Brian Kinchen was a 38-year-old husband, father of four, and seventh-grade Bible teacher whose professional football career had been over for three years when the New England Patriots called on December 15, 2003. With the Patriots riding a 10-game winning streak and the NFL playoffs only a few weeks away, they needed a fill-in for the obscure but vital job of snapping the ball for their punter and kicker – a long snapper. Brian was hesitant because he had received similar invitations to tryouts that yielded only disappointment – the teams always went with a younger guy. But could he really turn away from the chance of a lifetime?
The Long Snapper chronicles Brian's remarkable odyssey as he and the Patriots—led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady—seek the ultimate trophy. Unfortunately, the dream come true turns into a personal nightmare as Brian struggles both on and off the field, and the pressure to perform on the biggest stage in professional sports nearly causes him to walk away. Seven weeks after leaving the classroom, however, Brian overcomes his greatest fear and snaps the ball on the historic game-winning field goal with only seconds left in the Super Bowl.
The Long Snapper is the story of a man who finally achieves the success he has always wanted. Brian Kinchen's championship ring is a powerful status symbol for all to see. But his journey forces him to re-examine what really matters, and he realizes the true measure of a man has nothing to do with status: life is not about prestige, it is about passion and purpose. It is about impacting the lives of others.
A real-life inspirational story of a young man .... Kinchen's unexpected opportunity was wonderful on its own but more so because it clarified what was truly valuable in his life: marriage, family, and teaching. Nicely done, with plenty of insider football action. Bob Ley Booklist
A great story. Vinny Testaverde
Don't we all long for one last chance? Don't we all dream to do it over again? Anybody who has ever had those pangs will love Jeffrey Marx's beautiful and uplifting story about a guy who had opportunity dropped into his lap. Frank Deford Sports Illustrated
Jeffrey Marx has done it again, only better than ever. The improbable story of Brian Kinchen blooms in Marx's gifted hands. Thoughtful and inspiring, The Long Snapper is a quite simply a joy to behold. Rick Telander Chicago Sun Times
Jeffrey Marx won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting. This is his fourth book. He has also written for numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Time and The Washington Post. He lives in Washington, D.C.
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperOne
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061691399
ISBN-13: 9780061691393
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