Table of Contents

Introduction The Game Within the Game Football 101 Inside Football The Basics The Field Equpment The Savvy Viewer A Player in the Booth A New Game Talking the Talk Officials and Penalties Offense The Play Call The Quarterback Running Backs Wide Receivers and Tight Ends The Offensive Line Defense The Importance of Defense Base Defenses Run Defense Pass Defense Special Teams A Unique Phase The Kickoff Punts Field Goals and Extra Points Returns A Player's Life MOOOOOSE A Player's Calendar Coaches Every Coach Is Different The Game Plan The Mental Game It's All in Your Head Life after Football Appendix Daryl Johnston's Career Statistics Index

About the Author

After earning the respect and admiration of his teammates for his contributions to the Dallas offense, Daryl "Moose" Johnston received national recognition for his play in 1993, when he became the first blocking fullback selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team. As the lead blocker for the Cowboys, he helped pave the way for Emmitt Smith to win four NFL rushing titles, and he helped Dallas win three Super Bowls in the 1990s. Johnston played 11 seasons in Dallas before a neck injury originally suffered in 1997 led to his retirement shortly before training camp in 2000. He immediately became a star analyst in the broadcast booth, first at CBS and, since 2001, for Fox. Daryl earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Syracuse and is a leading advocate for literacy initiatives. Jim Gigliotti lives with his wife and two children in southern California. He spent 11 years with the NFL's publishing division before becoming a freelance writer and editor in 2000. His recent writing credits include Baseball: A Celebration (with James Buckley, Jr.) and children's and young adult books on numerous subjects, including NASCAR, the NBA, Major League Baseball, and Sports in America.

Reviews

"Obviously Daryl did more than just block for Troy and Emmitt during his eleven-year NFL career-he became a student of the game. A great read to get ready for an NFL Sunday at home or at the stadium."Ed Goren, president, Fox Sports"In this terrific book Moose talks about the many skills necessary to be a complete player. But the game of football is more than technique-you need heart. My definition of heart is the desire, passion, and will to be the very best. My friend Daryl has heart."--Emmitt Smith, former NFL running back