10 Best-Selling Football Books Millions Love

Explore Football Books championed by Andy Staples (Athletic), Shane Harris (Washington Post), and Ken Blanchard (Leadership expert). These best-selling picks offer proven lessons in culture, leadership, and strategy.

Andy Staples
Shane Harris
Ken Blanchard
Sam Altman
Jack Dorsey
Noah Kagan
Vinod Khosla
Updated on June 24, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in football where culture, leadership, and strategy intertwine. Football remains one of America's most beloved sports, offering rich stories and lessons beyond the field. This collection highlights 10 widely embraced titles that have shaped how millions experience the game.

Andy Staples, a seasoned college football journalist at The Athletic, champions "Friday Night Lights" for its vivid portrayal of Texas high school football's social impact, which inspired a landmark TV series. Meanwhile, Shane Harris, a Washington Post national security analyst, praises the same book for capturing football's near-religious significance. Leadership expert Ken Blanchard points to "The Score Takes Care of Itself" as a blueprint for effective people management, transcending football itself.

While these best-selling books provide proven frameworks and rich insights, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Football needs might consider creating a personalized Football book that combines these validated approaches with their own goals and background.

Best for exploring football culture and community
Andy Staples, a respected college football journalist at The Athletic, praises this book as the foundation for an all-time great story that inspired a superior TV adaptation, highlighting its enduring significance in football culture. His recommendation reflects how the book’s portrayal of high school football’s deep roots in community life helped reshape his view on the sport’s societal role. Joining him, Shane Harris, a national security analyst at the Washington Post, notes how the book’s honest depiction of Texas football captures its near-religious importance, underscoring why it resonates widely beyond just sports fans.
AS

Recommended by Andy Staples

College football journalist at The Athletic

@emmetjryan Also, FNL is a dramatized version of an all-time great book. And then they made an altogether superior TV show (except for season 2) based on the same concept. (from X)

1990·357 pages·Football, American Football, Football Teams, Sports, High School Sports

H. G. Bissinger’s years as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist shine through in this vivid chronicle of a Texas high school football season. You get more than game scores here; the book unpacks the social and economic strains shaping Odessa, Texas, revealing how football serves as both escape and pressure cooker for players and community alike. Through detailed portraits of the Permian Panthers and their town, you’ll grasp the intersection of sports, race, and hope, especially in chapters that highlight the tensions under the Friday night lights. This is a story that resonates if you want to understand grassroots football’s cultural weight beyond the field.

Pulitzer Prize Winner Author
New York Times Bestseller
View on Amazon
Best for leadership insights from football legends
Ken Blanchard, a best-selling author and leadership expert, highlights how this book transcends football, focusing on the human side of leadership. He points out, "The Score Takes Care of Itself is not about football. It's about how to treat people right. How to get the best out of the people around you." His recommendation resonates because it aligns with the broad impact the book has had beyond sports, inspiring leaders in many fields. Similarly, Patrick Oshaughnessy, CEO at O’Shaughnessy Asset Management, calls it "the best book on this topic," underscoring its value for anyone seeking effective leadership insights.
KB

Recommended by Ken Blanchard

Best-selling author and leadership expert

The Score Takes Care of Itself is not about football. It's about how to treat people right. How to get the best out of the people around you. How to be a highly effective leader. I am thankful that this book about Bill Walsh's leadership point of view is now available to inspire countless leaders to come.

The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership book cover

by Bill Walsh, Steve Jamison, Craig Walsh··You?

The methods Bill Walsh developed while leading the San Francisco 49ers demonstrate how leadership transcends sports. Drawing from his NFL experience and exclusive interviews compiled by Steve Jamison, this book teaches you to build effective teams, foster accountability, and maintain high standards. You'll find chapters detailing Walsh's philosophy on preparation and character, alongside insights from Joe Montana that deepen your understanding of leadership dynamics. If you're aiming to sharpen how you inspire and manage people, whether in sports or business, this book provides a clear framework grounded in proven success.

