10 Best-Selling NFL Books Millions Trust

Explore top NFL books recommended by Michael Lombardi, Jason La Canfora, and Jose Fernandez for winning strategies and insights.

Michael Lombardi
Jason La Canfora
Jose Fernandez
Updated on June 27, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially in a sport as fiercely followed as the NFL. Millions have turned the pages of these best-selling NFL books, drawn by their proven insights and compelling stories that help fans and professionals alike deepen their understanding of the game.

Experts like Michael Lombardi, an NFL analyst and podcast host, Jason La Canfora, a seasoned NFL reporter and author, and Jose Fernandez, head women's basketball coach at the University of South Florida, lend their voices to this collection. Lombardi highlights the candid leadership lessons in "Parcells," La Canfora praises the rich historical narrative of "NFL 100," while Fernandez finds inspiration in the motivational journey of "Training Camp."

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and expert perspectives, readers seeking content tailored to their specific NFL interests might consider creating a personalized NFL book that combines these validated approaches with their unique goals and background.

Best for leadership and resilience lessons
Jose Fernandez, head women's basketball coach at the University of South Florida, champions this book for its relentless pursuit of excellence. He found inspiration in its lessons during his coaching journey, praising it as his favorite in Jon Gordon's collection. "Inspiring book! Striving for excellence every day," he says, highlighting how the book's principles resonate beyond football, motivating coaches and athletes alike to push their limits and foster winning mindsets.
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 @JonGordon11 collection. (from X)

Jon Gordon draws from his extensive experience working with NFL coaches and teams to tell the story of Martin, a determined rookie fighting to prove himself. Through a series of eleven life-changing lessons shared by a special coach, you discover how grit, teamwork, and mental toughness fuel success both on the field and beyond. The book offers concrete insights into leadership and resilience, illustrated by Martin's journey to overcome injury and doubt. If you're seeking motivation to elevate your personal or team performance, this narrative provides practical principles grounded in real-world football culture.

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Best for sustained athlete performance
Tom Brady is the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, including six with the New England Patriots where he also earned four Super Bowl MVP awards. His unparalleled NFL career and leadership on the field provide the foundation for The TB12 Method, where he shares the innovative training and lifestyle regimen that has kept him competitive at the highest level beyond typical athletic prime. Brady’s firsthand experience and success make this book a valuable guide for anyone looking to maintain peak athletic performance over time.

Unlike most NFL books that focus mainly on game tactics or player biographies, Tom Brady's The TB12 Method dives into the physical and mental regimen that enabled him to perform at an elite level well into his forties. You learn about his concept of pliability—a unique approach to training that emphasizes muscle flexibility and injury prevention—as well as detailed routines for strength conditioning, hydration, nutrition, and sleep. The book breaks down how these elements come together to sustain peak athletic performance, with Brady's personal case studies and photographs illustrating key techniques. If you're serious about extending athletic longevity and improving overall fitness through a holistic system, this book speaks directly to you.

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Best for personal team building plans
This AI-created book on building winning NFL teams is crafted based on your knowledge of football and the specific areas you want to explore. You share your background, skill level, and goals, and the book is written to focus on the team-building aspects that interest you most. This personalized approach helps you dive deeper into the factors that create championship-level organizations without wading through unrelated content.
2025·50-300 pages·NFL, NFL Fundamentals, Team Leadership, Player Development, Coaching Tactics

This tailored book explores the essential elements of building winning NFL teams and cultivating a championship culture. It examines how leadership, player development, and team dynamics come together to create sustained success on the field. By focusing on your interests and goals, the book offers a personalized exploration of coaching philosophies, roster construction, and motivational techniques that align with your background. It reveals how factors like resilience, communication, and strategic decision-making shape NFL franchises and influence outcomes. This tailored approach ensures you gain knowledge that matches your specific ambitions and deepens your understanding of what it takes to build a winning NFL organization.

