THE GAME
By Peter King
Publisher: Norton
The rise of the National Football League over the last four decades told through the stories of some of the players, teams, coaches and controversies.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Peter King's "The Game" is an exhaustive chronicle of the National Football League's evolution over the past four decades. With 576 pages of detailed narratives, King leverages his unparalleled access and experience to provide readers with an insider's view of the NFL's ascent to dominance in American sports culture.
King's approach is both comprehensive and personal. He dedicates individual chapters to each year from 1984 to 2023, offering a meticulous year-by-year account that, while thorough, may overwhelm readers seeking a more concise overview. His inclusion of personal anecdotes and reflections adds depth, though some may find these digressions self-indulgent. Notably, his recounting of the Reggie White free-agency saga and the peculiar circumstances surrounding Peyton Manning's draft selection are particularly engaging. ([books.google.com](https://books.google.com/books?id=ZbjDEQAAQBAJ&utm_source=openai))
However, the book's sheer volume and detail can be daunting. As noted by Kirkus Reviews, the "kitchen-sink approach results in some bloat," with certain sections, such as the minute-by-minute rehash of the Cowboys’ 1991 draft, feeling unnecessarily exhaustive. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/peter-king/the-game-7/?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, while King's insider status provides unique insights, his tendency to include himself in the narrative may not appeal to all readers.
Despite these critiques, "The Game" offers a rich tapestry of the NFL's modern history, making it a valuable resource for dedicated football enthusiasts. Casual readers, however, may find the depth and detail overwhelming.
Recommendation: Recommended for die-hard NFL fans; casual readers may find it overwhelming.
written on: 10/22/2026