than any…”: Rick Telander, “The Big Enchilada,” Sports Illustrated, April 24, 1989.

3. “There’s probably nobody…”: Ibid.

4. Joe Wooley, the director: Bob McGinn, “Mandarich: A man among children,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, April 18, 1989.

5. The Browns did give: Don Pierson, “Mandarich’s size and skills block reality off the film,” Chicago Tribune, April 21, 1989.

6. “A once-in-a-lifetime…”: “Packers steady on Mandarich,” United Press International, April 16, 1989.

7. “A freak of nature”: McGinn, “Mandarich: A man among children.”

8. “The best offensive…”: “Mandarich tops talented group of lineman available in draft,” Scripps Howard News Service, April 19, 1989.

9. “Mandarich is out…”: Brian Allee-Walsh, “Lineman Mandarich Has No Peer,” (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, April 18, 1989.

10. “A surer thing…”: Don Pierson, “’89 class not good, but better than ’90,” Chicago Tribune, April 21, 1989.

11. “An instant starter…”: Larry Dorman, “Safety, first: Oliver likely Dolphin pick,” Miami Herald, April 22, 1989.

12. “I’ve been in football…”: “Packers hit jackpot with No. 2 draft pick,” Associated Press, April 23, 1989.

13. “Could be the best…”: Brian White, “Dr. W’s draft,” (Southwest Florida) News-Press, April 23, 1989.

14. “He’s the best I’ve…”: Steve Schoenfeld, “Despite glitz at top, draft field bottoms out,” Arizona Republic, April 16, 1989.

15. “He’s the finest pure…”: Jack Sheppard, “Experts agree: Mandarich blocks out the competition,” Tampa Bay Times, April 19, 1989.

16. “Mandarich is in a class…”: Vinny DiTrani, “Superman of the NFL Draft,” (North Jersey) Record, April 17, 1989.

17. The workout astonished…: Jack Ebling, “The Incredible Bulk,” Lansing State Journal, February 18, 1989.

18. “Someday, we’ll be able to…”: Ibid.

19. Mandarich weighed in: Ibid.

20. He also bench-pressed: Ibid.

21. It was described by: Gary Long, “Mandarich looms over linemen,” Miami Herald, April 15, 1989.

22. “[Packers General Manager] Tom…”: McGinn, “Mandarich: A man among children.”

23. “You can get quarterbacks…”: Ibid.

24. While he didn’t: Telander, “The Big Enchilada.”

25. Less than a year earlier: Tommy Chalkin with Rick Telander, “The Nightmare of Steroids,” Sports Illustrated, October 24, 1988.

26. Chalkin also alleged: Ibid.

27. A subsequent internal investigation: Brant Newman, “South Carolina avoids major punishment for steroids mess,” United Press International, July 26, 1990.

28. Three South Carolina coaches: Ibid.

29. When he arrived at: Cody J. Tucker, ‘Eventually he saw the light,” Lansing State Journal, April 26, 2018.

30. By the time he left: “Morning Line,” Detroit Free Press, January 16, 1989.

31. When prompted, he would cite: Art Kabelowsky, “Mandarich on his best behavior,” Racine (Wisconsin) Journal Times, April 24, 1989.

32. He attributed his: Telander, “The Big Enchilada.”

33. “Our trainer talked…”: Bob McGinn, “Team not scared by Mandarich steroid talk,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, April 15, 1989.

34. Five days before: Bob McGinn, “Mandarich reaches deal,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, September 5, 1989.

35. When Mandarich finally reported: John Aehl, “Mandarich weight becoming heavy issue for Packers,” Wisconsin State Journal, December 14, 1989.

36. He rarely played, and there were: Greg Garber, “Green Bay shows it can stay ahead of the pack,” Hartford Courant, December 3, 1989.

37. Rumors were rampant: Ibid.

38. The speculation heated up: “MSU officials refute report of widespread steroid use by football players,” United Press International, March 21, 1990.

39. It also alleged: Ibid.

40. MSU officials denied: Ibid.

41. Instead, he moved back to Michigan: Kozak, “Steroids fueled spectacular rise and fall.”

42. Six months later: “Outside the Lines, Where Are They Now? Tony Mandarich.” SportsCenter, April 19, 2009, aired on ESPN.

43. According to Mandarich: Rick Telander, “Tony Mandarich is very, very sorry,” Sports Illustrated, March 9, 2009.

44. He lost 20 pounds, and: Jill Lieber, “Tony the Terrible,” Sports Illustrated, September 28, 1992.

45. After coming clean in 2008: Sharon Shaw Elrod and Tony Mandarich, My Dirty Little Secrets—Steroids, Alcohol & God: The Tony Mandarich Story (Ann Arbor, Michigan: Loving Healing Press, 2009), chap. 6, iBook.

46. He claimed he was not sober: “Where Are They Now? Tony Mandarich.” SportsCenter, April 19, 2009, aired on ESPN.

47. “Playing half in the bag…”: Kevin Mitchell, “Mandarich’s life a cautionary tale,” (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) Star Phoenix, August 26, 2015.

48. “You think it’s helping…”: Ibid.

49. After the Showtime interview: Rick Telander, “A couple of sorry tales,” Chicago Sun-Times, October 24, 2008.

50. A couple of months later: Telander, “Tony Mandarich is very, very sorry.”

51. “I was wrong. I conned you…”: Ibid.

52. Jack Ebling, who covered: Cody Tucker, “Tony Mandarich, 23 years sober, still can’t escape ‘incredible bust’ moniker,” Lansing State Journal, April 25, 2018, https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/sports/2018/04/25/michigan-state-tony-mandarich-nfl-draft/548646002/ (accessed September 21, 2021).

53. It was a phrase: Eric Lacy, “Mandarich on MSU,” Detroit News, October 2, 2008.

54. According to (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent: Tim Froberg, “The truth about Mandarich’s drug use surfaces 20 years later,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, March 13, 2009.

55. “Collegiate steroid abuse…”: Matt Hinton, “Tony Mandarich fails to stun the world with heads-slappingly obvious admission of steroid abuse at Michigan State,” YahooSports.com, September 30, 2008, https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-matt-hinton/tony-mandarich-fails-stun-world-head-slappingly-obvious.html (accessed September 22, 2021).

56. “Boy, there’s a real…”: “2 minute drill,” Philadelphia Daily News, October 3, 2008.

57. “What next? An admission…”: Ibid.

58. Kenosha (Wisconsin) News writer Mike Larsen: Mike Larsen, “Still hope Brewers, Cubs fans,” Kenosha (Wisconsin) News, October 2, 2008.

59. Even then, it only tested: Shaw and Mandarich. My Dirty Little Secrets, chap. 3.

60. So as soon as the Michigan State: Ibid.

61. During his 2009 ESPN: “Outside the Lines, Where Are They Now? Tony Mandarich.” SportsCenter, April 19, 2009, aired on ESPN.

62. Mandarich also admitted to: Ibid.

63. In 2008, Mandarich said: Shannon Shelton, “Mandarich tells about his juicing,” Detroit Free Press, October 3, 2008.

64. “I’m big, I’m strong…”: Jack Sheppard, “Experts agree: Mandarich blocks out the competition.”

65. After the draft: Rob Schultz, “Mandarich seems happy to join Packers organization,” (Madison, Wisconsin) Capital Times, April 24, 1989.

66. “I called [Lovelace] ‘Linda’…”: Telander, “The Big Enchilada.”

67. “I ripped his helmet…”: Ibid.

68. “I knew he…”: Telander, “Tony Mandarich is very, very sorry.”

69. “There was nothing…”: Telander, “A couple of sorry tales.”

70. In 2020, Telander explained: Author interview with Rick Telander, October 9, 2020.

71. Until the NCAA: Thomas P. Simon, “Reforming the NCAA Drug-Testing Program to Withstand State Constitutional Scrutiny: An Anaylsis and Proposal,” University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform (1990): 289–290, https://repository.law.umich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1751&context=mjlr (accessed September 21, 2021).

72. NCAA Executive Director: Ibid.

73. “Unfortunately, I think…”: Ibid.

74. One suggested that: Tim Froberg, “The truth about Mandarich’s drug use surfaces 20 years later,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, March 13, 2009.

75. According to Braatz in 1989: McGinn, “Team not scared by Mandarich steroid talk.”

76. Braatz essentially admitted as much: Ibid.

77. Braatz said, “The point is moot…”: Ibid.

78. Bob McGinn, who covered the Packers: McGinn, “The McGinn Files. How Mandarich duped the scouting world and the Packers,” The Athletic, October 2, 2019.

79. According to McGinn, shortly before: Ibid.

80. When Washington general manager: Robert Sansevere, “Skimming the top: A look at the cream of the NFL Draft crop,” (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, April 21, 1989.

81. “The hype was bigger…”: Jill Lieber, “Tony the Terrible.”

82. “There isn’t anybody…”: Ibid.

