Brian Piccolo: A Short Season

by Jeannie Morris

Chicago Bear running back Brian Piccolo died of cancer at age 26, leaving behind a young wife, three daughters, a host of friends - and a legend.More than 100,000 copies of this classic sports biography have been sold in cloth and mass-market editions. Now available for the first time as a trade paperback. Special 25th anniversary introduction by Jeannie Morris.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Football

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Dachokie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reveals a Depth of Character Not Shown in “Brian’s Song” …

I actually remember picking up this book at our school’s Scholastic Book Fair back in the mid-1970s after seeing “Brian’s Song” (ABC Movie of the Week) … and never read it. Like many people my age, the movie tends to stick with you over the years (in my case, some 40 years) and after seeing both versions with my 9 year old daughter, I finally decided to read A SHORT SEASON. The book certainly paints a more complete image of Brian Piccolo than either of the “Brian’s Song” movies even attempted to do.

A SHORT SEASON is written in a somewhat choppy style with readers getting an early understanding of Piccolo’s progressive struggle with cancer. In between the medical issues being faced (which are explicitly detailed in medical vernacular), we are provided with remembrances of “Pics” life that include childhood, college, family life, and of course, his time with the Bears. Many of these remembrances/stories are told by Piccolo himself (italicized text). The entire book is essentially a single, 150+ page chapter and you somewhat need to get into a rhythm to handle the ongoing back-and-forth nature of the book.

While I certainly wasn’t expecting A SHORT SEASON to jive completely with the movie adaptation of Brian Piccolo’s short life, I was quite surprised at how much of the man’s character was left out of the screenplay. First of all, the book’s depiction of Piccolo’s relationship with superstar Gale Sayers certainly didn’t seem so exclusive … “Pic” was close to many of his Bears teammates, especially the legendary Dick Butkus. In fact, the entire Bears organization, including owner George Halas, adored Piccolo for his self-deprecating humor, work ethic, dedication to the team and his big-hearted personality. It is certainly thought-provoking to see how the entire Bears organization coalesced around Piccolo when his cancer was discovered … management and teammates. A scenario quite unimaginable today, when even the top players on a team (which “Pic” was not) are often casually dismissed. The depiction of unwavering loyalty by the organization toward its injured teammate/employee was one of the more endearing aspects of the book.

What I appreciated most, though, was getting a better understanding of who Brian Piccolo really was. As I read the book, it was hard not to envision James Caan’s “Brian’s Song” portrayal of “Pic” as a wise-cracking, fun-loving family man and consummate teammate (the better of the two movies … in my opinion). But, the book proves Piccolo to be a much deeper person, especially when it came to his limitless love and support of Carol, his wife’s mentally-challenged sister … a prominent part of the man’s life that never appears in either of the movies. It is easy to understand how and why the man’s early demise was so heartbreaking … Brian Piccolo was the kind of person most people want to have in their lives.

Up front, we know this is a tragic tale as most who will read A SHORT SEASON have likely viewed at least one of the “Brian’s Song” movies. But, this is one instance where the movie simply isn’t enough. While the movie is a bona-fide tear-jerker (for men and women alike), the book is just as sad (even seeing the text of Sayers' courage award acceptance speech left a lump in my throat). But, along with the sadness of losing such a decent person at such a young age (leaving a wife and three young daughters) is the uplifting/offsetting courage demonstrated by Piccolo during his struggle with cancer. While I love (the original) “Brian’s Song”, I never really understood why the story of a relatively obscure football player deserved so much attention … A SHORT SEASON provides that explanation.

[Winter Sophia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, Heartwarming, Inspiring & Heartbreaking

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a teen, and after catching "Brian's Song" on Turner Classic Movies a week or so ago, I decided to dig it out and re-read it.

Apparently, over the years I had conflated my memories of this book with the plot of the television film, so was surprised to (re)discover that the book concentrates on Piccolo's battle with cancer, with 'flashbacks' to his personal & professional life before that, while the film focuses more on the relationship between Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers. And that was fine - it's still a compelling story, and Piccolo was a fascinating individual. Just be aware that if you're expecting the plot of the film in book form, you'll probably be disappointed.

