Books in Football Stars Up Close series

On November 23, 2014, the New York Giants faced the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Eli Manning threw the ball toward Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants’ rookie wide receiver leaped backward into the end zone—and caught the ball with one hand! Many people consider it the greatest catch in NFL history. Yet, that amazing catch was just part of Odell’s rise to the top ranks of NFL wide receivers. The young star showed extraordinary talent from an early age, and his sports-loving family encouraged him to pursue his NFL dream. After Odell graduated from Louisiana State University, the New York Giants chose him in the 2014 NFL draft. Since then, Odell has overcome a leg injury to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year! In Odell Beckham Jr., young readers get a close-up view of the famous wide receiver’s inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for Louisiana State University, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Odell on through his amazing career.

Fans and teammates alike know Rob Gronkowski as “Gronk.” The fun-loving NFL tight end grew up with four energetic brothers, playing football from an early age. After sharpening his football skills in high school and college, Gronk was chosen by the New England Patriots in the 2010 NFL draft. However, despite an amazing rookie season, a series of injuries threatened to end Gronk’s NFL career. He wondered if he would ever return to the field. Fortunately, Gronk worked hard and overcame his injuries. He even helped lead the Patriots to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX (49)! In Rob Gronkowski, young readers get a close-up view of the famous tight end’s inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for the University of Arizona, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Gronk on through his amazing career.

As a kid, Russell Wilson loved playing sports?especially football. However, the quarterback was often told that he was too short to ever be in the NFL. Even though he never grew taller than 5 feet 11 inches, Russell worked harder than anyone else on the field. In college, he impressed fans and coaches with his amazing skills. He had a rocket for an arm, made few mistakes, and always stayed cool under pressure. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in 2012, and in the next season, he led his new team to a blowout victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII (48)! In Russell Wilson, young readers get a close-up view of the famous quarterback?s inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for both North Carolina State University and the University of Wisconsin, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Russell on through his amazing career.

Today, J.J. Watt is a record-setting NFL defensive player for the Houston Texans. Before that, his job was delivering pizzas! J.J. grew up loving football, and played the game every chance he got. At the University of Wisconsin, J.J. worked hard at his pizza delivery job to pay for college, and also worked hard to excel on the school’s football team. J.J.’s hard work paid off. After graduating from college, he was chosen by the Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Fans love to watch J.J. sack quarterbacks and catch interceptions. He’s even been named the NFL Defensive Player of Year in both 2012 and 2014! In J.J. Watt, young readers get a close-up view of the famous defensive player’s inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for both Central Michigan University and the University of Wisconsin, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer J.J. on through his amazing career.

Football fans love Richard Sherman?s big personality. The NFL cornerback talks a big game?and backs up his words with amazing defensive skills. In 2011, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Richard. Since then, the young star has had more interceptions than any other NFL player, proving that he?s one of the best cornerbacks in the league. In February 2014, he even helped Seattle win their first ever Super Bowl title, with a 43?8 blowout over the Denver Broncos. In Richard Sherman, young readers get a close-up view of the famous cornerback?s inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for Stanford University, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Richard on through his amazing career.