View on Amazon
Best for custom leadership plans
This custom AI book on football leadership is created based on your background, experience, and specific goals. By sharing what aspects of leadership and team management interest you most, the book focuses exactly on your needs. This personalized approach helps you dive deeper into the leadership challenges unique to football, making your learning efficient and relevant. It’s like having a tailored coaching session in book form, designed just for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Football, Football Leadership, Team Management, Player Motivation, Coaching Techniques

This tailored Football Leadership Blueprint explores essential leadership principles specifically adapted to football team success and management. It examines proven techniques in leadership, motivation, and team dynamics, all carefully matched to your background and goals. By focusing on popular, validated insights, this personalized guide reveals how effective leadership drives winning cultures on and off the field. It covers how to inspire players, build trust, and manage diverse personalities within a football context, ensuring the lessons align closely with your experience and ambitions. This approach fosters practical understanding of football leadership that resonates uniquely with your interests.

Tailored Guide
Leadership Dynamics
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for deep football biography and leadership
Norman Ornstein, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a respected voice on American culture, highlights this biography as a standout in understanding Vince Lombardi's legacy. His recommendation, "@davidmaraniss When Pride Still Mattered , his biography of Vince Lombardi, a great book," reflects how the book aligns with popular appreciation for Lombardi's impact beyond football. Ornstein's view underscores the book's value in capturing both the man and the myth. Additionally, Brian Moran, a marketing and entrepreneurship expert, echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the biography's broad appeal and depth.
NO

Recommended by Norman Ornstein

Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

@davidmaraniss When Pride Still Mattered , his biography of Vince Lombardi, a great book. (from X)

David Maraniss's decades of biographical expertise led to this deep dive into Vince Lombardi's life, painting a portrait that goes beyond the usual sports legend. You gain insights into Lombardi's personal philosophy shaped by Jesuit teachings, his rise from modest beginnings to coaching glory, and how his character influenced not just football but American culture at large. The book details Lombardi's coaching years with the Green Bay Packers and his complex personality, challenging you to reconsider the myths surrounding him. If you're interested in the interplay between sports, character, and cultural mythology, this book offers a rich narrative that benefits both football fans and those intrigued by leadership and American history.

View on Amazon
Best for resilience and team mindset development
Jose Fernandez, head women's basketball coach at the University of South Florida, brings a unique perspective to football leadership through his endorsement of Training Camp. He highlights the book's emphasis on striving for daily excellence, calling it his favorite among Jon Gordon's works. Fernandez appreciates how the book's lessons on perseverance and team unity resonate beyond football, influencing his coaching philosophy. His recommendation reflects wider reader enthusiasm, underscoring the book's practical impact on developing leadership and resilience in competitive sports environments.
JF

Recommended by Jose Fernandez

Head women's basketball coach at University of South Florida

Inspiring book! Striving for excellence every day. My favorite in the Jon Gordon collection. (from X)

Jon Gordon's background as a bestselling author and leadership consultant informs Training Camp, a narrative that explores what it takes to excel both personally and within a team. You follow Martin, an undrafted rookie encountering setbacks that threaten his NFL dreams, only to meet a coach who imparts eleven core lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and mindset. The book delivers practical insights on cultivating resilience and leadership that extend beyond football to any team environment, such as workplace groups or family units. You’ll find specific lessons on overcoming adversity and building unity, making it ideal if you want to understand how top performers push past limits.

16x Bestselling Author
View on Amazon
Best for leadership and team culture lessons
Urban Meyer brings a storied coaching resume, including leading Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship, to this exploration of leadership and team culture. His unique insights stem from winning titles at multiple schools, making his perspective on building trust and a shared mission especially relevant for anyone looking to elevate team performance beyond the field.

Urban Meyer draws from a remarkable coaching career to reveal how leadership and team culture shape championship success. You’ll explore his game plan that emphasizes trust, purpose, and resilience, illustrated through moments from Ohio State’s national title season. For example, he breaks down how daily commitment to shared values transforms setbacks into victories, applicable beyond sports to business and family dynamics. This book suits anyone striving to inspire teams or lead with clarity, though those seeking pure playbook tactics might find its broader leadership focus more valuable.