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Piccolo was a professional football player who died in 1970 at the age of 27 from lung cancer. I was a young kid when Brian went through his ordeal and really don't remember much about it other than I traded for his 1969 Topps football card later which I still treasure. A TV movie was produced a few years later which starred James Caan and Billy Dee Williams and hit home to me. This book was started by Brian himself upon learning of his cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, he passed before finishing so a family friend finished the book providing biographical chapters about Brian's younger years. This was a bittersweet book to read. I didn't realize this book existed until seeing it in a used bookstore recently and was excited to purchase and read.

[Anne Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was quite a coincidence that I decided to read this book exactly fifty years from the time Brian Piccolo died from cancer. I got to know what a great man he was, most notable being a football player for the Chicago Bears. His story was emotional, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters. Even though I didn’t enjoy all the “football talk” in the book it was great to read about what a nice teammate Brian was. It was also a fun time to joke around with team friends Gale Sayers, who went along with all types of jokes. Dick Butkus was in his prime. Ed McCaskey, VP of player relations was a close friend as well.

[LM · Rating 5 out of 5]

me personally I think this is one of the best books I´ve ever read. even though Bryan had cancer, he stilled pulled through and did what h needed to do to be successful. the fact that he still played football while he was sick was amazing to me. this book basically taught me that you can do whatever you put your mind to if you show the effort. it also taught me that there are no excuses for anything.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Brian's Song years ago. I didn't see Piccolo's playing days, the movie made me want to learn more. A Short Season fills in the gaps on the man. Even for the non-football lover, this is a great book. No one deserves to die so young. Thankfully he was surrounded by friends and family who loved him throughout the entire ordeal. Brian's story is a reminder that life can turn on a dime at any time.

[Mary P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been curious about Brian Piccolo. I saw the movie Brian's song and was touched by it. This book gave me more insight into the kind of man he was. He was a loving, caring man with a really healthy sense of humor. He was the kind of man we all would like to have in our lives and the world became a little less bright without him in it.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Piccolo’s story is incredible. This book, written by a close friend, is a solid introduction to his life, especially if you know nothing about it. While there isn’t very much depth, it does an excellent job of portraying an incredible life.

[Peggy Borucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good but story.

[Gail Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen the movie "Brian's Song" more than a few times. But this being basically his words. DAMN!!! Yup, this is definitely a "give me a tissue" book!!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

In light of our country’s current racial strains, it was a refreshing recollection of the loving and mutually respected relationship Brian P. and Gale S. had with one another.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BOOKS THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR THE "BRIAN'S SONG" MOVIES

Louis Brian Piccolo (1943-1970) played football for the Chicago Bears for four years, until he died from testicular cancer. His friendship with star fullback Gale Sayers was the basis for the inspirational 1971 TV movie Brian's Song,' as well as the remake in 2001. Sayers' own inspirational story is told in his book 'I Am Third'.

Author Jeannie Morris notes, "During this season [1967] Brian and Gale had become roommates and began to establish the rapport that eventually led to a warm friendship... Brian was one of the few people who refused to place his friend in a privileged role." (Pg. 123-124) She observes, "Brian was a true believer in the richness of racial and ethnic heritages. He was damned proud of being an Italian and loved [ethnic] jokes... he knew Gale was proud to be black. And somehow Brian could always make his humor work for the good of the team." (Pg. 135)

When Sayers was told that rooming assignments would no longer be segregated, he said, "'Okay... but give me Piccolo.' Gale said later that it was just instinct that made him say 'Piccolo.' He didn't know Brian real well. But he knew Pic was a kidder, as lighthearted as he was light skinned. Nobody asked Brian whom he wanted. He found out when Gale walked into his room. (Sometime later Pic got off one of his more infamous remarks: '...I don't mind rooming with Sayers, as long as he doesn't use the bathroom.'" (Pg. 150)

She notes, however, that "The fact is that Sayers and Piccolo didn't exactly fall all over each other with joy on becoming roommates... Two accidents of fate, though, Gale's knee injury and Brian's illness, brought them closer together. Brian got his first chance to start when Gale injured his knee. And yet, Gale said... Brian was the one man who never lost confidence in his ability to come back. Pic consistently encouraged him, whether it was during his off-season rehabilitation, at film sessions, or on the field... Gale has said he has had three close friends and Brian was one of them..." (Pg. 153-154)

