Last week, I gave a review of George Plimpton’s ‘Paper Lion’, which chronicles the author’s participation in the Detroit Lions’ 1963 training camp. Plimpton (sort of) practices with the team and quarterbacks one disastrous series in the annual intra-squad scrimmage. As the book’s main character, that’s honestly just about all that Plimpton has to offer.
The real flavor of ‘Paper Lion’ comes from the behind the scenes world of pro football that the author gains access to during his stint with the team. This glimpse into a bygone era (an era of legendary personalities, strategic oddities, two separate leagues, and winning Lions teams) is what makes it a worthy read.