Best Football Books of 2026

Think Like a Warrior: The Five Inner Beliefs That Make You Unstoppable is an inspirational fable that reveals the five inner beliefs shared by the world's greatest achievers. Through the visits of five legendary coaches, the protagonist learns to develop a "warrior mindset" and take control of his life. This book provides valuable lessons on building self-confidence, developing mental toughness, and using a positive mental attitude to achieve more. It also teaches readers to be positive leaders for their families and teams. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

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.

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.

The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge by Tony Dungy is a 365-day devotional designed to help men strengthen their faith and character. The book is divided into seven themes, each with a weekly devotion, reflection, scripture verse, and application prompt. Dungy's emphasis on integrity, family, friends, potential, mission, influence, and faith will inspire readers to live a life of significance and impact. The book is a New York Times best-seller and a Retailers Choice Award winner. It is a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live an uncommon life.

DTP's 2023 NFL Draft Guide is the ultimate guide for football fans who want to stay up to date with the latest prospects in the upcoming draft. With over 300 prospects featured and easy-to-understand terminology, this guide is perfect for both hardcore draft lovers and casual football fans. The author draws their own conclusions from watching hours of tape, providing unique insights that can't be found anywhere else. Overall, this guide is an excellent complement to watching the 2023 Draft and is a must-read for any football fan looking to stay ahead of the game.

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.

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.

It's a Numbers Game! Football is an excellent book for math maniacs and sports super-fans alike. The book explores the various ways numbers factor into football, including the countless statistics used to measure individual player performance and the numbers used in defensive formations. It also features fascinating facts, such as the price of a Super Bowl commercial. The book includes graphics that illustrate the angles in different pass patterns and cool sports trivia. The author, Eric Zweig, has been writing professionally about sports and sports history since 1985 and has written over 40 books. Overall, this book is a touchdown for children who love football and math.

How 'Bout Them Dawgs! by Kirby Smart is a compelling account of the University of Georgia's 2021 college football national championship season. The book offers an inside look at the team's journey, from their opening-game victory over Clemson University to their eventual triumph over the University of Alabama in Indianapolis. Coach Smart provides his perspective on coaching, his defensive philosophy, and the importance of recruiting, while also sharing a bit of his own story. The book is filled with profiles and recollections of players, coaches, and support staff, and includes over 100 never-before-seen photographs. Overall, How 'Bout Them Dawgs! is a must-read for Dawg fans and anyone interested in college football history.