Touchdown Alexander
by Shaun Alexander, with Cecil Murphey
Published by Harvest House Publishers
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Reviewed by Patty Inglish, M.S.
(Subtitled: My Story of Faith, Football, and Pursuing the Dream)
Shaun Alexander proves that it is possible to grow up in a single-parent household and become a winner, with integrity and a respected mission. People need heroes in a world of war and ecologic imbalance--and Shaun is that hero.
This pleasant read is an inspirational, straightforward story for adults, youth and families. In it, Shaun reveals humbly that he is not a big-name star that squanders a seven-figure contract, but a leader cheerfully helping fatherless youngsters who might one day become the next Shaun Alexander or Steven Hawking.
Chosen the NFL's 2005 MVP, this Seattle Seahawks running back has achieved so many records since middle school that he is already a living legend. In his story, Shaun literally runs the road to success, sharing it to give hope. He shows that America is still a land of opportunity, if God is in your plans. It is powerful that a star openly expresses his love for Christ, when it is easy to be tempted to ruin by fame and high finance. Alexander promotes God, country, family, and friends, and he encourages readers to adopt these priorities.
Shaun writes that he was always blessed, from his childhood in Florence, Kentucky. His father left the family, but remained involved, attending Shaun's games. And Alexander's large family valued God. His mom always brought his friends to church on Sunday when they stayed overnight on Saturdays. There was love, hard work and much fun as well as discipline in the family. I was fascinated and want to see more of this in America.
After an extraordinary career at Boone County High School, Shaun was named Kentucky's player of the year, but also achieved academically, which is a pointed example to youth to make education a priority. Receiving a scholarship to the University of Alabama, he was successful enough that he could have declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year, but went back to college. Only a sprained ankle kept him from the Heisman trophy. Alexander still holds the Alabama rushing record and plenty of franchise records, but remains humble and gives the credit to God for his financial ability to help others reach their God-given potentials.
Armchair Interviews says: Any youth interested in sports should read this book--and families should read it together.