Chapter 10: “When It Comes to Winning That One Critical Game, Bill Cowher Can’t Do It” (1992–2005 Pittsburgh Steelers)

1. With his famous long: Timothy W. Smith, “A Style That’s Written in His Face,” New York Times, January 28, 1996.

2. While some opponents found: Michael Madden, “Steelers’ iron leader,” Boston Globe, January 9, 1998.

3. The media touted him: Ibid.

4. His teams sometimes looked unprepared: “Steelers Report Card,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 18, 2000; “Bengals’ Fake Drove Spike Into Steelers’ Hearts,” Associated Press, October 13, 1998.

5. In mid-December 1999, after Pittsburgh’s’: Ron Cook, “Comedy of errors gets poor rating,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 13, 1999.

6. “The talent should be there.”: Ibid.

7. “It’s safe to say…”: Ibid.

8. During the 1998 season: Bill Cowher, with Michael Holley, Heart and Steel (New York: Atria Publishing Group, 2021), chap. 11, iBook.

9. “Tom and Bill disagreed…”: Dan Rooney, as told to Andrew E. Masich and David F. Halas, My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL. (Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press, 2017), 246.

10. “Bill didn’t want Donahoe…”: Ibid.

11. “We were beyond mediation…”: Cowher and Holley, Heart and Steel, chap. 11.

12. “I could not and did not”: Ibid.

13. According to team vice-president: “Donahoe quits Steelers,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 15, 2000.

14. “It would be an upset…”: Thomas George, “For Some, End of Season Is End of Line,” New York Times, January 1, 2000.

15. In the Los Angeles Times: Houston Mitchell, “Welcome to the Basement, 49ers,” Los Angeles Times, December 6, 1999.

16. In the Post-Gazette, Cook: Ron Cook, “Cowher, Steelers should part ways,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 9, 2000.

17. The growing theory among Steelers fans: Jason Cole, “Parcells’ tricks not fair to a loyal Belichick,” Miami Herald, January 9, 2000.

18. He wrote: “The Steelers…”: Mark Madden, “Cowher under fire, but won’t be fired,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 18, 1999.

19. “On January 12, 2000…”: Pete Dougherty, “Cowboys may pass on Davis,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, January 12, 2000.

20. A few days later: Alan Robinson, “Steelers begin search for successor,” Associated Press, January 16, 2000.

21. Rooney only accepted Donahoe’s: Ibid.

22. Not long thereafter, the Steelers: Gerry Dulac, “Donahoe’s forced resignation comes as surprise to players,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 15, 2000.

23. Donahoe’s departure was described: Tim Graham, “Donahoe comes with sterling reputation,” Buffalo News, January 11, 2001.

24. “I just wanted a collaborative…”: Cowher and Holley, Heart and Steel, 310.

25. “I am writing to express…”: “Did the Steelers keep the wrong guy?” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 22, 2000.

26. “Giving more power…”: Ibid.

27. “This stunning decision…”: Bob Smizik, “Donahoe departs; Steelers lose,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 15, 2000.

28. “The chances of the Steelers…”: Ibid.

29. “They had two men”: Ibid.

30. “It was their job”: Ibid.

31. “The Steelers signed…”: T. J. Simers, “Again, Beathard Saves His Best For Last,” Los Angeles Times, April 17, 2000.

32. “Choosing between personnel…”: Ibid.

33. After the second game, a 23: Bob Smizik, “How low can the Steelers go?” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 18, 2000.

34. In the Californian, writer: Jay Paris, “NFL Rankings,” (Temecula, California) Californian, September 29, 2000.

35. “During the CBS broadcast…”: Chuck Finder, “CBS almost pulls plug on Steelers,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 25, 2000.

36. “Former Washington Pro Bowl offensive”: Ibid.

37. “The following day…”: Houston Mitchell, “Two-Minute Drill,” Los Angeles Times, September 25, 2000.

38. “Cowher is toast…”: Jay Paris, “A few more NFL coaches likely on the way out,” (Temecula, California) Californian, September 29, 2000.

39. “The only question is if…”: Ibid.

40. “The guess here is…”: Ron Cook, “It’s Cowher vs. Donahoe again,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 12, 2001.

41. “After Pittsburgh lost…”: “Caught on the web,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, September 24, 2002.

42. For years, Cowher had been criticized: Ron Cook, “Is Cowher wearing thin on his coaches,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 16, 1997; Ed Bouchette, “Gailey leaves void: Gets Dallas job while Steelers launch search to replace him,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, February 13, 1998.

43. but this time reports of: Mark Madden, “Cowher gets bad marks for abuse of assistants,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 10, 2004.

44. Curti wrote that other coaches: Chuck Curti, “Cowher can’t win the big one,” Beaver County (Pennsylvania) Times, January 25, 2005.

45. He added: “When it…”: Ibid.

46. “The Steelers will never…”: “Sports Mailbag,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 9, 2005.

47. Another wrote, “I have a solution…”: Ibid.

48. “Is the season over?”: Ed Bouchette, “IS THE SEASON OVER?” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 5, 2005.

49. Right before the Steelers’ Super Bowl: John Altavilla, “Jaws returns,” Hartford Courant, February 4, 2006.

50. He said he trusted: Ibid.

51. “We’re about stability…”: Alan Robinson, “Rooney’s patience pays off as Cowher returns to title game,” January 27, 2002.

52. “We know what…”: Ibid.

Chapter 11: “The 49ers Should Do Everyone a Favor. Trade Steve Young. The Myth. And the Man” (1987–1994 San Francisco 49ers)

1. As one local columnist: Art Spander, “Bay Area just can’t get enough of Joe,” San Francisco Examiner, December 18, 1992.

2. Later coined the “West Coast Offense”: Richard Goldstein, “Bill Walsh, Innovator of West Coast Offense, Dies at 75,” New York Times, July 31, 2007.

3. It also prioritized ball control: Michael Lombardi, “The Genius of Bill Walsh,” The Ringer, September 6, 2018, https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2018/9/6/17822756/gridiron-genius-mike-lombardi-bill-walsh (accessed February 20, 2022).

4. The quarterback needed to think: Ibid.

5. He had a natural ability: Keith Dunnavant, Montana: The Biography of Football’s Joe Cool (New York: Thomas Dunne Books, 2016), chap. 6, iBook.

6. While not noticeably fast: Ibid., 244.

7. During training camp: Frank Cooney, “Montana due back for opener,” San Francisco Examiner, August 24, 1985.

8. In June 1986, he underwent: “Montana recovering from secret surgery,” Associated Press, June 13, 1986.

9. In the first game: “Montana on the mend after back surgery,” Associated Press, September 18, 1986.

10. Local papers immediately: Charles Bricker, “Walsh faces major rebuilding job, there’s little help in sight,” (San Jose, California) Mercury News, January 6, 1987.

11. Some of the Niners: Ibid.

12. Walsh was beginning to believe: Dunnavant, Montana, chap. 8, iBook.

13. He needed not just: Ibid.

14. He quickly focused on: Ibid.

15. After a stellar career at: “$40 million bid to Young reported,” Associated Press, March 4, 1984.

16. Announced as a four-year deal: Ken Peters, “Express sign Young for $40 million,” Associated Press, March 6, 1984.

17. But by the time: Jim Selman, “Buccaneers sign Young to contract,” Tampa Tribune, September 11, 1985.

18. He later recalled: Spence Checketts, host, “Steve Young,” Reality Check with Spence Checketts, February 13, 2019.

19. After Tampa Bay used its first pick: Ira Miller, “Walsh ‘stole’ Young,” SFGate.com, January 18, 2012, https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Walsh-stole-Young-2618265.php (accessed August 8, 2021).

20. Walsh couldn’t understand why: Ibid.

21. He was convinced that Tampa: Ibid.

22. “Steve, you don’t come…”: Steve Young, with Jeff Benedict, QB: My Life Behind the Spiral (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016), 188, Scribd.

23. “Joe might wander…”: Ibid.

24. On his first day: Ibid, 192.

25. He looked healthy: Ibid.

26. He referred to Young: Don Pierson, “Montana vs. Young: Day of Reckoning here,” Chicago Tribune, September 11, 1994.

27. According to Young’s agent, Leigh: Leigh Steinberg and Michael Arkush, The Agent: My 40-Year Career Making Deals and Changing the Game (New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015), 206, Scribd.

28. “Steve Young is…”: Glenn Dickey, “Viking Win Didn’t Surprise Everyone,” San Francisco Chronicle, January 6, 1988.

29. “He does the same…”: Ibid.

30. “In the present tense”: Dave Albee, USA Today, December 28, 1987.

31. The consensus was that: Lowell Cohn, “The Obstacle Is Removed,” San Francisco Chronicle, January 4, 1988.

32. But when the Minnesota Vikings: Bob Padecky, “No one else will stop them, either,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, December 28, 1987.

33. Soon after, Walsh: Jim Jenkins, “Montana not worried about Young,” Sacramento Bee, January 12, 1988.

34. In November 1987, San Francisco Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey: Glenn Dickey, “Joes Good, But Not the Best,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 17, 1987.

35. “Montana’s local reputation rests…”: Ibid.

36. Dickey also essentially labeled Montana: Ibid.

37. “Montana has been, indisputably…”: Ibid.

