Most Popular Books by Barry Wilner

The NFL draft features no action on the field. No passing, running, tackling, or kicking. Hey, there isn''t even a field. Yet the draft has become more popular than many other sporting events, including the NBA and NHL playoff games, against which it goes head-to-head for viewers. In fact, the draft has spawned its own cottage industry in which names such as Gil Brandt, Mel Kiper Jr., and Mike Mayock have become as well known as any of the first-round selections. In On the Clock, Barry Wilner and Ken Rappoport chronicle the history of the proceedings. The veteran sportswriters take you from the first grab bag in 1936, when Philadelphia chose Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago only for him to decline to play in the NFL, to the 2014 draft—considered one of the deepest in talent ever. Along the 78-year journey, learn about the competitions for the top overall spot (Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf), the unhappy No. 1s (John Elway and Tom Cousineau), the big flops (JaMarcus Russell), and the late-rounders-turned-superstars (Tom Brady). Meet the draft wizards, from Paul Brown to Bill Walsh and Jimmy Johnson, and read about the draft whiffs that cost personnel executives their jobs. On the Clock takes you behind the scenes at one of pro football’s most suspenseful annual events.

Immerse yourself in the greatest moments in football history. Barry Wilner and Ken Rappoport charge through every Super Bowl, covering the most intense moments in sports history. Revisit some of America’s classic and current football heroes, including: Bart Starr, Dave Robinson, Max McGee, Chuck Howley, Johnny Unitas, Jim O’Brien, Duane Thomas, “Mean” Joe Greene, Marcus Allen, Matt Millen, Phil Simms, David Tyree, Ray Lewis, Peyton Manning, and more.

Learn about the key players, the big wins, and the team history of the New England Patriots. The team has a long stretch of winning games from 2000 to 2014, among those were four Super Bowl victories.

Consistently ranked among the top ten college football rivalries by fans and pundits alike-and often ranked among the top five-the annual Army-Navy game is the one rivalry that, as one commentator has noted, "stops the most powerful men and women in the world in their tracks for one day a year." It is also quite possible that it is the only rivalry to raise over $58 million in war bonds (1944 game), have an outcome so contentious that the game had to be suspended for six years by the President (1893), or be played in the Rose Bowl (1983), requiring a military "airlift" of nine thousand cadets and midshipmen to California. But Army-Navy is first and foremost about football, and as Barry Wilner and Ken Rappoport relate in this engaging history, it may be college football in its purest form-and not just as a "training ground for the NFL." Though struggling for national ranking, the service academies have done surprisingly well over the years given their recruiting handicap, producing five Heisman Trophy winners and a number of national champions. The rivalry''s most successful player may have been Roger Staubach, Heisman winner and Hall of Fame quarterback, who led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowls in the 1970s following his four-year mandatory service in the U.S. Navy. The Army-Navy rivalry is also about traditions, and in a concluding chapter on the 2004 game, the authors take us through the pageantry: the march into the stadium by the student bodies of both schools; freshman push-ups after each score; and the final, moving show of sportsmanship following the game as thousands of cadets and midshipmen stand at attention while the alma mater of each school is played by their respective bands. A rivalry like no other, Army versus Navy receives due recognition in this colorful, thorough history.

Crazyball is a look at the wild, unusual, unimaginable, funny, and downright strange occurrences in sports. Barry Wilner and Ken Rappoport take us from the worst teams in history to sports’ craziest superstitions, wackiest pranks, and ultimate blown calls. This book is filled with moments that will make you laugh, shake your head in wonderment, lose your breath, or simply ask: “Really?!”

"Readers will learn about Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990s. This title features informative sidebars, a timeline, a glossary, and team file filled with awards and records held by team members"--Publisher''s description.

Covered by four networks, allowing every game to be televised, “March Madness” has become an American phenomenon as anticipated as the Super Bowl. This is the story of the tournament from its beginnings seventy-three years ago as just an eight-team “bracket” to today’s sixty-eight-team format. From the “Cinderella” teams like Butler and Gonzaga to perennial powerhouses such as UCLA and Kentucky, covering buzzer-beaters, upsets, and dynasties, the story of one of the most-followed sporting events in history is comprehensively told here.

During the football season, Eli Manning spends his weekends heaving touchdown passes and leading the New York Giants to victory. In the offseason, one can argue that Manning is even more productive with all of his charitable work. With quotes directly from Manning himself, author Barry Wilner tells us why Eli Manning is a champion both between the lines and after the season is over.

