Behind the Lines: A Veteran Quarterback's Look Inside the NFL

An NFL veteran shares his memories of life as a football player, and discusses his many colleagues and issues such as women in the locker room, strikes, and steroid use

Strock's name is likely to be familiar only to pro-football insiders, since his 17 years in the NFL were spent as a backup quarterback for Miami, Cleveland and Indianapolis, starting in 1974. He did get to fill in often, however, and acquired some noteworthy statistics as a sub. But his account of his career, written with the prolific Frommer ( Running Tough ), is a pedestrian, unimpressive effort. Although it promises behind-the-scenes revelations, the book merely informs readers that there are no dirty players in the league but a few do play extra-hard; that most coaches are able; that some gridders abuse drugs, especially steroids. The one startling disclosure is that, denied access to bathrooms during the games, players urinate while on the bench or in the huddle.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Author Strock had an unusual career as a quarterback in the National Football League. Although he played for 17 years, he spent most of his career on the sidelines as backup to several of football's greatest quarterbacks. Strock spent his time selecting plays, analyzing opponents, and nurturing controversial opinions. In this autobiography, he speaks out on drugs, sportswriters, current sports debates, and the abilities and personalities of his contemporaries. His account is patchwork, and his approach is a bit too familiar. Despite these flaws, Strock manages to offer innumerable insights, anecdotes, and inside angles, all of which will be of great interest to the passionate football fan. He also includes a list of the best players who competed during his tenure, complete with analysis. While it is not a necessity, this book is recommended for dedicated sports collections.
- Jeffrey Gay, Bridgewater P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.