Nothing Comes Easy

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Before cable television, artificial turf, multimillion-dollar contracts, and “Are You Ready for Some Football?” pro football players’ lives were not much different from those of the fans in the bleachers. Back in football’s Golden Era, the game they played was much simpler but far tougher than anything seen today. Y.A. Tittle began his career in that simpler era, when players were expected to play both offense and defense and had to hold off-season jobs to make ends meet. Following a stellar career that lasted from 1948 until 1964, he retired from the game at 38 after starring for the Baltimore Colts, the San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Giants. Although he was the quarterback in the 49ers’ famous “million dollar backfield,” he is best remembered for his three years in New York and for his willingness to take the field when badly hurt. Y.A. took the Giants to three NFL Championship Games.

Y.A. Tittle's debt to Halas, Bears and Redskins
Why does Y.A. Tittle owe a debt to the Chicago Bears' George Halas (and to a lesser extent, the Washington Redskins) for his Hall of Fame career? Tittle never played for Halas or the Bears during his 17-year career, so how can the T Formation be so important to a quarterback's career? Learn why fans of the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Colts each should share Tittle's debt to Halas and the T Formation by reading this free online excerpt to NOTHING COMES EASY by Y.A. Tittle.

Y.A. Tittle sets public appearances in New Jersey, Louisiana
Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle will have two public appearances that will give fans a chance to meet him and have him sign a copy of his autobiography "Nothing Comes Easy." On Nov. 7, Tittle will appear at Bookends in Ridgewood, NJ @ 11 am. On Nov. 14, Tittle will appear at the LSU Book Store @ Noon. Please refer to the official page for "Nothing Comes Easy" for additional information on these signings and more about Tittle's autobiography, including a free excerpt.

Nothing Comes Easy

From his days as a youth in Marshall, Texas, to a brilliant football career with the LSU Tigers, Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, talented quarterback Y.A. Tittle's love of football is what made him a legend.  Tittle writes of his treasured time as a football player in the AAFC and NFL and most notably, his most successful years at the helm of the Giants in his brand-new autobiography, Nothing Comes Easy: My Life in Football.

 

Growing up in Texas, Tittle's teachers used to tell him that if he didn't stop looking out the window at guys kicking the football, he would never amount to anything.  His retired #14 jersey for the New York Giants proved those teachers to be quite wrong.  Tittle shares many of these early stories and the most memorable of his playing career, including:

 

• His college playing days in Baton Rouge for LSU
• How learning the T formation in college changed his life forever as a passer
• The folding of the Baltimore Colts followed by his move to San Francisco
• Leading the Giants to three straight NFL championship games-yet never winning "the big one"
• His life after football, including his appearance in Oliver Stone's movie "Any Given Sunday"

 

This endearing story of perseverance and determination in Nothing Comes Easy: My Life in Football sheds new light on both the memorable performances Tittle achieved as a football player and the trials and tribulations Tittle faced as he came so close to winning that elusive NFL championship.  As the AAFC Rookie of the Year, seven-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-NFL selection and two-time NFL MVP, the Hall of Fame quarterback certainly holds an incredible individual record of excellence.

 

Tittle, with his notable humble personality, lays it all on the line and shares stories and insights about behind-the-scenes moments in the clubhouses and what goes on between teammates as they played together for months at a time each season.  All Tittle needed to live out his dream was to receive the snap from center and run the offense.  He accomplished his dreams, fought through the hard times and inspires others to do the same in Nothing Comes Easy: My Life in Football.

About the Authors:

Y.A. Tittle played high school football in Marshall, Texas, and then left to play for the Louisiana State Tigers. His extraordinary passing ability inspired LSU coach Bernie Moore to abandon the single wing for the T formation. He played two seasons with the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference and played one season with the Colts in the National Football League followed by 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.  Then, in 1961, Tittle was traded to the New York Giants and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player.  In 1962 Tittle played even better, with 33 touchdown passes and a career-high 3,224 yards. A year later, his touchdown stats went up to 36, he completed 60.2% of his passes, and again he was named NFL Player of the Year. A terrific competitor who was always willing to play while hurt, Tittle led the Giants to divisional titles in 1961, 1962 and 1963.

 

University of San Francisco graduate and author Dr. Kristine Setting Clark is a feature writer for the San Francisco 49ers' and Dallas Cowboys' Gameday magazine. She has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Legends of the Hall: The Fabulous Fifties; Undefeated, Untied, and Uninvited; St Clair: I'll Take It Raw!; and A Cowboy's Life, about Hall of Fame member Bob Lilly. This year she will be working on a book with Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers.

 

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Contact: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.252.1248, b.ames@triumphbooks.com