38. He then added that: Ibid.

39. Dickey also believed that: Ibid.

40. He told NBC’s Merlin Olsen: Ralph Leef, “Walsh admits to QB Controversy, (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, August 3, 1988.

41. To him, it was bittersweet: Young and Benedict, QB: My Life Behind the Spiral, 253.

42. He did not want to wait: Ibid., 253–254.

43. If that wasn’t ominous enough: Tom Jackson, “Young should ask 49ers to trade him,” Sacramento Bee, August 22, 1990.

44. In late August 1990: Ibid.

45. “He’s running out of time”: Ibid.

46. “And he darn well ought…”: Ibid.

47. Also, Jackson surmised that: Ibid.

48. Against the advice of many: Young and Benedict, QB: My Life Behind the Spiral, 266.

49. He thought that the 49ers’ offense: Ibid.

50. According to a witness: Bob Padecky, “49ers are losing games and class,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, October 16, 1991.

51. It became so bad: Charles Haley, with Joe Layden, All the Rage: Life of an NFL Renegade (Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1997), 63, Scribd.

52. Niners’ reps had to ask: Padecky, “49ers are losing games and class.”

53. “He was such a whiner”: Haley and Layden, All the Rage, 79.

54. “He was always moping”: Ibid., 78.

55. After the game, former 49ers receiver: Padecky, “49ers are losing games and class.”

56. “I’m just glad Joe Montana…”: Mark Purdy, “A bad trend haunts Young,” (San Jose, California) Mercury News, October 14, 1991.

57. That evening, while narrating: NFL Primetime. Aired December 1, 1991, on ESPN.

58. Bono’s performance also spawned a media narrative: Bob Padecky “Bono brings back flashes of Joe,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, December 2, 1991; Bruce Jenkins, “Revived 49ers Should Keep Bono at QB,” San Francisco Chronicle, December 2, 1991.

59. “[Bono] is quickly…”: Joe Santoro, “Niners find substitute Joe in Bono,” Reno Gazette-Journal, December 2, 1991.

60. “He’s right handed… he throws…”: Ibid.

61. Hall of Fame quarterback…”: Frank Cooney, “Bono no bonehead for 49ers, leaves Young waiting again, San Francisco Examiner, December 4, 1991.

62. “Bono is Montana’s surrogate”: Larry Minner, “Sorry, Mr. Young,” Modesto (California) Bee, December 3, 1991.

63. “He runs the system…”: Ibid.

64. “Believe me,” Vitt said: Claire Farsnworth, “‘Oh No, Bono,’ Third-String QB Becoming a 49er Savior,” Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 5, 1991.

65. “[Steve Young’s stock] has…: Lowell Cohn, “Invest in Bono—His Stock Is Way Up,” San Francisco Chronicle, December 5, 1991.

66. “The brutal truth is…”: Ibid.

67. He continued, “It is a fact…”: Ibid.

68. A few days later, (Santa Rosa, California): Michael Silver, “Starting Bono over Young is bonkers,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, December 4, 1991.

69. “I definitely wasn’t anti-Bono…”: Author interview with Michael Silver, December 17, 2020.

70. “Get ready for the Montana/Bono…”: “49ers vs. Seahawks,” NFL on CBS Sports, December 8, 1991, aired on CBS.

71. Various scribes likened: Bob Padecky, “49ers have a new master architect,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, December 9, 1991; John Crumpacker, “Receiver hauls in the game-winner against Seattle as S.F. stays in hunt,” San Francisco Examiner, December 9, 1991.

72. “Steve Bono can play…”: Jim Van Vliet, “Kings give pay-per-view a trial run,” Sacramento Bee, December 10, 1991.

73. “Bono has the obvious…”: Ibid.

74. As the San Francisco Examiner’s: Ray Ratto, “Losing touch with reality,” San Francisco Examiner, May 11, 1992.

75. Near the end of the 1991 season: John Crumpacker, “Perpetual backup QB expects to remain with 49ers,” San Francisco Examiner, December 22, 1991.

76. One plugged-in writer: Ira Miller, “49ers must trade Young for safety, running back,” San Francisco Chronicle, December 12, 1991.

77. “There was a lot of pressure”: Frank Cooney, “49ers’ best trade of the year was the one they didn’t make,” San Francisco Examiner, November 22, 1992.

78. “There were many factors…”: Ibid.

79. The morning of the 1992 NFL Draft: Ibid.

80. They wanted two first-round: Ibid.

81. “I’m not going to accept…”: “Young won’t accept being Joe’s backup,” Associated Press, May 9, 1992.

82. “That would be like running…”: Ibid.

83. “Time to say so long…”: Bruce Jenkins, “Time for 49ers to Say So Long to Steve Young,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 11, 1992.

84. “It doesn’t look that complicated…”: Ibid.

85. (San Jose, California) Mercury News columnist: Mark Purdy, “49ers have no choice: Young must be traded,” (San Jose, California) Mercury News, May 10, 1992.

86. “Steve Young is not…”: Bob Padecky, “49ers need to trade Young,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, May 10, 1992.

87. “The 49ers should do…”: Ibid.

88. “Steve Young has a better…”: Bob Padecky, “For good of 49ers, a case pro Bono,” (Santa Rosa, California) The Press Democrat, August 26, 1992.

89. In a column, he declared: Ibid.

90. Although he admitted: Ibid.

91. He theorized that the 49ers’: Ibid.

92. On CBS, Randy Cross explained: Rudy Martzke, “Less proves to be better for CBS and Chirkinian,” USA Today, August 17, 1992.

93. In an interview with Cross: Rudy Martzke, “Valvano finds comfort from friends, colleagues,” USA Today, August 14, 1992.

94. “To put it mildly”: John Crumpacker, “Montana throws—a fit,” San Francisco Examiner, August 28, 1992.

95. When Montana heard that Young would: Lowell Cohn, “Montana’s Behavior is Just Plain Undignified,” San Francisco Chronicle, September 1, 1992.

96. On the sidelines: Art Spander, “Montana doesn’t want to pass the torch,” San Francisco Examiner, August 30, 1992.

97. “Steve Bono should…”: Chris Mortensen, “49ers Can’t Escape QB Problems,” Sporting News, September 13, 1992.

98. One of the common criticisms: Larry Minner, “The right Steve,” Modesto (California) Bee, December 15, 1991.

99. Many felt he should stay: Santoro, “Niners find substitute Joe in Bono.”

100. Shanahan worked with him: Young and Benedict, QB: My Life Behind the Spiral, 299.

101. “I hope Steve Young…”: Paola Boivin, “Joe vs. Steve, Who should Start? 49ers Fans Take Sides,” Los Angeles Daily News, January 8, 1993.

102. Just prior to the game: Young and Benedict, QB: My Life Behind the Spiral, 212–213.

103. “And all is right with…”: “Lions vs. 49ers,” Monday Night Football, December 28, 1992, aired on ABC.

104. “It might be raining…”: Ibid.

105. “Now. All is well”: Ibid.

106. “Yes, if it is possible…”: Bob Padecky, “Yet another return to greatness,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, December 29, 1992.

107. “You hate to say it but now…”: Ibid.

108. “Montana moves his team…”: Ibid.

109. According to 49ers, play-by-play: Boivin, “Joe vs. Steve, Who should Start?”

110. A few days before: Chris Dufresne, “His Support is Hardly the Size of Montana,” December 27, 1992.

111. “Last week, these guys…”: Boivin, “Joe vs. Steve, Who should Start?”

112. “I asked someone what…”: Ibid.

113. Michael Wilbon, in his: Michael Wilbon, “Big Young year can’t stop chant: ‘We want Joe!’” Washington Post, January 7, 1993.

114. Despite acknowledging that: Ibid.

115. “What would be the harm…”: Ibid.

116. “Something that would leave him…”: Ibid.

117. From Lowell Cohn’s next day Chronicle: Lowell Cohn, “Don’t Say This Was Young’s Fault,” The San Francisco Chronicle, January 18, 1993.

118. Within a few hours: John Crumpacker, “Now Young will have to elude blitzing fans,” San Francisco Examiner, January 18, 1993.

119. After the game, Seifert: Gary Swan, “Rice Hopes Montana Returns,” San Francisco Chronicle, January 19, 1993.

120. Young’s agent, Leigh Steinberg: “MVP could bolt 49ers,” United Press International, January 19, 1993.

121. Young countered those statements: “49ers’ Young still not able to put comparisons to rest,” Associated Press, January 20, 1993.

122. His contract was about to expire: Ibid.

123. The day after the loss: R. E. Graswich, “For 49ers, it’s now next season, 1993 will be the Joe Show,” Sacramento Bee, January 18, 1993.

124. Frank Cooney, in the San Francisco Examiner: “Trading Young would be the smarter move for 49ers,” San Francisco Examiner, April 10, 1993.

125. Montana wanted a fair shot: Gary Myers, “Joe picks K.C., but S.F. balks,” New York Daily News, April 18, 1993.

126. They told Montana to look: Gary Swan, “Bono Signs, Montana Starts His Search,” San Francisco Chronicle, April 8, 1993.