New York Times Bestseller
View on Amazon
Best for rapid football IQ boost
This AI-created book on football strategy is crafted according to your background, skill level, and the specific tactical areas you want to improve. By focusing on your unique goals, it delivers a tailored learning experience that dives deep into play analysis and strategic thinking. This custom book helps you build practical tactical skills and boosts your football IQ faster than generic guides.
2025·50-300 pages·Football, Football Fundamentals, Offensive Strategy, Defensive Tactics, Play Analysis

This personalized book explores a step-by-step football strategy and play analysis tailored specifically to your interests and background. It examines fundamental concepts and advances through tactical insights designed to improve your understanding and execution rapidly. By focusing on your specific goals, this tailored approach reveals essential play designs, game situations, and decision-making processes that align with your current skill level and aspirations. With a focus on practical knowledge, the book covers offensive and defensive strategies, situational awareness, and critical adjustments to help you elevate your football IQ efficiently. This custom exploration ensures you gain relevant, focused expertise without sifting through unrelated content.

Tailored Guide
Tactical Play Analysis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for understanding football’s origins and evolution
This book offers a unique window into the early days of American football through the eyes of those who played and coached the game decades ago. Drawing on firsthand testimony, it illuminates how great teams, players, and coaches contributed to the sport's rise and enduring appeal. Its detailed narrative provides valuable perspective for anyone interested in football’s origins and the foundational strategies that shaped its modern form.
1963·Football, American Football, Sports History, Team Dynamics, Coaching

What started as Allison Danzig's deep passion for American football led to a detailed chronicle of the sport's formative years, capturing the voices of players and coaches who shaped the game. You’ll explore firsthand accounts and insights into early strategies, team dynamics, and the personalities behind football’s rise in popularity. This book suits anyone intrigued by the roots of American football, from historians to devoted fans wanting to understand how great teams and coaches influenced the sport’s evolution. Chapters provide rich context on pivotal games and coaching philosophies that still echo in today’s football culture.

View on Amazon
Best for mastering football strategy and tactics
Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0 offers a unique lens into professional football, breaking down the complex plays and strategies that often confuse viewers. This book stands out for its accessible explanations of NFL formations and player roles, enriched with insights from seasoned analysts and coaches. It helps you move beyond surface-level watching to truly understand the ongoing tactical battles on the field. Whether you're a casual fan or someone aiming to deepen your football IQ, this book clarifies what to watch and why, making every game more engaging and comprehensible.
Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0: How to Watch Football by Knowing Where to Look book cover

by Pat Kirwan, David Seigerman, Pete Carroll, Bill Cowher·You?

2015·336 pages·Professional Football, NFL, American Football, Football, Football Strategy

Drawing from decades of NFL analysis and coaching expertise, Pat Kirwan and his co-authors unpack the hidden layers of football strategy that often go unnoticed by casual viewers. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of offensive formations, quarterback decisions, and defensive tactics through straightforward explanations and real-game examples, including updated plays from the 2015 NFL season. This book is ideal if you want to watch football with a sharper eye, knowing exactly what to focus on to appreciate the subtle chess match between teams. If you’re seeking a deeper grasp of how each position impacts the game’s outcome, this book offers practical insights without overwhelming jargon.

View on Amazon
Best for coaching strategies from NFL Hall of Famer
Michael Lombardi, host of the GMShuffle Pod and seasoned football executive, points to Parcells's book as essential reading for coaches. His recommendation carries weight, given his deep involvement in football leadership and his role mentoring coaches. Lombardi highlights how Parcells's candid discussion of coaching challenges captures the relentless pressures faced from his start in 1972 through his Hall of Fame career. This book shaped Lombardi's understanding of coaching's demands and remains a touchstone for those navigating professional football.
ML

Recommended by Michael Lombardi

Host of GMShuffle Pod, football executive

From his great book, Parcells, which every coach should read comes a description about the perils of coaching. Parcells carried this with him from 1972 until he stopped coaching. (from X)

Parcells: A Football Life book cover

by Bill Parcells, Nunyo Demasio·You?

Drawing from his extensive NFL coaching career, Bill Parcells offers an insider's look at transforming struggling teams into champions. You learn about leadership under pressure, managing complex personalities, and the strategic decisions behind Super Bowl victories with the Giants and Patriots. The book also reveals Parcells's nuanced approach to football coaching, blending discipline with adaptability, especially evident in chapters detailing his time with each franchise. If you want a grounded perspective on professional football's inner workings, this memoir offers valuable insights directly from a Hall of Fame coach.