Tailored Guide
Team Culture Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for team leadership principles
Jon Gordon is a 16-time bestselling author and renowned thought leader known for inspiring positivity and teamwork worldwide. Mike Smith, former head coach of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and the franchise's all-time winningest coach, brings his firsthand NFL leadership experience to this work. Together, they explore the powerful principles behind building successful teams in sports and business. Their combined expertise offers a rare glimpse into the pressures and triumphs of NFL leadership, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to cultivate winning teams.

What started as a firsthand leadership challenge for NFL coach Mike Smith became a revealing playbook on team-building beyond sports. Together with Jon Gordon, Smith shares the seven "C's" that helped transform the Atlanta Falcons into consistent contenders, dissecting both his triumphs and setbacks. You'll gain insights into creating a positive culture, fostering strong relationships, and leading teams to perform at their best under pressure. Chapters detail how mindset shifts and communication strategies translate from the locker room to boardrooms and classrooms alike. This book suits anyone aiming to strengthen teamwork and leadership skills across diverse environments.

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Best for understanding NFL strategy
Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0 stands out in the NFL literature by offering fans a way to watch football with a sharper, more informed eye. It tackles the common confusion viewers face, unpacking the complex strategies that unfold on the field each Sunday. This edition updates readers on the latest tactical developments through the 2015 season, making it especially relevant for those eager to understand what really happens behind the scenes. By illuminating the subtle battles between offense and defense, it provides a valuable framework for anyone seeking to appreciate the sport beyond the scoreboard.
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·NFL, Professional Football, American Football, Football, Game Strategy

After analyzing countless NFL games and the intricate plays within, Pat Kirwan and David Seigerman developed this guide to help you actually see the game beyond the surface. This book breaks down formations, player roles, and strategic moves, answering questions like why a receiver's route went wrong or what a defense's setup signals. You gain a clearer understanding of the chess-like battle between offense and defense, with updated insights reflecting the 2015 NFL season's innovations. If you want to deepen your football knowledge and enjoy games with a new perspective, this book offers straightforward explanations without assuming prior expertise.

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Best for NFL coaching insights
Michael Lombardi, an NFL analyst and host of the GMShuffle Podcast, draws attention to the enduring relevance of this book for coaches. He highlights how Parcells' reflections on the tough realities of coaching stayed with him throughout his career, offering a raw and honest look at the profession. Lombardi's endorsement underscores the book's value not just as a biography but as a guide through the complexities NFL coaches face, making it a compelling read for anyone invested in football leadership.
ML

Recommended by Michael Lombardi

NFL analyst and podcast host

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 be stopped coaching. (from X)

Parcells: A Football Life book cover

by Bill Parcells, Nunyo Demasio·You?

Unlike most NFL biographies that focus mainly on game highlights, this book delves into the mindset and leadership style of Bill Parcells, a coach who consistently turned struggling teams into champions. Drawing from decades of experience in the NFL, Parcells shares candid stories and strategic insights, including his approaches to team culture and handling pressure, especially in chapters detailing his time with the Giants and Patriots. If you want to understand what it takes to rebuild a franchise and the complexities behind coaching at the highest level, this book will give you a clear-eyed view. However, it's best suited for those interested in the game's leadership side rather than play-by-play tactics.

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Best for rapid skill improvement
This AI-created book on NFL performance is crafted specifically for your background, skill level, and targeted goals. You share the aspects of NFL play you want to improve and your current experience, and the book focuses on exactly those areas. Personalizing the content this way helps you progress faster by concentrating on what truly matters to your development as a player. Instead of generic advice, you get a tailored plan that matches your unique strengths and challenges, making your journey toward becoming an NFL playmaker straightforward and efficient.
2025·50-300 pages·NFL, NFL Performance, Player Conditioning, Skill Development, Mental Preparation

This tailored book explores a focused 30-day plan to elevate NFL player performance by combining widely valued knowledge with your unique background and goals. It examines key physical training, tactical understanding, and mental preparation, all matched to your experience and areas of interest. The content reveals ways to fast-track skill development, offering a personalized learning journey that focuses on what matters most to you as a player. By integrating techniques validated by millions of readers, this tailored approach provides a tailored roadmap to help you sharpen your on-field impact rapidly and effectively. Whether refining techniques or improving game-day mindset, it aligns with your specific ambitions and skill level.