127. Then, a plot twist: Frank Cooney and Larry D. Hatfield, “Montana: Departure best for all involved,” San Francisco Examiner, April 19, 1993.

128. Seifert announced that Montana: “Montana says he’ll go to K.C.,” Associated Press, April 19, 1993.

129. Ray Ratto, in the Examiner: Ray Ratto, “It was all one big silly charade,” San Francisco Examiner, April 19, 1993.

130. “I think it was meant…”: Ibid.

131. “Joe Montana gets…”: Ibid.

132. The Sacramento Bee’s Mark: Mark Kreidler, “Something about this deal smells,” Sacramento Bee, April 19, 1993.

133. “Listen does Mr. Toad…”: Ibid.

134. In the New York Daily News: Gary Myers, “L’affaire Montana an embarrassment,” New York Daily News, April 20, 1993.

135. “Moe, Larry and Curly…”: R. E. Graswich, “Moe, Larry and Curly would be proud of this bunch,” Sacramento Bee, April 20, 1993.

136. “The 49ers insist they…”: Ibid.

137. He said it was: Gary Myers, “Joe’s choice? Chiefs,” New York Daily News, April 20, 1993.

138. Shortly thereafter, the 49ers: “The deal: what the Chiefs, 49ers get,” Kansas City Star, April 22, 1993.

139. “[Seifert] just lost…”: Bruce Jenkins, “Tearful day for 49ers fans—or a Chance to Rebuild,” San Francisco Chronicle, April 21, 1993.

140. “Now he’s stuck with…”: Ibid.

141. He continued: “The fans might be the biggest losers of all…”: Ibid.

142. The New York Times summed up: Tom Friend, “SF mourns the departure of Montana,” New York Times, April 22, 1993.

143. To Chronicle writer: Scott Ostler, “‘Magical’ Joe Gets Better and Better,” San Francisco Chronicle, September 12, 1994.

144. Young had been violently brought: John Crumpacker, “Few bright spots for team as Eagles deliver beating,” San Francisco Examiner, October 3, 1994.

145. Young threw a fit on: Bob Padecky, “Young correctly expresses anger,” (Santa Rosa, California) Press Democrat, October 3, 1994.

146. “Management for the best…”: Kevin Lyons, “Big money free agents little help for 49ers,” Washington Times, October 3, 1994.

147. “If you were watching carefully…”: “They wrote it,” (Spokane, Washington) Spokesman Review, January 30, 1995.

148. Glenn Dickey saw enough: Glenn Dickey, “Young as good as Montana ever was,” San Francisco Chronicle, January 30, 1995.

149. “Yesterday was the final proof”: Ibid.

150. “What about all the people…”: John Eisenberg, “Finally, out of shadows, into his own,” Baltimore Sun, January 30, 1995.

151. “To hell with them”: Ibid.

Chapter 12: “Why would we give up a first-round pick for [Brett Favre]?” (1992–1998 Green Bay Packers)

1. Wolf was known as: Don Pierson, “Bears will find Packers’ Wolf at their door,” Chicago Tribune, December 8, 1991.

2. A real “football man”: Ibid.

3. Wolf knew that, to turn: Michael Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers (Champaign, IL: Sports Publishing, 2019), 14–16, Scribd.

4. Moreover, he wanted it: Ibid., 16.

5. A Bill Walsh disciple: John Clayton, “Gruden and Reid have come a long way,” ESPN.com, 2002, https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs02/columnist/2003/0116/1493923.html (accessed September 25, 2021).

6. The “hot” candidate of the: Steve Hubbard, “Stanford’s Green new name on Steelers’ list,” Pittsburgh Press, January 4, 1992.

7. Joseph Dill, the sports editor: Joseph Dill, “Defense warrants attention,” Oshkosh (Wisconsin) Northwestern, January 14, 1992.

8. He also grumbled: Ibid.

9. One doubter, Tom Silverstein: Tom Silverstein, “Holmgren era about to begin. But is he an Infante clone?” Milwaukee Sentinel, January 11, 1992.

10. “In a lot of ways…”: Ibid.

11. “They’re going from…”: Ibid

12. “It was George Santayana…”: Tom Oates, “Packers return to failed path,” Wisconsin State Journal, January 13, 1992.

13. “It appears the Packers…”: Ibid.

14. Chris Mortensen, in the Sporting News: Chris Mortensen, “Holmgren will strive to pack a wallop,” Sporting News, February 17, 1992.

15. “In that division, you’ve…”: Silverstein, “Holmgren era about to begin.”

16. “You’re not playing half…”: Ibid.

17. In the press box at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium: Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers, 20–21.

18. During the 1990 season: Ibid., 18.

19. He came back extremely impressed: Ibid.

20. “Favre was always late…”: Rob Demovsky, “The Great Gamble,” ESPN.com, August 4, 2016, https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/17211520/how-brett-favre-landed-green-bay-packers-made-happen (accessed September 25, 2021).

21. “[He] couldn’t even run…”: Ibid.

22. A few days after the Atlanta game: Ron Wolf, interview with Jason Wilde and Mark Tauscher, Wilde and Tausch, WTMJ Packers Flagship Podcast, September 17, 2019.

23. “[The Executive Committee] had no idea…”: Rob Reischel, Leaders of the Pack: Starr, Favre, Rodgers, and Why Green Bay’s Quarterback Trio is the Best in NFL History. (Chicago: Triumph Books, 2015), p. 85, Scribd.

24. “But they were all…”: Ibid.

25. “I sure would have liked to”: Ron Wolf, interview with Wilde and Tauscher.

26. Because I’m sure that those guys: Ibid.

27. Team president Harlan recalled that: Bob Harlan, with Dale Hoffman, Green and Golden Moments: Bob Harlan and the Green Bay Packers (Stevens Point, WI: KCI Sports Publishing, 2007), 102.

28. Wolf would sometimes have: Don Pierson, “Pack’s Favre not just your average kid QB,” Chicago Tribune, February 16, 1992.

29. “Some of the worst mail…”: Mark Beech, The People’s Team: An Illustrated History of the Green Bay Packers (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019), 563, Scribd.

30. “Who is this Wolf guy…”: Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers, 143.

31. “People thought Wolf was nuts”: Curt Brown “Out of Nowhere, Packers’ rising star Favre has funny name but serious talent,” (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, December 20, 1992.

32. “I’ll never forget…”: Ibid.

33. According to Mark Scheifelbein: Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers, 377.

34. “We… made a stupid trade…”: Chris Havel, “Some Packers fans are never pleased,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, February 22, 1992.

35. When Jon Gruden, Holmgren’s: Jon Gruden, with Vic Carucci, Do You Love Football?! (New York: HarperCollins, 2004), 123–124, Scribd.

36. “Who the hell is [he]?”: Brown, “Out of Nowhere…”

37. “What in the world…”: “They also said it, Members of the media,” Green-Bay Press-Gazette, April 26, 1993.

38. “Prove it to us”: “Our Opinion,” (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) Commonwealth Reporter, February 17, 1992.

39. “Pardon our raised eyebrows…”: Ibid.

40. “So now we will find…”: Len Wagner, “Could UWGB-Badgers game get Bennett twist?” Green Bay Press-Gazette, February 13, 1992.

41. Describing what he thought the Packers: John Lindsay, “Bumper crop of talent is lined up for the draft,” Scripps Howard News Service, April 24, 1992.

42. Some writers, like the Wausau (Wisconsin) Daily Herald’s: Jay Lillge, “Taking the professional approach,” Wausau (Wisconsin) Daily Herald, April 5, 1992.

43. In his Cincinnati Enquirer game report: Tim Sullivan, “Loss proves Bengals have long way to go,” Cincinnati Enquirer, September 21, 1992.

44. According to Favre’s wife Deanna: Deanna Favre, with Angela Hunt, Don’t bet against me! (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2007), 44, Scribd.

45. “A confused rattled…”: Tom Kessenich, “What has happened to the Packers?” Oshkosh (Wisconsin) Northwestern, October 8, 1993.

46. “The book on Favre appears…”: Ibid.

47. One fan, writing: “Sports Forum,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, October 9, 1993.

48. “At least [Detmer is]…”: “Sports Line,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, November 9, 1993.

49. Another fan derided: “Callers rip Favre, want Detmer,” Wasau Daily Herald, November 9, 1993.

50. “Stick Ty Detmer in and…”: Ibid.

51. Another wrote a letter to: “Letters to the Sports Editor,” Wisconsin State Journal, December 24, 1993.

52. “[Favre] is struggling…”: Chuck Carlson, “Questions abound over Green Bay’s quarterback of the future,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, November 9, 1993.

53. “For the first time…”: Ibid.

54. According to Woelfel, the second-year: Gary Woelfel, “Holmgren’s playcalling defies logic,” (Racine, Wisconsin) Journal Times, December 21, 1993.

55. “Why are some members…”: Ibid.

56. “Is it because some…”: Ibid.