View on Amazon
Best for testing and expanding football knowledge
Christopher Price is an award-winning sportswriter who covers the New England Patriots for the Boston Sports Journal. With several books about the Patriots under his belt, he brings a wealth of expertise and insider knowledge to this trivia collection. His deep passion for football history and statistics drives the creation of 600 questions that push even seasoned fans to think harder. Price’s background ensures the trivia spans eras and key players, making this book a stimulating resource for anyone looking to deepen their football understanding.
2019·264 pages·Sports, Football, Professional Football, Player Careers, NFL Records

Christopher Price, an award-winning sportswriter known for his deep coverage of the New England Patriots, crafted this trivia book to challenge and expand your football knowledge. Through 600 carefully curated questions, you encounter detailed inquiries about players' careers, key records, and iconic moments—from MVPs who clinched Super Bowls in the same season to unique quarterback statistics. The book doesn't just test facts; it immerses you in football history, touching on legends like Tom Brady and Dan Marino. If you're passionate about football and eager to sharpen your trivia skills or prepare for competitive quizzes, this book offers a rewarding challenge.

View on Amazon
Best for inspiring stories of resilience in football
Thomas Fuller is a New York Times reporter and Page One Correspondent known for his compelling storytelling and in-depth reporting. Having covered wars, natural disasters, and other major events, Fuller turned his attention to a story of perseverance and triumph: the all-deaf high school football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside. This shift to uplifting narratives highlights his ability to capture human resilience and community spirit, making his account both engaging and insightful for anyone interested in sports and social challenges.
2024·256 pages·Football, Football Teams, Sports, Team Dynamics, Deaf Culture

Thomas Fuller's experience as a New York Times reporter covering intense global events shapes this narrative about a high school football team that defies expectations. You get an intimate look at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside's undefeated seasons through stories of resilience, camaraderie, and determination. The book reveals how the players and their deaf coach overcome stereotypes, chronicling moments like a player competing with a broken leg and another balancing homelessness. If you're drawn to sports stories that explore human spirit and community, this book offers a nuanced perspective beyond typical athletics.

View on Amazon

Proven Football Methods, Personalized

Get proven popular Football strategies tailored to your unique goals and experience.

Tailored expert insights
Focused learning paths
Actionable football strategies

Validated by 10 best-selling Football books and expert recommendations

Football Leadership Blueprint
30-Day Football Strategy System
Football Culture Foundations
Winning Football Formula

Conclusion

This curated set of 10 best-selling football books reveals three clear themes: the power of leadership rooted in respect and accountability, the cultural depth of football as a community force, and the tactical savvy required to truly appreciate the game. If you prefer proven leadership methods, start with "The Score Takes Care of Itself" and "Training Camp." For validated insights into football culture and history, "Friday Night Lights" and "The History of American Football" are excellent choices.

Combining tactical understanding from "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" with coaching wisdom in "Parcells" offers a comprehensive view of professional football. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Football book to merge these proven methods with your unique interests and experience.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in understanding and enjoying football on deeper levels. Whether you're a fan, aspiring coach, or leader, this collection offers a trusted path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Friday Night Lights" if you're interested in football culture and community impact. For leadership lessons applicable beyond sports, "The Score Takes Care of Itself" offers clear guidance from a legendary coach.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Football?

Not at all. Titles like "Training Camp" and "Ultimate Football Trivia Book" are accessible and great for newcomers wanting to build foundational knowledge and enjoy engaging stories.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with cultural and leadership classics like "Friday Night Lights" and "The Score Takes Care of Itself." Then explore strategy-focused books like "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" and biographies such as "When Pride Still Mattered."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can definitely pick based on your interest. Each book stands on its own, but together they offer a richer understanding of football’s many facets — culture, leadership, and strategy.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Score Takes Care of Itself" and "Training Camp" emphasize practical leadership and teamwork applications. Meanwhile, "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" dives into theory and strategy to enhance your game-watching experience.

Can personalized Football books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! While these expert books provide proven insights, personalized Football books tailor these methods to your unique goals and background. This blend offers a highly relevant learning experience. Explore more here.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!