The Red Zone: Cars, Cows and Coaches : The Life and Good Times of a Texas Dealmaker

Big man, big voice, big boots, and big deals. Meet Red McCombs, who hasn't heard his given name, Billy Joe, since his mother called him that years ago. His is a story of "only in America," but with a Texas twist. Even down to the name he never uses, Red is a living logo for the Lone Star State—a strapping man with a booming bass voice, a wheeler-dealer who shoots from the hip and asks questions later.

In the circles he travels, people know him only as Red. They also know him as cattle and oil baron, empire builder in cars and sports, investor in more than 200 companies.

In the area of sports, Red offers a revealing glimpse that few if any owners have ever shared. He tells how trades are made and how coaches are hired and fired.

Few self-made billionaires ever had a more rollicking ride for their money. McCombs has power and knows how to use it. He's made a fortune and knows how to share it.

This is an autobiography unlike any written by a corporate giant.