Faith of the Crimson Tide

What a refreshing view of athletes -- pro and college -- who often make headlines for all the wrong reasons! This book balances the record by showing us, with careful and accurate storytelling, that athletes can be -- and are -- persons of virtue and good character. It's about time! Author Wayne Atcheson is to be commended for showing us the "inside story" of so many fine athletes -- their family lives, their educational achievements, their commitments to good causes -- and also their on-field successes. I enjoyed the sports stories --- eyewitness accounts of come-from-behind victories and last-minute touchdowns --- but probably enjoyed the "human interest" stories even more. It's clear that the author had access to private moments and exclusive interviews with these trophy winners, coaches, and MVP's. Atcheson, whose credits include three other books, has served on the athletic staff of a major southern university; he has also served on the national staff of the FCA. He writes with a crisp, communicative style that keeps the story moving forward. This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about college and pro sports; it is also a great gift for sports fans of all ages! I look forward to re-reading it often. -- Dr. David Frisbie, Executive Director, The Center for Marriage & Family Studies, Del Mar, California

I am in awe of the stories that are contained in this book. I was a little leary at reading the first two chapters on Shaun Alexander. They seem to be just statistical recaps of his years at UA. Then I got to Tommy and Robin Ford's story...that is what I was think that this book should be about. It was so moving. As I read on, I wished that I had the faith that these Alabama coaches and players had in God. I am going to try to make my life better because of the stories in this book. It has made me want to have the relationship with God that all of these folks have had. I believe that their faith is strengthen at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group here at Alabama. I wish (and strive for) a group like that in my life, and am committed to find one or build one on my own. I am giving the book five stars due to content, not editing. The editing is pretty bad. There are a number obvious errors in the book. (Even spelling Phil Mickelson wrong in one of the chapters). Buy it because it may change your life, not because it is technically perfect.

This book is excellent! I would highly recommend it to any sports fan. It makes the common man realize that these sports heros are human too. It is filled with humor, joyous times, heart-breaking events, and their triumphs on and off the field(battle zone). Faith of the Crimson Tide offers a spiritual uplifting that clearly illustrates how God works in all of life's situations. Atcheson brilliantly compiles the different situations of the coaches and athletes into one common bond...Faith.