After Sayers gave his famous acceptance speech ("He has the heart of a giant and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent---cancer... You flatter me by giving me this award, but I tell you that I accept it for Brian Piccolo... I love Brian Piccolo, and I'd like for all of you to love him too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him...") for the George S. Halas award for the most courageous player, Piccolo told him by phone, "'Magic... if you were here now, I'd kiss you.' 'In that case,' said Gale, 'Linda and I will be over tomorrow. Give you a chance to cool off.'" (Pg. 163-164) When Piccolo was in the hospital: "A few days later Brian was telling everyone that since Gale had given him some blood, 'I've developed this tremendous craving for chitlins.'" (Pg. 146)

Both this book and Sayer's 'I Am Third' are some of the most heartrending, yet inspirational stories in sports.

[Isiah Maddox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book Brian Piccolo: A Short Season By Jeannie Morris, was a very good book, it had its ups and downs but overall the book was awesome. One of the reasons I thought this was a good book was because of the main character Brian Piccolo. Even though Brian had cancer. He still pulled through and got what he needed to get done. To me, that shows a lot of heart, grit and, integrity. Even though he was battling cancer he still played in NFL games to put food on the table for his wife and kids, and lots of people told him to settle down or to be more careful, but he didn’t.
He kept going because he knew it was the right thing to do and he knew that he would die a good man. What Brian did truly amazes me, he is an inspiration to many. Some things I did like about the book were when the author was talking about Brian’s past I liked how much detail they put in when they were talking about him, his old teammates, and his old coaches. Another thing I really liked was how Brian was acting in the hospital, he was acting like he had no sickness.
He was acting like a clown, making several people laugh and have a good time, even though brian was just days away from his death. Another reason why I like the book is because of how the Bears Organization took care of Brian, It really made me feel like they were a family to him. One point that some people might make if they think the book is bad would be how the story didn’t really give you a setting, so when I was reading I was kinda just wondering where the scene was taking place.

[Mitchell Weiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big sports fan and knowing the story of Brian Piccolo I decided to read this biography, written by the wife of one of his former teammates, already knowing the outcome but wanting know to the story behind it, anyway. Piccolo played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (U.S.) for four seasons in the late 1960s when he died of an aggressive form of testicular cancer at the age of 26, leaving behind a wife and three daughters.

His is a story of hope, sadness, triumph, tragedy, perseverance and betrayal. And, while he does succumb in the end, he lived a regret-free life. He once said, in the book, that he would have played professional football for free but would never have told the team owner. He loved football that much but he was no fool. The paychecks were pretty nice, after all ! This love spilled over into everything in his life. His family, his passion for his Italian heritage, food, friends. Life in general.

Brian refused to feel sorry for himself and would deny anyone who knew him that same opportunity because he believed this was just some unlucky blow delivered to him. Yes, the book is very medical in its descriptions of his diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The football side of his life is secondary to the struggle he went through for the seven months he endured the cancer.

Don't read this book expecting Shakespeare or Steinbeck. He was a simple man whose vocabulary was basic. But he wasn't an uneducated man, by any stretch, having graduated from Wake Forest University in North Carolina. " A Short Season " despite its simplicity of words, is a heartfelt journey of one man's struggle to deal with the toughest challenge ever given him in his short, remarkable life and how he chose to deal with it with grace, dignity and humility.

The much-acclaimed TV movie of his life, " Brian's Song " deals more in-depth with his relationship with former teammate Gale Sayers and its effects on multiple levels. So, if you've seen the movie before reading the book don't be surprised it isn't a more personal read of their friendship, mutual admiration, respect and love of each despite their differences. This doesn't detract from getting the points across that he and author Jeanne Morris do. It's a worthy read and a quick one at 155 pages. You'll be glad you read it !

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnny Morris, Chicago Bears' wide receiver, writes in the Foreword, "Brian Piccolo was a friend and former Chicago Bear teammate who lost a seven-month battle against cancer. Pic was one of those 'special' people, a man with solid character and a wholesome sensitivity toward others."

This is another perspective on "Brian's Song," this time written by Jeannie Morris (wife of Johnny Morris). She and Joy Piccolo and Brian Piccolo agreed that Brian would note his thoughts and reflections for a book. After his death, Joy asked Jeannie to write that book. And this is the poignant product.