An entralling read that captures the passion and emotions of college football.

"A biography of football player Peyton Manning, highlighting his charitable work"--Provided by publisher.

Who are the best passers in football? What does it take to be one of football''s top ten quarterbacks? Touchdowns. Yardage. Completions. Accuracy. From Johnny Unitas to Peyton Manning, author Barry Wilner has listed the ten greatest quarterbacks (Sammy Baugh, Terry Bradshaw, Tom Brady, John Elway, Brett Favre, Otto Graham, Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas) of both yesterday and today.

"A biography of football player Tom Brady, highlighting his charitable work"--Provided by publisher.

Lightning-quick moves. Speed. Tenacity. Power. These are just some of the qualities of football''s greatest running backs. All ten of the players (Jerome Bettis, Jim Brown, Eric Dickerson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, Curtis Martin, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson) in this book have left their mark on the sport of football. Some are Super Bowl champions while others are record-holders. From yesterday''s heroes to today''s stars, author Barry Wilner lists ten of the greatest running backs to have ever played football.

From an AP sports writer and author, a history of Pennsylvania State University’s Nittany Lions, with personal stories from coaches and players. In Tales from Penn State Football, Ken Rappoport puts you on the fifty-yard line and sometimes gets you a seat on the bench or a stall in the locker room. From the first team in the 1880s to the celebrated Joe Paterno teams of the 20th century, Penn State’s most entertaining—and legendary—football stories are chronicled here. And there is plenty to tell, considering the history of the Penn State football program. Penn State football started in 1881. These early pioneers could hardly envision the future popularity of the game, where crowds of more than 100,000 would fill Beaver Stadium to see Paterno’s nationally ranked powers play in the second-largest football stadium in America. In between, there have been plenty of colorful stories and characters at Penn State to fill a book. There was a coach who held up a Rose Bowl game over a violent argument and another who credited a mule for his success. Also, a player who impersonated the legendary Jim Thorpe and another nicknamed “Riverboat Richie” for his gambling instincts on the football field. For many of the stories in this book, Rappoport went right to the source. In an earlier interview at the Nittany Lion Inn, Joe Paterno talked about his famous “Grand Experiment.” At about the same time, Rip Engle discussed his most treasured moments at Penn State. Football aficionados will relish every tale. The perfect gift for college football buffs and Penn State fans.

The second book in the Game Changers sports series answers the questions: What were the 50 most revolutionary personalities, rules, pieces of equipment, controversies, organizational changes, radio and television advancements, and more in the history of football? And how, exactly, did they forever change the game? Football’s Game Changers offers fascinating, detailed explanations along with a ranking system from 1 to 50 that is sure to inspire debate among professional and college gridiron aficionados. Ranging from each sport’s beginnings to today and tackling on-the-field and off-the-field developments, the Game Changers series is entertaining, quick-hitting history of sport through its turning-points and innovations. Full-color, and including photos, pull-outs, and sidebars throughout, books within the Game Changers series are must-have additions to every sports fan’s library.

They?re the best the NFL has ever seen! This title introduces the NFL?s biggest stars, past and present. Readers of all levels will be drawn in by easy-to-read stories, quick-hit sidebars and high-impact photos that tell each player?s story. With spotlight stats, info boxes, a glossary, additional resources, and more, this series is jam-packed with information fit for any football fan. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Season Ticket: Teams uses engaging and informative storytelling to take readers into the past, present, and future of their favorite sports teams. With chapters exploring historic moments, team traditions, and today''s hottest superstars, Season Ticket: Teams is your all-access pass to the most iconic franchises in sports!

Throughout the twentieth century, athletic heroes have altered their respective sports with spectacular achievements, renewing their fans'' confidence and surpassing their expectations with pioneering fearlessness, powerful expertise and unforgettable performances. In They Changed the Game, authors Ken Rappoport and Barry Wilner profile professional sports'' trailblazing champions, from boxing great Muhammad Ali to runner extraordinaire Jesse Owens, from stock-car racer Richard Petty to incomparable sportswoman Babe Didrickson.

A biography of the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, wose father was also a professional quarterback.

