A series reportedly inspired by the state-of-the-art immersive holographic theatre at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is set to begin in the summer of 2018.
According to officials with the Hall, in partnership with Rodale Kids, the Game for Life middle-grade biography series will feature a diverse cast of beloved National Football League legends.
The books are expected to include stunning photographs courtesy of the Hall’s vast archives, as well as lively text written b experienced, knowledgeable sports writers and timelines, charts and other informative content.
Officials note it’s all designed to not only appeal to young readers, but to football fans of all ages.
The first three titles will feature Super Bowl XLII champion and 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year MICHAEL STRAHAN (Class of 2014) of the New York Giants, Super Bowl XI champion, broadcaster, and video game pioneer JOHN MADDEN (Class of 2006) of the Oakland Raiders, and three-time Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX) and 1996 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year TROY AIKMAN (Class of 2006) of the Dallas Cowboys.
In future installments, there are more than 300 football players, living and deceased, enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame who can serve as subjects. Mark Weinstein, Executive Editor at Rodale Kids, brokered the deal with Kirby Kim and Paul Lucas at Janklow and Nesbit Associates, in association with Cary Granat at Immersive Artistry.
Like the “A Game for Life” holographic experience, the books will inspire readers to reach their goals by delving into the lives of Pro Football Hall of Famers, exploring the players’ sources of motivation and drive, and the challenges they faced as they rose to stardom within their beloved sport. The books evocatively examine how the players overcame adversity, including poverty, racism, education, athletic/physical limitations, injury, and more.
“We are thrilled to partner with Rodale Kids to publish these timely yet timeless books that align with the Hall of Fame’s important mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values and Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE,” said David Baker, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Football and reading should be a powerful combination of entertainment and empowerment, to instill a lifelong love for both.”
In Game for Life: Michael Strahan, readers will learn how a shy, unassuming kid who spent his formative years living in Germany and who did not play organized football until his senior year in high school, grew up to be one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history. In Game for Life: John Madden, readers will discover how a small-college standout who never made it out of his first NFL training camp as a player, went from an assistant coach at tiny Allan Hancock College to a Super Bowl-winning head coach with the highest winning percentage in the modern era (.763). In Game for Life: Troy Aikman, readers will find out how the first freshman since World War II to start at quarterback for the University of Oklahoma overcame the bitter disappointment of losing his starting job due to injury, transferred to UCLA, and rose to become the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft.
“The addition of the Game for Life series to the new and growing Rodale Kids list helps further our offerings of inspiring, motivating reads,” said Gail Gonzales, Vice President of Publishing at Rodale. “We are excited, this early on in our publishing program, to bring such a huge brand to Rodale, and one that will help establish us as a major player in kids publishing.”
Michaela Madison Reporting
