Synopses & Reviews
Widely regarded as the dirtiest player in NFL history, Conrad Dobler was nothing short of a pit bull out on the gridiron. Whether it was leg-whipping, head-slapping, chop-blocking, kicking, kneeing, punching, eye-gouging, or even biting, the three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard terrorized opposing defensive linemen by any means necessary. From 1972 to 1981, Dobler intimidated the opposition by instilling a sense of fear and brutality into them like no single player had done before. Dobler didn't care about what his opponents thought of him, he only cared about his teammates and would do literally anything to help his team win--even if that meant breaking the sacred code of honor. That mean and nasty attitude still has him getting dirty today as he is now embattled in the fight of his life with his former employer, the National Football League, and its players association. On a crusade to help raise funds and awareness for a cause that is near and dear to his heart--the Gridiron Greats program--Dobler is hell-bent on helping his former brothers in arms as they try to negotiate through the labyrinth of health benefits, pensions, and disability insurance. A master storyteller, Dobler not only opens the vault and dishes the goods on his former teammates and foes, he also talks candidly about what life was like down in the trenches back in the raucous 1970s. As one writer put it, Conrad did not live a life of chastity or great self-examination. He ate heartily and drank prolifically and popped a few greenies and smoked a few thousand cigarettes and slept around. His journey from growing up as one of seven kids in the middle of California's Mojave Desert to the National Football League was full of obstacles and adversity, but he made it through sheer determination and a true passion for the game.
Synopsis
Widely regarded as the dirtiest player in NFL history, Conrad Dobler was nothing short of a pit bull out on the gridiron. Whether he was leg-whipping, head-slapping, chop-blocking, kicking, kneeing, punching, eye-gouging, or even biting, the three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard terrorized opposing defensive lineman by any means necessary. That nasty attitude has him still getting dirty today as he is now embattled in the fight of his life with his former employer, the National Football League, and its players association. He's on a crusade to help raise funds to help his former brothers in arms as they try to negotiate through the labyrinth of health benefits, pensions, and disability insurance. In Pride and Perseverance: A Story of Courage, Hope, and Redemption, Dobler not only opens the vaults and dishes the goods on his former teammates and foes, he also talks candidly about what life was like down in the trenches in the raucous 1970s.
About the Author
Conrad Dobler played professional football for three NFL teams. He is now a motivational speaker and oversees Conrad Dobler Enterprises, a speaking engagement, autograph, and merchandising company. He also owns a business that provides flu shots to corporations around the country; Superior healthcare Staffing, Inc., a nurse staffing business; and Accelerated Medical Services, a medical supply company. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas. Dan Dierdorf is a former professional football player and current television sportscaster. He played 13 seasons in the NFL and has worked for ABC and CBS as a color analyst since retiring from football.