57. That summer, the Packers: “A very rich QB,” Associated Press, July 15, 1994.

58. A couple of weeks later: Mike Freeman, “Three Players File Suit, Seek Free Agency in ’93,” Washington Post, September 22, 1993, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/09/22/three-players-file-suit-seek-free-agency-in-93/bff3d01b-7474-40bc-b83a-05114df0b9e0/ (accessed March 23, 2022).

59. Prior to the settlement: Manny Topol, “NFL Trial Kicks Off,” (New York) Newsday, June 15, 1992.

60. At first, the concern was: Ibid.

61. However, as part of the settlement: “NFL deal draws mixed reviews,” Associated Press, January 8, 1993.

62. One general manager: Greg Garber, “What is the price of free agency?” Hartford Courant, December 13, 1992.

63. “Players will go to the large markets…”: “Speaking of free agency…,” Hartford Courant, December 13, 1992.

64. “Look at the dynasties…”: Ibid.

65. In 1987, Buffalo: “What they say about free agency,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, January 20, 1987.

66. That same year, Cleveland: Ibid.

67. “The players… will gravitate…”: Tim Kawakami, “New World of Free Agency Looms on the Horizon for the NFL,” Los Angeles Times, August 29, 1991.

68. Ironically, when Packers head coach: Ron Wolf and Paul Attner, The Packer Way (New York: St. Martin’s Press), 101.

69. They argued that it made no logical sense: Phil Anastasia, “Free agency remains crux of NFL’s problems,” (Camden, New Jersey) Courier-Post, March 8, 1992.

70. “Not everyone is going to break to the Rams…”: Ibid.

71. “You think all the running backs…”: Ibid.

72. Another issue frequently mentioned: Robert Klemko, “How Reggie White Made Green Bay Cool,” Sports Illustrated, December 6, 2016.

73. “It was… the whitest community in the NFL”: Ibid.

74. He asked, “Why would a player…”: Gale Sayers, “Gale Sayers on Sports: Free Agency and the NFLPA,” (Mountain Home, Arkansas) Baxter Bulletin, February 1, 1989.

75. From 1989 to 1992, the Packers signed: Bob McGinn, “Weather no turnoff to free agents,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, February 16, 1989.

76. Just before the free agency period: Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers, 57.

77. “I didn’t think we had a prayer…”: Ibid., 57.

78. Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes: John Morton, “Green Bay trip was more than just a courtesy visit,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, April 20, 1998.

79. He wanted to play for: Peter King, “Trip to Bountiful,” Sports Illustrated, March 15, 1993.

80. The Reggie White free agency: Kris Schwartz, “Reverend Head-Slap Reggie,” ESPN.com, https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/White_Reggie.html (accessed September 26, 2021).

81. Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell: King, “Trip to Bountiful.”

82. In Atlanta, the Falcons: “The Atlanta Falcons took free agent Reggie White to meet Gov. Z,” Associated Press, March 9, 1993.

83. Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders: Ibid.

84. When White visited the Jets: Hal Bock, “Jets take White’s suggestion, get Esiason in trade,” Associated Press, March 17, 1993.

85. A day later: Ibid.

86. When he first visited the Packers: “Reggie’s words,” Green Bay Press-Gazette, April 20, 1998.

87. But his agent Jimmy Sexton: Reggie White, with Jim Denney, Reggie White: In the Trenches (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997), 139.

88. The Packers were only finally: Beech, The People’s Team, 305.

89. When he arrived in Green Bay: Ibid.

90. His recruitment meal was: Ibid.

91. White pointed out that Green Bay: “Green Bay, coach impress White more than expected,” Associated Press, March 12, 1993.

92. But Holmgren and Wolf told: White and Denney, Reggie White: In the Trenches, 141.

93. They assured him that the organization: Ibid,

94. “It shouldn’t happen”: Chuck Carlson, “White’s price not right for the Packers,” (Appleton, Wisconsin) Post-Crescent, March 14, 1993.

95. “The Packers need Reggie White like a horse…”: Ibid.

96. Carlson continued: Ibid.

97. “For the good of the Packers…”: Ibid.

98. “It would not make much sense”: Ed Meyer, “It’s high time for the Browns to put it on the line,” Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal, February 28, 1993.

99. “When exactly did Reggie…”: Mike Lupica, “Reggie’s a Prize, Not a Franchise” New York Daily News, March 21, 1993.

100. “This silliness… is over the top…”: Ibid.

101. “I do not believe Reggie White…”: Ibid.

102. When all the writers: Author interview with Chuck Carlson, September 23, 2020.

103. “To spend that kind of money…”: Ibid.

104. “Taking shots at the city…”: Ibid.

105. White said one day: Barbara Barker, “Is White destined for 49ers?,” (North Jersey) Record, March 26, 1993.

106. “I’ve got to go where God wants me to go”: Ibid.

107. “Reggie,” Holmgren said: Bauman, Ron Wolf and the Green Bay Packers, 62.

108. “This is God. You ought…”: Ibid.

109. He came away impressed: Rick Gano, “Packers’ green White’s gold,” (Madison, Wisconsin) Capital Times, April 7, 1993.

110. He was attracted to: Phil Anastasia, “White returns to Philadelphia for final award,” (Camden, New Jersey) Courier-Post, March 25, 1993.

111. Rhodes and Holmgren even flew: White and Denney, Reggie White: In the Trenches, 140.

112. But, ultimately, when it came: Mike Florio, “Wolf says money led Reggie White to Green Bay,” ProFootballTalk.com, February 8, 2015, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/08/ron-wolf-says-money-led-reggie-white-to-green-bay/ (accessed September 27, 2021).

113. At that point, White recalled: White and Denney, Reggie White: In the Trenches, 141.

114. However, the five-year deal: Ibid.

115. That, to Reggie, was: Ibid.

116. White was getting $9 million total: Wolf, The Packer Way, 110.

117. “It was an amazing…”: Author interview with Chuck Carlson, September 23, 2020.

118. “Everybody who covered…”: Ibid.

119. And what about God: White and Denney, Reggie White: In the Trenches, 142.

120. Four years later: Ibid., 143.

121. “From a business point of view…”: Bill Lyon, “A hero leaves us disillusioned,” Philadelphia Inquirer, April 11, 1993.

122. “They felt he did not…”: Ibid.

123. White is still considered: “Top 20 free-agent signings in NFL history,” NFL.com, March 25, 2018.

124. In 1992, while the free agency issue: Phil Anastasia, “Free agency remains crux of NFL’s problems,” (Camden, New Jersey) Courier-Post, March 8, 1992.

Chapter 13: “The Vikings Fleeced the Cowboys to Get Herschel Walker” (1989–1993 Dallas Cowboys)

1. “We didn’t have enough players”: Jimmy Johnson, interview by Dan Patrick, The Dan Patrick Show, January 14, 2020.

2. On Thursday evening, February 23: Peter Golenbock, Landry’s Boys: An Oral History of a Team and an Era (Chicago: Triumph Books, 2005), 736, Scribd.

3. They learned about it: Ibid.

4. The big news didn’t deter: Denne H. Freeman, “Holding Head High, Landry Says So Long,” Associated Press, February 27, 1989.

5. While Landry was in his office: Golenbock, Landry’s Boys, 736.

6. According to Don, Johnson told: Ibid.

7. Johnson then offered David: Ibid.

8. On Saturday morning: “Landry firing shakes ‘family,’” Associated Press, March 5, 1989.

9. “If you would have taken…”: Author interview with Gary Myers, April 12, 2021.

10. In what Jones described: Berry Tramel, “Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry 30 years ago Monday; the right decision in the wrong way,” (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, February 26, 2019.

11. “They didn’t show…”: “To some fans, coaching change a tragedy; to others, a necessity,” Associated Press, February 27, 1989.

12. “Here he is, a legend…”: Ibid.

13. Dave “Kidd” Kraddick: “Tom Landry has lost his job but not the respect of fans,” United Press International, March 3, 1989.

14. Some of the lyrics: Ibid.

15. “We’ve all felt the magic…”: KXAS-NBC 5, 10 p.m. News, Television newscast, February 28, 1989.

16. “To see the man…”: Ibid.

17. “Firings are hard…”: Verne Lundquist, Play by Play: Calling the Wildest Games in Sports (New York: HarperCollins, 2009), 117, Scribd.

18. In late April: Golenbock. Landry’s Boys, 741.

19. Fifty thousand people showed up: Ibid.

20. “[He] could be…”: Robert Sansevere, “Skimming the top: a look at the cream of the NFL Draft crop,” (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, April 21, 1989.

21. “Even Broncos personnel…”: Ibid.

22. “If [the Cowboys]…”: “Experts: Dallas blunders,” Gannett News Service, April 21, 1989.

23. “They’re taking Aikman…”: Ibid.

24. “But Aikman’s not…”: Ibid.

25. “The Cowboys blew it”: Al Carter, “Cowboys have Aikman, but where are the defenders?” Houston Chronicle, April 24, 1989.

26. He thought they went for…: Ibid.

27. “Had the Cowboys been able to live with Steve Pelleur…”: Ibid.

28. According to Aikman’s agent: Leigh Steinberg and Michael Arkush, The Agent: My 40-Year Career Making Deals and Changing the Game (New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015), 194, Scribd.