Tailored Guide
Performance Acceleration
3,000+ Books Generated
Best for NFL insider perspectives
Nicholas Dawidoff’s Collision Low Crossers offers a rare glimpse into the often chaotic world inside an NFL franchise during a single season. This book’s appeal lies in its patient, immersive approach, chronicling the New York Jets’ 2011 campaign with all its conflicts, hopes, and setbacks. It’s a valuable read for anyone eager to understand the pressures shaping NFL teams beyond the scoreboard. By focusing on people and processes behind the scenes, Dawidoff provides insight that benefits both hardcore fans and those curious about the business and culture of professional football.
2013·496 pages·NFL, Sports, American Football, Team Dynamics, Player Psychology

Unlike most NFL books that focus solely on game-day action or player stats, Nicholas Dawidoff offers a year-long, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities swirling around the New York Jets’ 2011 season. You get an insider’s view of the turbulent dynamics between players, coaches, and management, revealing how off-field factors influence performance on the gridiron. Chapters delve into locker room politics, coaching decisions, and the personal struggles of athletes, providing a textured understanding of what it takes to compete in the NFL. This book suits anyone fascinated by the intersection of sports, leadership, and organizational challenges within professional football.

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Best for NFL history enthusiasts
Jason La Canfora, an NFL reporter known for his deep engagement with the sport, highlights NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football as a great gift for football fans. His endorsement, calling it a perfect holiday choice, reflects the book’s broad appeal and rich content. La Canfora’s enthusiasm aligns with the book’s detailed celebration of the NFL’s history, offering you a visually engaging and informative experience that captures the spirit of professional football.
JL

Recommended by Jason La Canfora

NFL reporter and author

Great holiday gift idea here for any football fan. Can get half off the NFL 100 book with code: TISTHESEASON50 (from X)

NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football book cover

by National Football National Football League, Rob Fleder, Peyton Manning··You?

Rob Fleder, with a rich background as executive editor of Sports Illustrated, brings a deeply informed perspective to NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football. This book offers you a vivid visual journey through the NFL’s evolution, combining archival photos, infographics, and compelling narratives that highlight key players and moments shaping the league. You’ll gain insights into the cultural and historical context of professional football, not just its statistics or highlights. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, the detailed exploration of equipment changes and milestone events enriches your understanding of the NFL’s place in American sports history.

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Best for NFL league politics
"The League: The Rise and Decline of the NFL" stands out by exposing the less visible forces shaping professional football’s most influential institution. Based on extensive research and confidential sources, this investigative report uncovers the complex power dynamics and internal politics that have reorganized the NFL’s business structure. It offers a rare perspective beyond the games themselves, ideal for those seeking to understand the league’s organizational shifts and controversies. This book addresses the need for transparency about the NFL’s decision-making processes and the impact of ownership and leadership battles on the sport’s direction.
1986·710 pages·NFL, Sports, American Football, League Politics, Sports Management

Unlike most NFL books that focus solely on game highlights or player biographies, David Harris' "The League" dives deep into the behind-the-scenes power struggles shaping professional football. Drawing on three years of research, confidential NFL documents, and extensive interviews, the book reveals the internal politics and shifting alliances that have influenced the league's rise and recent challenges. You’ll gain insight into the complex business dynamics and controversies that aren’t visible on the field, including league governance and ownership battles. This book suits anyone curious about the organizational forces driving the NFL’s evolution rather than just the sport itself.

