When the Cheering Stops: Bill Parcells, the 1990 New York Giants, and the Price of Greatness

When the Cheering Stops: Bill Parcells, the 1990 New York Giants, and the Price of Greatness Review

When the Cheering Stops: Bill Parcells, the 1990 New York Giants, and the Price of Greatness Overview

Many football fans remember Super Bowl XXV as the game in which Buffalo s best chances for a championship were extinguished when the Bills field-goal attempt sailed wide right with just three seconds remaining. But what is often forgotten is that the Bills, who were heavily favored, were simply outplayed by the New York Giants that day. With a punishing defense led by Lawrence Taylor, Pepper Johnson, and Leonard Marshall; an upstart quarterback in Jeff Hostetler, filling in for an injured Phil Simms; a running attack led by backup Ottis Anderson; and an unimpeachable game plan masterminded by defensive coordinator Bill Belichick and head coach Bill Parcells, the Giants stifled Buffalo s high-flying offense and captured the Vince Lombardi Trophy.



As confident as the Giants seemed at the end of that fateful Super Bowl, however, their future was anything but secure before the beginning of the season. Numerous players held out during training camp. Veteran linebacker and defensive linchpin Lawrence Taylor was still without a contract as the first game of the regular season approached. Negotiations looked grim. But by kickoff in the Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Taylor was ready, and the Giants were on their way to a stellar season. Key injuries or not, Big Blue was destined for another Super Bowl.



The Giants achievements in 1990 will forever be recorded in the annals of NFL history. But what becomes of our football heroes once their playing days are over? This is their story, too. The adjustment to life beyond the NFL is a difficult one for many players. Physically battered, retired players often suffer because of the league s inadequate medical benefits. Retirement is also a wholesale culture shock for men who have known no other environment; they struggle financially, socially, and professionally in a world where their employment skills often are not transferable.



When the Cheering Stops celebrates the triumph of the 1990 Giants squad, and it also raises serious questions about players and their lives after football.

Available at Amazon Check Price Now!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 07, 2010 00:20:06