29. Upon learning that the Cowboys: Ibid.

30. Jones assured him that they: Ibid., 195.

31. He believed Walker: Gordon Forbes, “Vikings GM enjoys trade’s early success,” Gannett News Services, October 16, 1989.

32. Former Washington general manager: “Quoteboard,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October 13, 1989.

33. For the same reason: Peter King, “Sudden Impact,” Sports Illustrated, October 23, 1989.

34. The next day, Johnson: “Quoteboard,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

35. “Yes, we have a prime suspect…”: Randy Galloway, “NO WAY: Grins won’t last for long,” Dallas Morning News, October 13, 1989.

36. “The Vikings got Herschel Walker…”: Ibid

37. “[They] gave up nothing…”: Ibid.

38. “It’s a textbook example of…”: Ibid.

39. Longtime Dallas scribe Frank Luksa: Steve Wulf, “The run that birthed Dallas’ dynasty,” ESPN.com, October 8, 2014, https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11659891/herschel-walker-trade-25th-anniversary-run-birthed-dallas-cowboys-dynasty (accessed September 28, 2021).

40. “It’s a lot like giving…”: Skip Miller, “Hurricane Jerry ravaging the Cowboys,” Newport News (Virginia) Daily Press, October 17, 1989.

41. “The Dallas rebuilding job…”: Ibid.

42. “The town is just about ready…”: Jerry Magee, “Dallas ‘Jaybirds’ off to a rocky start,” (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, October 29, 1989.

43. “It’s sad to see…”: Ibid.

44. “Darryl Clack is our guy…”: Ed Werder, “Rest of life without Herschel begins today for Cowboys,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, October 15, 1989.

45. “We’ll have the same offense…”: Ibid.

46. “To build a team…”: Author interview with Randy Galloway, September 1, 2020.

47. “I just didn’t respect…”: Ibid.

48. “I didn’t have a sample size”: Ibid.

49. On the CBS Broadcast: Packers at Vikings, October 15, 1989, aired on CBS.

50. “He’s here”: Ibid.

51. At one point during the game broadcast: Ibid.

52. “That is Chuck Foreman”: Ibid.

53. “Until this afternoon, perhaps…”: Ibid.

54. According to Peter King: King. “Sudden Impact.”

55. “Maybe the Minnesota Vikings…”: Michael Wilbon, “Walker’s 148 yards make Vikings look super,” Washington Post, October 16, 1989.

56. “What a bargain. The Cowboys…”: Ibid.

57. “The Vikings just found…”: Rudy Martzke, “World Series ratings might be the worst ever,” USA Today, October 17, 1989.

58. Later in the evening: KARE-11 Minneapolis, 10 p.m. News, Television newscast, October 15, 1989, https://tcmedianow.com/kare-tv-october-15-1989-10pm/ (accessed November 20, 2021).

59. During his report from the Metrodome: Ibid.

60. Daly also spoke with famed: Ibid.

61. During another segment later in: Ibid.

62. A deli at the Riverplace Market: Cheryl Johnson and Eric Eskola, “Bigwigs throw their buddies to the ‘Wolves’” (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, October 19, 1989.

63. At a St. Paul Elementary: Cheryl Johnson and Eric Eskola, “Jim Loken’s name keeps resurfacing at White House,” October 31, 1989.

64. The Vikings, who had used: Jon Roe, “I-formation suited perfectly to Walker,” (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, October 19, 1989.

65. “We were a two-back…”: Jamie Aron, “20 years later, Herschel Walker trade still reverberates,” Associated Press, October 9, 2009.

66. “Things just didn’t work out…”: Ibid.

67. “Sometimes you think that you…”: “Chris Doleman on Herschel Walker’s arrival with Vikings in 1989,” YouTube, uploaded by Mad Sports Radio—Mike Damergis, December 19, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TqiZl5b4Oc (accessed February 3, 2021).

68. “I think that’s what happened”: Ibid.

69. When Minnesota acquired Walker: Robert Sansevere, “Vikings not planning major defensive changes Sunday,” (Minneapolis) Star-Tribune, October 14, 1989.

70. But when that day came: Jim Souhan, “Vikings give Herschel his walking papers,” (Minneapolis) Star-Tribune, May 30, 1992.

71. “On that glorious October afternoon…”: Packers at Vikings, October 15, 1989, aired on CBS.

72. “The team I left at UCLA…”: A Football Life, season 6, episode 11, “Troy Aikman,” December 2, 2016, aired on NFL Network.

73. “I distribute liquor in Grand Prairie…”: “You make the call,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, December 25, 1989.

74. “These high-paid guys…”: Ibid.

75. Another fan wrote…: Ibid.

76. He had been trying to trade: Gary Myers, Coaching Confidential: Inside the Fraternity of NFL Coaches (New York: Crown, 2013), 133, Scribd.

77. Despite the appearances: Randy Galloway, “Aikman gets the start? No joke, Jimmy,” Dallas Morning News, November 11, 1989.

78. Johnson later admitted: A Football Life, “Troy Aikman.”

79. The whole charade wore on: “Modesty is Big Part of the Aikman Package,” Associated Press, September 22, 1991.

80. “It’s almost like a vendetta”: Eric Celeste, “Troy Aikman won’t dance,” D Magazine, September 1992, https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1992/september/troy-aikman-wont-dance/ (accessed September 28, 2021).

81. There’s very few days: Ibid.

82. He categorically detests: Kevin Draper, “Troy Aikman Hates Skip Bayless, and Fox Sports Loves It,” Deadspin.com, September 6, 2016. https://deadspin.com/troy-aikman-hates-skip-bayless-and-fox-sports-loves-it-1786256067 (accessed July 9, 2021).

83. In early 1996: Skip Bayless, “What’s Killing America’s Team?” D Magazine, September 1996.

84. Aikman had been embroiled: Mike Kiley, “Aikman, Switzer ‘Feud Just Won’t Die,” Chicago Tribune, January 27, 1996.

85. There had been leaks: Jim Reeves, “Aikman vs. Switzer overshadows game,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, January 25, 1996.

86. Further, staff members told: Bayless, “What’s Killing America’s Team?”

87. Aikman steadfastly denied all: Ibid.

88. When Bayless published Hell-Bent: Bryan Curtis, “What Skip Bayless Really Wrote about Troy Aikman,” The Ringer, September 6, 2016, https://www.theringer.com/2016/9/6/16041924/what-skip-bayless-really-wrote-about-troy-aikman-8aade8f5a612 (accessed July 9, 2021).

89. But many, especially Aikman, thought: Ibid.

90. “It’s not fair to print…”: Dan Shaughnessy, “The fact is, rumors about Aikman are cheap shots,” Boston Globe, August 16, 1996.

91. “It’s unattributed gossip…”: Ibid.

92. To Skip, Walsh was the “un-Troy”: Skip Bayless, “Aikman was lucky, and good,” ESPN.com, August 2006, http://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=bayless/060807 (accessed September 28, 2021).

93. [Aikman] didn’t have Walsh’s: Ibid.

94. Bayless also wrote that: Celeste, “Troy Aikman won’t dance.”

95. and has repeatedly written: Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless), “Steelers won 2 Super Bowls w/ QB they didn’t care for. Cowboys won 3 while majority of players could not stand Aikman. Just doesn’t matter,” Twitter, February 1, 2011, 2:53 p.m., https://twitter.com/RealSkipBayless/status/32526965982363648?s=20 (accessed September 28, 2021).

96. Also, according to Bayless: “SportsNation Chat,” Skip Bayless, May 2007, ESPN.com, http://m.espn.com/general/chat/chat?eventId=15762&src=desktop (accessed September 28, 2021).

97. In a September 1992 profile: Celeste, “Troy Aikman won’t dance.”

98. Fans sometimes brought: Staff Reports, “Update,” Dallas Morning News, October 16, 1989.

99. Or the one with: Staff Reports, “Update,” Dallas Morning News, November 6, 1989.

100. Throughout the 1989 season, Landry: Denne H. Freeman, “Jerry Jones keeps seeing Tom Landry in his sleep,” Associated Press, January 28, 1990.

101. In one interview with ESPN: “Sports Briefly,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 27, 1989.

102. At a speech in Virginia: Jennings Culley, “Tom Landry is enjoying his season on the sidelines,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 6, 1989.

103. After the Walker trade, Landry: Denne H. Freeman, “Landry wouldn’t make trade with Minnesota,” Associated Press, October 13, 1989.

104. and questioned the value of the draft picks: Sam Blair, “Landry questions value of draft picks,” Dallas Morning News, October 13, 1989.

105. Landry told the media: Mark Johnson, “This time, Landry will be just another fan in the stands,” Dallas Morning News, December 15, 1989.

106. “It shows they haven’t forgotten me”: Freeman, “Jones keeps seeing Landry.”

107. Some fans showed up: Staff Reports, “Update,” Dallas Morning News, October 16, 1989.

108. In January 1990, Galloway: Randy Galloway, “Landry’s fame is causing Jones endless blame,” Dallas Morning News, January 14, 1990.