Of course, we read of the friendship of Hall of Famer Gale Sayers with Piccolo. Piccolo had been a backup until Sayers blew his knee out in a game. Then, Piccolo came to replace him for the remainder of that year. The next year, Sayers came back, but Piccolo was able to get playing time. Then, health problems emerged. A nasty form of cancer.

There are many vignettes in this book that are worth attending to. One of my favorites focus on the relationship of Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame middle linebacker, with Brian. It's rather touching, and many might be surprised to see a different side of Butkus.

This is a nice little book that gives us insight into the courage of a person facing a dire threat to his life and how he and those around him responded. Worth a read for those interested in the subject. . . .

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brian Piccolo: A Short Season by Jeannie Morris (Rand McNally 1971)(Biography). Brian Piccolo, former Wake Forest University and Chicago Bears football star, died at age 26 of cancer leaving behind three daughters and a wife. Piccolo was also the subject of the sports book that made every young athlete who grew up in the 1960's bawl their eyes out: I Am Third by Gale Sayers, Piccolo's roommate and best friend on the Chicago Bears. My rating: 7/10, finished 1990.

[Jamie Schoffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, not a great book. For some inexplicable reason, it's only one chapter long, and it's 156 pages. That's a lot for just one chapter. I did like the author's use of passages that Brian Piccolo had actually written for an autobiography that he never got to finish. If you are into the subject matter, I would certainly give it a read. This and Gale Sayers book, I Am Third, make a nice pairing.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has often been said, "If you like the book, don't see the movie". Sadly, the reverse is true for this work of non fiction. It is filled with alot of medical jargon, football terms and lacks character development. The friendship between Gale Sayers is barely touched upon. I am really sorry that the book didn't live up to its expectations.

[Alex Kissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of friendship and strength is a good read for sports fans and everyone else. Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers define the ultimate friendship. Gale's knee energy causes his season to be over and Brian helps him come back while fighting cancer. Throughout his battle, Brian never acts scared.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book upon which both film versions of "Brian's Song" were based. It deserves a lot of credit for the unflinching description of life as a cancer patient, which was very different in the 1960s than it is today.

[Brian Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book about five times. I love this story. I always liked this story, because I had good friends growing up who were black. I wanted to be a Chicago Bear too. Great book...can't wait to read it again.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me by my brother - The Brian's Song story. A really touching story, filled with Piccolos own words that he recorded while in the hospital(in italics). A larger than life guy. I was really impressed with how the Bears organization took care of him.

[John Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much better than "Brian's Song." Not as melodramatic, but more realistic.

[Dylan G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a interesting old classic. It's about a guy named brian who had cancer and died but was really good at football. I reccommend this to anyone who likes sports.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a tear jerker. I read this after seeing the TV movie "Brian's Song" back in the 1970's.

[Gina Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspiring, tragic

[Guenther Sagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

too much medical stuff

[Jayden Thompson]

My book is called A short season by jeannie morris. This is a really good book for you guys or girls who are football fans and like a catch at the end of books. It's about a all pro nfl player named brian piccolo who plays second string running back for the chicago bears. Even though he was not the biggest or loudest guy on the field when you give him the ball you would know he would either make yards or make the crowd go crazy most of the time both. He finds out that he has to go and get a doctor check up to see if he is healthy and everything but what he finds out is shocking.

I think this is a really good book for football fans and even not because he tells how a guy has to give is best all the time through high school and college to become an nfl star. I like it because he never gives up and doesn't show any fear of giving is all for the team to get the win. It has a plot twist because one day everything is fine then the next everything for this man is going downhill. The last reason i like this book is because even tho he is not first string running back he still gives is all. What i don't like is how they didn't talk about his college life a lot. Another reason they put in a lot about him getting married more than playing in the nfl. The last reason is that i wished they would've showed more letters of what his fans would send him.

The reason i like this book so much is because they are telling a story about a legend himself that would never give up even when people put him down and he was always that guy on the team with a positive attitude who would never give up and always hope for the best with all of his teammates. They show the real struggle in the book when he had to go to several of the camps just to become second string he might not be first but everyone can rely that he will try his best when he's on that field running for his teammates.