America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker

This book explores the life and times of pro football’s first African-American middle linebacker, Willie Lanier. Lanier was a Super Bowl champion, an eight-time All-Pro, and NFL’s Man of the Year in 1972. This book delves into Lanier’s college and NFL exploits and discusses his many successes off the gridiron, providing an inspiration for others.

Former sportswriter Joe Zagorski has been a member of the Pro Football Researchers Association since the mid-1980s, and has written numerous articles for their monthly publication The Coffin Corner. He has also written articles for the internet site Pro Football Journal. He lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Acknowledgments Introduction 1: A Common Beginning for an Uncommon Man 2: A Chance to Play Pro Football 3: Coming Close to a Title 4: The Challenges of 1969 5: The 1969 AFL Playoffs 6: The Super Chiefs 7: To Be Champions Again 8: The Longest Game 9: To Retire or Not to Retire 10: A Business Suit and the Real World 11: The Pro Football Hall of Fame Conclusion: Final Musings from a Trailblazer Notes Bibliography Index About the Author