109. “Johnson could have kept…”: Kevin Lyttle, “Cowboys future is promising,” Austin American-Statesman, February 23, 1990.

110. “Big deal. Instead he made a move…”: Ibid.

111. Aikman did not take it well: Vito Stellino, “QB Aikman struggles in chaotic atmosphere swirling about Cowboys,” Baltimore Sun, September 23, 1990.

112. In late September 1990, in what may have been: Brian Allee-Walsh, “Saints get QB Walsh for 3 picks,” (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, September 26, 1990.

113. Their regular starter Bobby Hebert: Ralph Malbrough, “Bobby Hebert holdout in 1990 altered Saints, NFL history,” wwltv.com, September 14, 2017, https://www.wwltv.com/article/sports/nfl/saints/bobby-hebert-holdout-in-1990-altered-saints-nfl-history/289-474806788 (accessed September 29, 2021).

114. But Saints general manager: Ibid.

115. In his game report, Daily Advertiser: Kevin Foote, “Walsh just what the doctor ordered for the Saints,” (Lafayette, Louisiana) Daily Advertiser, October 15, 1990.

116. Another area writer, the Hattiesburg (Mississippi) American’s: Stan Caldwell, “Thank Hebert’s agent for Walsh’s deliverance,” Hattiesburg (Mississippi) American, October 15, 1990.

117. “This was one of Troy Aikman’s…”: Tim Cowlishaw, “Cowboys report card,” Dallas Morning News, October 15, 1990.

118. “Even Troy will tell you…”: Ibid.

119. The next day, writers: Allan Malamud, “Notes on a Scorecard,” Los Angeles Times, October 16, 1990; Gary Myers, “Giants–49ers lone Super matchup,” New York Daily News, October 16, 1990.

120. That summer, Finks caved: “QB Hebert ends holdout, becomes a Saint again,” Baltimore Sun, June 5, 1991.

121. First, finding the offense too inconsistent: Mike Fisher, “Shula demoted; Landry aides Lowry, Nolan axed,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, January 10, 1991.

122. He initially wanted Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator: Craig Barnes, “Stevens staying in Miami,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, January 18, 1991.

123. He settled on Norv Turner: Mike Fisher, “Cowboys hire Rams’ Turner to run offense,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 2, 1991.

124. They traded up from the 11th pick: Mike Fisher, “Cowboys swap for draft’s top pick,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 20, 1991.

125. “Did someone mention playoffs?”: Rick Gosselin, “Sacked,” Dallas Morning News, September 16, 1991.

126. “Not this Sunday, and certainly…”: Ibid.

127. “The look on the face of… Norv…”: Jim Reeves, “Pride, tradition, take extra helping of lumps,” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 16, 1991.

128. The previous two seasons: Barry Jackson, “Cowboys’ rebuilding plan goes offensive,” Miami Herald, August 18, 1991.

129. Under Turner, Aikman started releasing: Barry Jackson, “Cowboys’ rebuilding plan goes offensive,” Miami Herald, August 18, 1991.

130. Also, Aikman developed a friendship: Thomas George, “N.F.L PREVIEW; For Aikman, a Mid-Career Crisis,” New York Times, September 6, 1998.

131. His knee wasn’t 100 percent: Lee Williams, “Aikman not happy on Cowboys sidelines,” El Paso Times, January 1, 1992.

132. After Aikman made clear to reporters: Celeste, “Troy Aikman won’t dance.”

133. A few days later: Dave Goldberg, “Forget Earlier Rout, But Still Take Skins,” Associated Press, January 3, 1992.

134. “To say it doesn’t bother me…”: Williams, “Aikman not happy.”

135. “I feel like I should…”: Ibid.

136. Ed Werder, the Orlando Sentinel’s: Ed Werder, “Cowboys’ Aikman upset as backup,” Orlando Sentinel, January 2, 1992.

137. After the game, Randy Galloway: A Football Life, “Troy Aikman.”

138. However, the next day, Aikman: Ibid.

139. Haley and 49ers head coach: Kevin Sherrington, “Haley coming back to haunt San Francisco,” Dallas Morning News, January 13, 1993.

140. As Hartford Courant columnist: Alan Greenberg, “Johnson and Jones did it their way,” Hartford Courant, February 2, 1993.

141. After the Super Bowl Triumph, Cowboys radio voice: “Dallas’ Jones makes his mark,” Associated Press, February 1, 1993.

142. [Jones has] taken more: Ibid.

143. “The Dallas Cowboys are not…”: Tony Kornheiser, “Time to bury Switzer,” Washington Post, December 2, 1995.

144. The column offered this fateful analogy: Editorial, “So long, Herschel,” Longview (Texas) News Journal, October 14, 1989.

Chapter 14: “Turns Out, the Patriots’ Unlikely 2001 Season Journey Seems More and More Like an Aberration” (2000–2005 New England Patriots)

1. Belichick had a stellar: Jon Gelberg, “Belichick a defensive mastermind,” Asbury Park (New Jersey) Press, October 14, 1990.

2. but his ability and temperament: Alan Greenberg, “Regardless of Title, Belichick Has Final Say,” Hartford Courant, January 29, 2000.

3. A large sign: Michael Madden, “Belichick has scary return to old haunts,” Boston Globe, November 13, 2000.

4. The next day, veteran: Dan Shaughnessy, “With this effort, are we seeing a re-Pete?” Boston Globe, November 13, 2000.

5. He added, “Bill Belichick…”: Ibid.

6. “I was just having…”: Author interview with Dan Shaughnessy, October 31, 2020.

7. But when Kraft: Carlo DeVito, Parcells, A Biography (Chicago: Triumph, 2011), 249–250, Scribd.

8. “It was a little…”: Author interview with Dan Shaughnessy, October 31, 2020.

9. “Like, alright smarty…”: Ibid.

10. From the Boston Herald’s Year in Review: “For Patriots, Belichick hiring turns out to be the change for the worse,” Boston Herald, December 31, 2000.

11. At the time, it was hailed: “Drew Bledsoe Elected Into Patriots Hall of Fame,” CBS Boston, May 16, 2011, https://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/05/16/drew-bledsoe-elected-into-patriots-hall-of-fame/ (accessed August 5, 2021).

12. owned almost all: David Halberstam, The Education of a Coach (New York: Hyperion, 2005), 250.

13. “I saw this as an opportunity…”: Alan Greenberg, “Bledsoe’s Record Deal: 10 Years, $103 Million,” Hartford Courant, March 8, 2001.

14. In March 2001, a month: Joel Buchsbaum, “Patriots the team most set up for failure,” Pro Football Weekly, March 5, 2001.

15. The publication also added: “When [the Boston media]…”: Ibid.

16. On MSNBC.com, he torched Belichick: “Seymour helped push Gerard Warren to New England,” Pro Football Talk, May 4, 2010, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/05/04/seymour-helped-push-gerard-warren-to-new-england/ (accessed September 30, 2021).

17. He wrote that Seymour: Ibid.

18. Additionally, Borges thought: Ibid.

19. “[Receiver] was a low priority”: Alan Greenberg, “Belichick’s Building Blocks,” Hartford Courant, April 23, 2001.

20. “We just didn’t feel…”: Ibid.

21. The (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel’s: Chris Perkins, “Grading the 2001 NFL Draft,” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, April 23, 2001.

22. Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant: Alan Greenberg, “Rating the AFC,” Hartford Courant, April 23, 2001.

23. Jason Cole, in the Miami Herald: Jason Cole, “Jason Cole Grades the Draft,” Miami Herald, April 23, 2001.

24. By taking Seymour, he concluded: Kevin Mannix, “Club digs out again, Uses backfill to plug holes,” Boston Herald, April 22, 2001.

25. According to him, he’s now: Ron Borges (@RonBorges), “I’ll be doing my best. Ty and Big Sey remain good friends. Richard and I laugh a lot about how some folks love to bring up that David Terrell thing. He always says, ‘Seems to bother your critics more than it ever bothered me.’” Twitter, March 31, 2020, 9:16 p.m., https://twitter.com/RonBorges/status/1245158153198723072?s=20 (accessed September 30, 2021).

26. Sports Illustrated projected: “Scouting reports, how they’ll finish,” Sports Illustrated, September 3, 2001.

27. “I would be very surprised if they don’t find…”: “Patriots Got No Respect,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 5, 2002.

28. “It’s going to be another…”: Ibid.

29. “The Patriots have been in reverse…”: Bob Matthews, “Football Preview 2001,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, September 2, 2001.

30. “So, what’s with that?”: Kevin Mannix, “The NFL Draft: Brady pick hard to figure. QB picture out of whack,” Boston Herald, April 17, 2000.

31. “The Patriots have their franchise…”: Ibid.

32. Alan Greenberg, in the Hartford Courant: Alan Greenberg, “Patriots Draft Board Day 2,” Hartford Courant, April 17, 2000.

