Synopses & Reviews
John J. Miller delivers the intriguing, never-before-told story of how Theodore Roosevelt saved American Football—a game that would become the nations most popular sport. Millers sweeping, novelistic retelling captures the violent, nearly lawless days of late 19th century football and the public outcry that would have ended the great game but for a crucial Presidential intervention. Teddy Roosevelts championing of football led to the creation of the NCAA, the innovation of the forward pass, a vital collaboration between Walter Camp, Charles W. Eliot, John Heisman and others, and, ultimately, the creation of a new American pastime. Perfect for readers of Douglas Brinkleys Wilderness Warrior, Michael Lewiss The Blind Side, and Conn and Hal Igguldens The Dangerous Book for Boys, Millers The Big Scrum reclaims from the shadows of obscurity a remarkable story of one defining moment in our nations history.
Review
“Football enthusiassts and Theodore Roosevelt admirers will both enjoy and learn from these little-known but important historic events that preserved from extinction one of Americas favorite sports.” Tweed Roosevelt, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Association
Review
“In Millers hands, the story of Theodore Roosevelts love for, and defense of, ‘the great game has as much vigor and passion as Roosevelt himself. Its a fascinating and thoroughly American tale.” Candice Millard, author of The River of Doubt
Review
“[Miller] is on target with a necessarily selective biography highlighting Roosevelts lifelong affinity for sports and physical activity, thereby providing context for understanding why a president would devote valuable time to what was then a minor sport. [An] enjoyable history of a seldom-explored turning point in American sports history.” Booklist
Review
“A worthy addendum to the story of footballs rise . . . [and] a good yarn.” Kirkus
Synopsis
Football's first golden age was characterized by incredible violence and life-threatening danger, and the new sport's popularity grew even as the casualties rose. After dozens of players were killed in brutal incidents that rattled the national consciousness, a proto-progressive movement attempted to abolish the game.
At that critical moment, President Roosevelt, an outspoken advocate of "the strenuous life" and a longtime fan of the game, fought to preserve football's rugged essence. In 1905, Roosevelt summoned key football coaches to the White House for a historic meeting. The result was the establishment of the NCAA and a series of rule changes, including the advent of the forward pass, which not only saved the sport but transformed football into what it is today: the quintessential American game.
About the Author
John J. Miller is director of the Dow Journalism Program at Hillsdale College, national correspondent for National Review, a contributor to the Wall Street Journal, and the author of five books, including the novel The First Assassin.