When Football Went to War

Overview

Trading cleats for military boots

More than any other sport, professional football contributed fighting men to the battles of World War II, and the 22 or so players or former players that lost their lives are among the riveting stories told in this tribute to football's war heroes that spans many decades and military conflicts. The National Football League counts three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients among its honors, along with numerous Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Crosses, and Purple Hearts. When Football Went to War offers a ground-breaking look at football—college and professional football alike—and many of the wartime heroes who came off the field of play to fight for their country. Detailed biographies of those who gave their lives are supplemented by many other stories of wartime heroism, from World War I through to Pat Tillman's tragic death in the Global War on Terrorism. Football has become the most popular sport in America and this heartfelt book honors the many sacrifices of NFL athletes over the years in service of their country.

Author Biography

Todd Anton has been a U.S. History instructor for more than 23 years. He served on the board of trustees for the National World War II Museum from 2006 to 2010. He is the author of No Greater Love: Life Stories from the Men Who Saved Baseball and coauthor with Bill Nowlin of When Baseball Went to War. He lives in Victorville, California. Bill Nowlin is a former professor of political science and cofounder of Rounder Records. He is the author or editor of more than 30 books baseball books and collaborated with Todd Anton on Fox News Channel’s “War Stories with Oliver North” episode on baseball and World War II. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.