33. The coaches noticed: Halberstam, The Education of a Coach, 221.

34. By the start of the regular season: Ibid.

35. But according to Borges, who has: Bill Simmons, “I really hate the Colts,” Grantland.com, November 6, 2000, http://grantland.com/features/i-really-hate-the-colts/ (accessed November 19, 2021); Aaron Schatz, “The End is Here for Once-Great Bledsoe,” Footballoutsiders.com, November 15, 2014, https://www.footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2004/end-here-once-great-bledsoe (accessed November 19, 2021).

36. “The New England Alliance…”: Ron Borges, “Now it’s team’s turn to take the lumps,” Boston Globe, September 25, 2001.

37. “It will get to see…”: Ibid.

38. Without Drew Bledsoe… the Patriots: Terry Bannon, “NFL Picks,” Chicago Tribune, September 28, 2001.

39. [The Patriots are] even: Jason Schaumberg, “NFL Power Rankings,” (Woodstock, Illinois) Northwest Herald, September 28, 2001.

40. New England’s fortunes: Phillip B. Wilson, “Patriots QB Brady steps up for 1st NFL start,” Indianapolis Star, September 30, 2001.

41. Honestly, I don’t know: “Dr. Z’s Power Rankings Week 3,” CNNSI.com, September 25, 2001, http://web.archive.org/web/20111228105918/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2001/09/25/power_rankings/ (accessed October 1, 2021).

42. Afterwards, rumblings started to be heard: Howard Ullman, “Brady relishes win in first start,” Associated Press, October 2, 2001.

43. In his next-day Globe: Ron Borges, “Brady exposed to a tough D,” Boston Globe, October 8, 2001.

44. He continued: Ibid.

45. In the Boston Herald: George Kimball, “Debate ends quickly,” Boston Herald, October 8, 2011.

46. On the CBS game broadcast: Chargers at Patriots, October 14, 2001, aired on CBS.

47. Belichick did not seem: Jeff Benedict, The Dynasty (New York: Avid Reader Press, 2020), 300, Scribd.

48. He has always maintained: “Bledsoe heads to Buffalo for 2003 pick,” ESPN.com, April 21, 2003, https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/2002/0421/1371887.html (accessed January 21, 2022).

49. While some gave the impression: Nick Cafardo, “Quarterback keeper: Kraft fanning flames,” Boston Globe, January 31, 2002.

50. Belichick clarified that Brady: Nick Cafardo, “Brady chosen one,” Boston Globe, January 31, 2002.

51. “The only reason…”: Author interview with Damien Woody, November 13, 2020.

52. “This was Brady’s team…”: Ibid.

53. After Brady threw three interceptions: Michael Gee, “Fans home in on Brady,” Boston Herald, October 14, 2002.

54. “Tom Brady looks nothing…”: Charles Bricker, “Denver Broncos (5–2) at New England Patriots (3–3),” (Fort Lauderdale) Sun-Sentinel, October 25, 2002.

55. “How could Belichick, the widely proclaimed…”: Jim Donaldson, “Basically speaking, Patriots falling down on the job,” Providence Journal, October 14, 2002.

56. In the Boston Herald: Kevin Mannix, “Patriots Report Card, Brain drain plagues Pats,” Boston Herald, October 15, 2002.

57. On NFL.com, former: Pat Kirwin, “Favre tops midseason awards,” NFL.com, October 30, 2002, https://web.archive.org/web/20021030085525/http://www.nfl.com/ (accessed January 13, 2022).

58. He also awarded: Ibid.

59. In late September, on Boston-area: Bruce Allen, “A couple of thoughts while waiting,” Boston Sports Media Watch (blog), September 29, 2002, https://bostonsportsmedia.com/2002/09/29/a-couple-thoughts-while-waiting/ (accessed January 15, 2022).

60. A week later, veteran: Bruce Allen, “With the Giants/Braves playoff game,” Boston Sports Media Watch (blog), October 6, 2002, https://bostonsportsmedia.com/2002/10/06/with-the-giantsbraves-playoff-game/ (accessed January 15, 2022).

61. “I don’t understand why…”: Carl Kotala, “Bledsoe lifeline for Bills,” (Cocoa) Florida Today, October 19, 2002.

62. “It was kind of…”: Ibid.

63. (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle Bills writer: Sal Maiorana and Leo Roth, “Drew Bledsoe or Tom Brady? Did the Patriots make the right choice?” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, October 29, 2002.

64. “I just think that he…”: Ibid.

65. “Bledsoe is only 30…”: Ibid.

66. At the end of October: Bud Poliquin, “Bledsoe Continues Brilliance,” (Syracuse, New York) Post-Standard, October 28, 2002.

67. “The New England Patriots got…”: Ibid.

68. Buffalo News columnist: Bucky Gleason, “Bledsoe evens our score with New England,” Buffalo News, October 29, 2002.

69. “We knew Bledsoe was…”: Ibid.

70. “Lucky for us… Belichick…”: Ibid.

71. “Just like that… [the Patriots]…”: Jackie MacMullan, “A time for sober reflection,” Boston Globe, January 1, 2003.

72. “Turns out, the Patriots’ unlikely [2001 season] journey…”: Tim Casey, “Darling status of Patriots has short shelf life,” December 25, 2002.

73. However, he and Belichick: Nick Cafardo, “Rival revival: Milloy signs with Bills,” Boston Globe, September 4, 2003.

74. The Patriots wanted to: Ibid.

75. Milloy wouldn’t budge: Ibid.

76. According to reports, the Patriots: Kevin Mannix, “Self-paralysis: Belichick’s gamble on Milloy could cut legs out from under him, Pats,” Boston Herald, September 7, 2003.

77. Milloy wanted $3.6 million: Ibid.

78. New England was already on the books: John Wawrow, “Buffalo brings in Milloy,” Associated Press, September 4, 2003.

79. The Patriots had also recently: Benedict, The Dynasty, 349–351.

80. He hit hard, and brought an edginess: Ibid., 350.

81. “Bill Belichick is pond scum again”: Mannix, “Self-paralysis.”

82. “Arrogant, megalomaniacal…”: Ibid.

83. Right after the team caught wind of the release: Benedict, The Dynasty, 352.

84. During pregame introductions: Scott Pitioniak, “Bills’ message to Belichick: You blew it,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, September 8, 2003.

85. “[During the warmups and…”: Author interview with Damien Woody, November 13, 2020.

86. “We had no chance…”: Ibid.

87. “It was weird. Very weird”: “Sidelights to the game,” Boston Globe, September 8, 2003.

88. “My mother always told me that God…”: Ibid.

89. “The script couldn’t…”: Eric McHugh, “Backlash: Patriots’ castoffs, Bledsoe and Milloy, sting their old team,” (Quincy, Massachusetts) Patriot Ledger, September 8, 2003.

90. “We were talking about…”: “Bledsoe, Milloy savor one,” Associated Press, September 8, 2003.

91. “We were both pretty happy”: Ibid.

92. “Second-guessers unite”: Michael Felger, “All the wrong moves,” Boston Herald, September 8, 2003.

93. “Bill Belichick bashers, today is:” Ibid.

94. “After the way [Milloy] played for the Buffalo Bills…”: Ron Borges, “An unheeded safety alert,” Boston Globe, September 8, 2003.

95. On HBO’s Inside the NFL: Jim Baker, “Dierdorf: Forget it,” Boston Herald, September 12, 2003.

96. Collinsworth also expressed his bewilderment: Ibid.

97. Bill Simmons, an unabashed Boston: Bill Simmons, “One happy Sports Guy: NFL picks return,” Page 2, ESPN.com, September 2003, https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/030926 (accessed November 28, 2021).

98. “They didn’t save that…”: Ibid.

99. “It didn’t make sense…”: Ibid.

100. He continued: “Belichick… screwed up…”: Ibid.

101. “How do [I put my heart on the line]…”: Peter King, “Surprise! Surprise!,” Sports Illustrated, September 15, 2003.

102. An unnamed player posed these: Karen Guregian, “Bill’s bomb has to be diffused,” Boston Herald, September 9, 2003.

103. “For the New England Patriots…”: Tom E. Curran, “Perfectly good team has been allowed to crumble from within,” Providence Journal, September 9, 2003.

104. Curran also considered the possibility: Ibid.

105. “You ask yourself,” Curran wrote…”: Ibid.

106. The following Sunday: Benedict, The Dynasty, 357.

107. Jackson continued, “I want…”: Ibid.

108. “It’s just one outside opinion…”: Nick Cafardo, “Patriots won’t fan any flames,” Boston Globe, September 16, 2003.

109. “I respect Tom Jackson…”: “Around the League,” Chicago Tribune, September 16, 2003.

110. “He has no idea…”: Ibid.

111. “Who is Tom Jackson”: Alan Greenberg, “No word on Colvin,” Hartford Courant, September 17, 2003.

112. “Does he sit in at our meetings?”: Ibid.

113. “Mularkey and his assistants…”: Leo Roth,” Mularkey correct to turn the ball over to Losman,” (Rochester, New York) Democrat and Chronicle, February 17, 2005.

114. “There is a temptation…”: Author interview with Matt Chatham, October 29, 2020.

115. “But to try to…”: Ibid.

116. In the 2020 book: Benedict, The Dynasty, 372.

117. Belichick looked at Jackson: Ibid.