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Best for NFL culture and player stories
Jeff Pearlman's Boys Will Be Boys offers a lively dive into the Dallas Cowboys' 1990s dynasty, a period celebrated and scrutinized in equal measure. This New York Times bestseller, also recognized by GQ as one of the best books of the year, captures both the sporting achievements and the notorious party culture surrounding "America’s Team." Pearlman's narrative balances riveting accounts of games with candid stories about players like Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman, making it a rich resource for anyone fascinated by NFL history and player life. The book’s candid approach reveals the complexities behind the Cowboys' glory days, appealing to readers drawn to sports beyond just the scoreboard.

What started as Jeff Pearlman's ambition to chronicle the untold stories of the Dallas Cowboys' 1990s dynasty became a vivid narrative capturing both their on-field triumphs and off-field antics. You get a front-row seat to the lives of stars like Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman through Pearlman's candid and energetic storytelling. The book reveals the complex personalities behind the fame, blending humor and raw moments that expose the human side of the team. If you're drawn to the intersection of sports history and player culture, this book offers detailed insights into one of the NFL's most iconic eras. However, if you're looking purely for tactical football analysis, this leans more on character-driven narrative than play-by-play breakdowns.

New York Times Bestseller
Selected by GQ as Best Book of the Year
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Best for lineman's NFL experience
What makes "Black and Honolulu Blue: In the Trenches of the NFL" stand out is its unfiltered portrayal of professional football life from Keith Dorney's unique vantage point as a top-level lineman. Authored without a ghostwriter, Dorney's candid storytelling explores the grueling realities faced in both college and NFL play. This book appeals to those wanting to understand the physical and mental demands behind the game’s toughest positions, peeling back the layers of pro football's culture and challenges. It’s a valuable read for anyone drawn to the inner workings of the NFL and the personal journey of a player navigating its trenches.
2003·224 pages·NFL, Football Biography, American Football Biography, American Football, Player Experience

Drawing from Keith Dorney's firsthand experience as a Penn State All-American and Detroit Lions All-Pro, this autobiography offers a raw look at life in the NFL trenches. Unlike many football memoirs shaped by ghostwriters, Dorney's authentic voice reveals the physical and mental challenges of playing one of the game's toughest positions. You'll gain insight into the demands of professional football beyond the spotlight, including the grind of daily training and locker-room dynamics. If you're curious about the realities behind NFL fame or interested in the lineman's perspective, this book delivers an honest, unvarnished narrative.

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Conclusion

These ten NFL books collectively explore leadership, strategy, history, and the human side of football, offering readers frameworks validated by both experts and fans. If you lean toward proven leadership methods, "Training Camp" and "You Win in the Locker Room First" deliver actionable lessons. For deeper strategic insights, pair "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" with "Parcells" to understand tactics and coaching nuances.

If NFL history and culture captivate you, "NFL 100" and "Boys Will Be Boys" provide rich narratives that bring the league’s legacy to life. Alternatively, you can create a personalized NFL book to blend these proven methods with your unique interests and level.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in appreciating and excelling in the world of NFL football. Whether you're a fan, coach, or aspiring pro, these books offer trusted guidance and inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Training Camp" for leadership and motivation or "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0" if you want to understand game strategy. Both offer clear, accessible lessons that set a solid foundation for NFL knowledge.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to the NFL?

Not at all. Many, like "Take Your Eye Off the Ball 2.0," explain football concepts clearly for newcomers, while others offer engaging stories that anyone interested in NFL culture can enjoy.

Should I read the newest book or a classic first?

It depends on your interest. Classics like "The League" reveal the NFL’s business side, while newer books like "The TB12 Method" focus on modern athlete performance. Both perspectives enrich your understanding.

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

You can pick based on your specific interest—leadership, strategy, history, or player stories. Each book stands strong alone, but together they provide a fuller picture of the NFL experience.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"You Win in the Locker Room First" offers practical leadership and team-building strategies applicable both on and off the field, making it a great choice for immediate application.

Can I get NFL insights tailored to my specific interests without reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books cover proven methods, you can create a personalized NFL book that combines these valuable insights with your unique goals and background for focused learning.

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