It’s been enough time since the Philadelphia Eagles absolutely pummeled the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. So much time in fact that we have to wonder what some of the game’s greatest players are doing to fill the empty space in their schedules and hearts during the off-season.
Jalen Hurts: Why We Love Football by Joe Posnanski
Look, if I just won the Super Bowl, I wouldn’t want to read about anything else but awesome moments in the game’s history. From Patrick Mahomes’ magic to the Ice Bowl, from Doug Flutie’s Hail Mary pass to a plethora of football “miracles,” the book is full of unforgettable moments.
Travis Kelce: The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
We’re not saying the Taylor-Travis ’ship is a publicity stunt, but if it is, then this book about a woman in love with her hot best friend who is also an NFL star is the perfect pick for Travis to pull some tips from. Fans of fake-dating will love this one — and will be on pins and needles waiting to see if the performer (an ex-ballerina in this case) gets the guy.
Joe Burrow: The Caped Crusade by Glen Weldon
Since his Batmobile purchase, we can’t help but wonder how much the former LSU (okay and current Bengals star) enjoys comic books. We know about his affinity for cartoons in general, but maybe this is the start of a love for comics and graphic novels. Aside from a plethora of those we could suggest, an intro into Batman and the history of nerd culture is a great place to get started.
Aaron Rodgers: Deadly Choices by Paul A. Offit
Whether he’s still on the fence about vaccines or not, maybe Rodgers should sit down with some material from an internationally recognized infectious disease expert and look into why vaccines are actually important for society. Offit takes a look behind the curtain of the anti-vaccine movement. What he finds is a reminder of the power of scientific knowledge — and the harm we risk if we ignore it.
Alvin Kamara: And Still I Cook by Leah Chase
The Saints running back is a self-professed foodie, and the 504 has no shortage of amazing food to eat and cook. The off-season is the perfect time to perfect some recipes, like those featured by longtime New Orleans chef and the Queen of Creole Cuisine herself Leah Chase. Filled with recipes as well as reflections from Chase, the collection also includes menus for special events.
Tyreek Hill: DevilsGame by Michael Wolk
The ultimate gamer deserves the ultimate gaming/reading experience. The web-based novel redefines digital storytelling with multimedia elements and multilevel narratives that engage readers like never before. Fiery televangelist Claire Bodine and cunning game designer Nathan Rifkin join forces as they battle a cross-platform virus threatening global chaos. Armed with outdated BlackBerrys and clashing beliefs, they must navigate a treacherous digital landscape in a wickedly funny thriller.
Dak Prescott: All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis
The Dallas Cowboys QB still has deep ties to his hometown, having even recently donated over $1M to his alma mater’s football program. (Note: This blog’s writer shares the same alma mater and went to school with Prescott so take this whole rec with a grain of salt.) The QB’s siblings also have athletic experience and the themes of family will resonate strongly — though we think he could expand his literature on social justice, making this fiction pick a good entry point for Prescott.
Tua Tagovailoa: League of Denial by Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru
Okay, so honestly he probably knows everything that’s already in this book. But with the health issues Tagovailoa has had, it never hurts to be reminded about the NFL investigations over a period of nearly two decades, and how the league sought to cover up and deny mounting evidence of the connection between football and brain damage.
Russell Wilson: Company Men by Justin Grant
It’s not lost on Wilson and the rest of the NFL that some of the choices he’s made in recent seasons have been less than ideal. And we could all use a reminder that our personal success is directly intertwined to our professional success. Grant aims to bridge the gap between professional success and personal well-being, offering tools and insights to help others not just survive but excel.
Derek Carr: Wild by Cheryl Strayed
We think Carr might be a little…lost. And that’s totally understandable. The QB faces free agency this off-season, and it might be a good time for some soul searching. And possibly taking a 1,000-mile hike to discover who he is and where he belongs. I mean, we hope it doesn’t come to that and the right team scoops him up. But self-discovery comes at its own pace.
Trevor Lawrence: Karen’s Haircut by Ann M. Martin
We’re just kidding; we could never imagine Lawrence cutting the luscious locks. But if he did, he’d need to be emotionally prepared for that! And honestly, children’s books are great resources to help learn those valuable life skills.
For more reading lists, make sure to check out our Lit Happens blog! And shout out to Trey for inspiring this list.
Jennifer Vance is a publicist at Books Forward, an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.
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