This title introduces readers to the best NFL stadiums in the country with Arrowhead''s deafening fans and Mercedes-Benz Stadium''s unique Halo Board among other great stadiums. The title features text boxes for each stadium, fun facts, rich photos, and a glossary. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Season Ticket: Teams uses engaging and informative storytelling to take readers into the past, present, and future of their favorite sports teams. With chapters exploring historic moments, team traditions, and today’s hottest superstars, Season Ticket: Teams is your all-access pass to the most iconic franchises in sports!

Learn more about the history of the annual contest in Phoenix, Arizona, that has become one of the biggest games on the college football calendar. The title also features informative sidebars, fun facts and quotes, a glossary, a timeline, a list of bowl records, and further resources. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

They''re the best the NFL has ever seen! This title introduces the NFL''s biggest stars, past and present. Readers of all levels will be drawn in by easy-to-read stories, quick-hit sidebars and high-impact photos that tell each player''s story. With spotlight stats, info boxes, a glossary, additional resources, and more, this series is jam-packed with information fit for any football fan. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

When Harvard came back from a 16-point deficit with less than a minute to go to tie Yale in their now-famous 1968 gridiron tilt, the headline in the Harvard Crimson the following Monda proudly boasted, "Harvard Beats Yale, 29-29." This and nineteen other improbable comebacks are the subjects of Wilner and Rappoport''s latest volume of extraordinary achievements from the world of sports, and include the 1914 "miracle" Braves, Billy Casper''s incredible rally to beat Arnold Palmer in the 1966 U.S. Open, the New York Giants'' magical playoff run in 1951, and others. Also included are sidebars on individual athletes whose "combacks" included overcoming disease (i.e. Lance Armstrong) and reviving a career (i.e. Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali).

This title explores everything a young reader would want to know about football, from strong-armed quarterbacks to Super Bowl superstars. The title also features informative sidebars, a glossary, and further resources. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

Here''s to ole Tennessee! Once, two strangers climbed old Rocky Top. The strangers never came down from Rocky Top. They found this book and now don''t have to leave. Much like a pick-6 interception, Tennessee Volunteers jumps in front of the passing lane and takes the ball back for a touchdown through colorful, fact-filled storytelling that details the history, legacy, and prestige of the University of Tennessee college football program. Good old Rocky Top. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Jordan or Malone? Bird or Kobe? Who are the greatest scorers in the history of basketball? Fans always love to compare modern players to the great players of the past. From the slam dunk to the three-point shot, author Barry Wilner gives us the ten greatest players (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Elvin Hayes, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West) who ever lit up a basketball scoreboard.

With two fingers extended like a peace sign waving in the air, we salute the cardinal and gold. But this is no peace sign; it''s a "V" for victory! Much like a first round draft pick in the NFL, USC Trojans encompasses the hope, promise, and excitement through colorful, fact-filled storytelling that details the history, legacy, and prestige of the University of Southern California college football program. Fight on for ol'' SC! Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

An introduction to competitive swimming, covering safety concerns, various strokes, racing techniques, and more.

This title explores the most shocking upsets in sports history, from Super Bowl stunners to unexpected Olympics heroics. The title also features informative sidebars, a glossary, and further resources. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company.

Details the life and career of figure skater Michelle Kwan.

Discusses the history of women in professional golf and profiles such players as Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Nancy Lopez, Besty King, Pat Bradley, and Patty Sheehan.

A look at the personal life and basketball career of the high-scoring Indiana Pacer, known almost as much for his verbal antics as for his shooting prowess.

From Wilt Chamberlain to Michael Jordan, to LeBron James, this title features all the high-flying dunkers. Basketball fans will love Spotlight stats and informative boxes for each player. Not to mention great full-color and historic action photographs. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

This title will introduce you to Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Shirley Muldowney, and more of the all-time greatest drivers in auto racing. Complete with action-packed stories of their most memorable moments, spotlight stats, information boxes, a glossary, additional resources and more. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

An inside account of the life of the New York Rangers hockey star.

These point-makers rarely miss the bucket. You''ll find players like, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Kevin Durant featured in this title (among many more). Basketball fans will love Spotlight stats and informative boxes for each player. Not to mention great full-color and historic action photographs. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Photographs and text portray the joy and dedication of women participating in a variety of sports.

Bobby Charlton, star of England''s 1966 World Cup champions, introduces this comprehensive guide to the sport that has become an international passion. Readers learn how to play the 11 positions, how to think strategically, how to score, and how to join a local team. Full color.