Best Football Biographies Books of 2026

Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own is a book that settles once and for all which sports legends own which numbers. Mike Greenberg uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of the legends among the legends and tell readers why some have claimed their spot in the top 100 of all time. Greeny's book is sure to provoke debate and entertain readers with its short essays. This book is a must-read for all sports enthusiasts looking to discover the most visceral parts of any sports legend’s identity.

Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes is a personal account of Stephen A. Smith's life and career. From growing up poor in Queens to becoming a household name in sports media, Smith shares his greatest highs and deepest lows. He also talks about life beyond the set, including his battle with COVID-19 and his thoughts on politics and social issues. The book provides an authentic and eye-opening look into the life of one of America's most popular sports media figures. Overall, Straight Shooter is a compelling and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of a successful career.

Just Tyrus: A Memoir is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller that tells the story of pro wrestler and political commentator Tyrus. From his dysfunctional upbringing to bodyguarding for Snoop Dogg, to becoming a wrestling icon and one of the most provocative on-air voices today, Tyrus goes deep into his wild but triumphant life story. The book is a revealing and vividly memorable glimpse into the life of a multifaceted entertainer who defies easy labeling. Ferociously funny, blunt, and tenacious, Just Tyrus is a must-read for anyone who wants to know the real story behind the man.

From Bulldog to Bengal is an inspiring football biography book that tells the story of Joe Burrow through the eyes of his hometown. The book highlights the challenges Burrow faced, including doubters, recruiting snubs, and a devastating injury. It also showcases his mental toughness, hard work, and stoic nature that took him to the top of the football mountain. What sets this book apart is the emphasis on Burrow's humility and his unwavering connection to his roots. Overall, this book is a celebration of Joe Burrow's journey and a must-read for football fans and anyone who loves a good underdog story.

Agent You: Show Up, Do the Work, and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Nicole Lynn is a self-help book that teaches readers how to achieve their personal and professional goals. As the first Black female agent to represent a top three NFL draft pick, Nicole shares her journey and key strategies for creating a plan and executing it. Each chapter includes exercises to help readers implement the strategies presented, making it easy to start working towards their goals. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to own their success story and walk in their purpose.

The Mosquito Bowl by Buzz Bissinger is an untold story of the Second World War. It narrates the bloodiest battle of the war between two Marine regiments, the 4th and 29th, in a football game known as "The Mosquito Bowl." The game turned out to be one of the closest one could get to a real football match in the dirt and coral of Guadalcanal. The book tells the story of the brave and beautiful young men who played the game, those who survived, and those who did not. The Mosquito Bowl is a compelling read that offers a glimpse of a far more innocent time in both college athletics and the life of the country, and the loss of that innocence.

Unbreakable: How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too is a book by Jay Glazer, where he shares his personal journey of overcoming his struggles with depression and anxiety. Glazer talks directly to the readers, his teammates, and shares his truth, and how he has maintained an Unbreakable Mindset to succeed in life. He uses his own experiences to inspire readers to recognize that their own obstacles can empower them if they know how to use it. This book is a must-read for anyone facing mental health challenges and seeking motivation and inspiration to overcome them.

When Your Back's Against the Wall by Michael Oher is an inspiring and motivating book on overcoming any obstacle, no matter how tough the odds. Oher shares his story of overcoming poverty, hunger, homelessness, struggles in school, bullying, job loss, brain injury, anxiety, and depression. He offers encouragement and shows readers how to get back up—again, and again, and again. The book is a great read for anyone looking for motivation and inspiration to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.

The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson by Jeff Pearlman is a stunning biography that captures the essence of one of the greatest athletes of all time. Pearlman's meticulous research and 720 original interviews provide readers with an inside look into Bo Jackson's life, from his humble beginnings to his superstardom in both the NFL and Major League Baseball. The book is a fascinating account of Jackson's life and his larger-than-life persona that made him a household name. Pearlman's writing style is engaging and captivating, making this book a must-read for sports fans and anyone interested in American culture.

The League: How Five Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire by John Eisenberg is a fascinating account of the pioneering sportsmen who kept the NFL alive in its early years. The book focuses on the sacrifices made by Art Rooney, George Halas, Tim Mara, George Preston Marshall, and Bert Bell, who believed in pro football when few others did, and ultimately succeeded in building the most popular sport in America. Eisenberg's deeply researched and surprise-on-every-page book is an essential read for any fan of the NFL and a remarkable story of business ingenuity. Overall, this is a compelling history of a sport and an exemplary chapter in American capitalism and popular culture.