Book Recommendation: Paper Lion

George Plimpton joined the 1963 Detroit Lions in training camp at age 36. This was after his failure to catch on with the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and New York Titans (for some reason that sounds better than Tennessee Titans). You have to admire his persistence. Though he wanted to be treated exactly like any player, his "teammates" figured out pretty quickly that he was a reporter in disguise. His only appearance (an inter squad scrimmage) was disastrous, as he lost 30+ yards in his one series as the team's quarterback.

It is a well-written book in which the Phillips Exeter, Harvard and Kings College (Cambridge) educated Plimpton does not change anything about his style or speech. It was even difficult for him to swear. Of course the Lions picked up on this and had a ton of fun at his expense. The key however, was that Plimpton had almost unlimited access to both players and coaches. And unlike the disappointing Patriot Reign (I feel strongly about this) Paper Lion delivers. Some points before you head off to get the book:

- This was before television transformed football into big time, year round business. Some guys still had jobs in the off-season.

- Weight lifting and conditioning were still in their early stages.

- Paper Lion is a certain generation's The Jordan Rules. In both cases, even people who don't read a ton, love them.

- Night Train Lane. Just a fascinating guy. One of the best corners ever, somewhat enigmatic and holder of a freaking awesome nickname. Furthermore, the "Coach is that a 2 door or a 4 door?" anecdote is pure gold.

- 1963 was the season that Alex Karras was suspended for gambling. He was an excellent defensive lineman and a character as well. Plimpton did a follow up chapter where he outlined a visit with Karras. Karras talked about past lives (worked for Hitler amongst others) and other off the wall observations. Then in the quasi sequel - Mad Ducks and Bears - Karras put any quirky modern athlete to shame. His foray into the sex toy business was legendary. Having said that you might know him better as "that guy from Webster".

- Plimpton had an interesting life to say the least. In addition to his education he drove a tank in World War II and was a prolific writer. His Sidd Finch article would be a career in and of itself for a lot of writers. And on top of all that Plimpton was friends with Robert Kennedy from their time at Harvard. He, along with another man, tackled Sirhan Sirhan to the ground after Kennedy's assassination. What didn't Plimpton do?