Gridiron greats: pro football's best players

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Christian McCaffrey

2023
Looks at the life and career of American football player Christian McCaffrey.

Lamar Jackson

2023
After two electrifying seasons, the 2019 National Football League (NFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lamar Jackson has become a household name, inspiring a generation of future quarterbacks (QBs) who can manage the position with their arms, legs, and intellect. Jackson's ability to glide and slice through defenders by rushing the ball has garnered comparison to former Pro-Bowl QB Michael Vick. His cannon-like arm strength has likened him to 2018 NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion QB Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City. Meanwhile, Jackson's remarkable 19-3 record as a starter through his first two regular seasons has caused some to mention him in the same breath as a young Tom Brady. However, the more Jackson plays, the more one thing becomes abundantly clear-he is in a class all his own. Jackson's journey to NFL stardom began in South Florida where, at just eight years old, he tragically lost both his father and grandmother on the same day. His strong and resilient mother, Felicia Jones, raised Jackson on her own. Jones introduced Jackson to football, and she even put on the pads in the backyard of their childhood home to train Lamar and his brother Jamar. It was during these formative years that Jackson learned his mother's core values and built the character along with the skills he needed to be successful. After transferring to the Boynton Beach Community High School for his junior year, Jackson turned in a pair of high school seasons that caught the attention of several Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs. However, scouts questioned Jackson's ability to play QB at the next level. He no doubt had elite speed and agility skills, and programs like those at the Universities of Florida and Nebraska could envision Jackson as a top-tier running back (RB) or wide receiver (WR). Jackson had his convictions though-he was a quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers

2023
Aaron Rodgers arrived in the NFL in 2005 - selected 24th overall by the Green Bay Packers - and after watching and learning from the great Brett Favre for several seasons he has gone on to put together a spectacular career. Aaron Rodgers tells the story of the four-time NFL MVP who has thrown for more than 55,000 yards and 449 touchdowns. Rodgers also led the Packers to a win over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV, picking up MVP honors in the big game. An incredibly accurate passer with marvelous scrambling ability, his spot in the NFL Hall of Fame is assured. Each book in the Gridiron Greats series takes a close-up look at some of the very best of today's pro football stars. Statistical leaders and championship winners go under the spotlight in a fun to read and visually interesting examination of the player's outstanding career.

Patrick Mahomes

2023
Looks at the life and career of American football player Patrick Mahomes.

Tom Brady

Explores the personal life, professional career, and philanthropy of professional football player Tom Brady. Includes quotes, sidebars, dozens of statistics, links to online videos, text-dependent questions, ideas for research projects, color photographs, a series glossary, and further resources.

Russell Wilson

Highlights the personal life, professional career, and philanthropy of professional football player Russell Wilson. Includes quotes, sidebars, links to online videos, text-dependent questions, ideas for research projects, color photographs, a series glossary, and further resources.

Rob Gronkowski

Explores the personal life, professional career, and philanthropy of professional football player Rob Gronkowski. Includes quotes, sidebars, links to online videos, text-dependent questions, ideas for research projects, color photographs, a series glossary, and further resources.

Odell Beckham Jr.

Profiles NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., highlighting his 2014 one-handed touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys, the play that brought him to national attention. Includes a glossary.

J.J. Watt

Briefly profiles the life and football career of J.J. Watt, who joined the Houston Texans in 2011 and has gone on to twice win NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Aaron Donald

Profiles NFL star Aaron Donald, highlighting his All-Pro status and how he has helped his team, the St. Louis Rams, become Super Bowl contenders. Includes a glossary.

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