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QB: My Life Behind the Spiral
In the most candid and compelling sports memoir since Andre Agassi’s riveting bestseller Open, former San Francisco 49er, Super Bowl champion, NFL MVP, and Hall of Famer Steve Young gives readers an unprecedented and stunning inside look at what it takes to become a super-elite professional quarterback.Steve Young produced some of the most memorable moments in NFL history. But his most impressive victories have been deeply personal ones that were won when no one was watching. His remarkably revealing memoir is the story of a Mormon boy with a 4.0 GPA, a photographic memory, and a severe case of separation anxiety. As an eighth-string quarterback at Brigham Young University, it was doubtful that he would ever see any playing time. But Young became an All-American, finished second in the Heisman voting, and was the top draft choice out of college. Then, after signing the largest contract in sports history, anxiety nearly drove him to walk away from football completely. In short, Young’s quest in life was always about grit. Now, he shares the experience of being inside his helmet while he faces down his toughest adversaries, both on and off the field."This book is gold.”—Peter King “Intense.”—San Francisco Chronicle “Steve Young is a hero of mine, and his story is a source of inspiration for me. His perseverance, intelligence, and, most of all, grace under pressure, NFL-style, make this book a fascinating read. Thanks, Steve, for sharing your story with one of your biggest fans!”—Tom Brady
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
292 people are currently reading
1592 people want to read
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February 4, 2017
I can't honestly say that I like sports as much as the next guy. This isn't because I don't like sports, but I find that most guys like them more than I do. I can say that I like reading biographies and autobiographies more than the next guy. On a regular basis I try to work a good, sprawling biography into my mix of reading. When I heard that former BYU and 49ers quarterback, Steve Young, was releasing and autobiography, I put it on my list of books to read. When I heard that he would be signing copies of the book at an LDS bookstore near the Washington D.C. temple, I sent my wife to pick up copies for various people to give as a Christmas gift. My wife was thoughtful enough to pick up a copy for me.
As I started reading the book, it dawned on me that I had never read a biography of a famous athlete before. For whatever reason, it was never a genre that appealed to me. Steve Young, however, is different.
Steve Young was a friend of my family, and in the book he makes several references to his friendship with my grandma, who took him in when he first moved to Provo to attend BYU. I can't say that I spent much time with him, but I do remember going to the musical Les Miserables back when I was in elementary school. It was probably its first time touring through Salt Lake City. The night we attended the musical, Steve Young attended it with us as my grandma's guest. After the play we lingered in the theater, as my grandma, who was one of the many people trying to help the popular quarterback find a wife, insisted that he go ask the actress that played Eponine on a date. And, he did. That story didn't make it into the book, but the story confirmed to me that Steve Young was as stud - and this was while he was still lurking around in Joe Montana's shadow.
Although I have other Steve Young memories, the best ones were watching him play football during the San Francisco 49ers golden age. The book is first and foremost a history of his time spent playing football, and he recounts it all in vivid detail.
As I read through his descriptions of each game, I can remember watching almost all of them. His performance on the field speaks for itself, but to hear what was going on in his head, and in the locker rooms, and in between each of these games brings an added dimension that in retrospect paints a picture of a character that is as well-rounded and dynamic as any of the best characters I have read in fiction.
And this, folks, is when you know you are in for a treat when reading an autobiography. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This book will probably appeal most to those who were fans of the 49ers at the time. On a lesser level, this book appeals to and will resonate with members of the LDS faith. Steve Young was the LDS celebrity that filled the chronological space between the Osmonds and Mitt Romney as one of the highest profile Mormons in the country. The book documents well the dynamics that result from an individual trying to navigate two very disparate cultural forces as Steve Young reconciled his life as a pro football player with the rigorous moral standards of the LDS church. Non-mormons will still be intrigued and fascinated by this all, because the football theatrics depicted in the biography are that good. I also suspect this book will become a staple in the libraries of many Mormons as it sits on their shelf next to their books by Gordon B. Hinckley and the Work and Glory series.
I gave this book five stars on Goodreads, because it does several things that I think a good book should do. It is well-written. It takes a topic that you probably already have an acquaintance with unless you were living under a rock in the early 1990s (Steve Young's football career) and adds a lot of context that will make you appreciate his accomplishments more. This appreciation will then lead you to examine your own life and look for ways that you can apply some of the same things that Steve Young learned to become a better person. This is a feel good book about a morally centered person that accomplished great things while playing games and even greater things outside of the relatively frivolous world of sports. These are the kinds of stories our culture could always use more of.
Although this wasn't a history book, all biographies are essentially a study of history through the microcosm of one person's life. While the book doesn't speak directly to the present day cultural and historical zeitgeist, it does give an intriguing frame of reference for measuring our current moment against. At the conclusion of a football season, where the season's biggest story wasn't related to anyone's performance on the field, but instead people were focused on the pre-game antics of a 49ers quarterback, it is interesting to be reminded of a time when a 49ers quarterback scandalized the nation by declaring on national television that well into his thirties he was living the law of chastity. As history rears its head and overshadows our games and their promise of escapism with the specters of racial strife, cultural division, and the elusiveness of justice, it is hard to know what to make of a relationship like the one between Steve Young and Jerry Rice. One of them was black and one of them was white. Coincidentally, the same year that Steve Young first started as a 49er, Michael Jackson's hit song, "Black or White," was released. The simplistic and obvious point of the song is that skin color doesn't matter, and in the case of Steve Young and Jerry Rice it didn't. You just had two players with their own strengths, who when added together became better than the sum of their parts. If we want to give our culture a fighting chance to overcome its problems on the social justice front, it couldn't possibly hurt to have fewer protests and more role models like Steve Young and Jerry Rice.
One of the final strengths of the book, is that it is well-structured and tightly focused. With that said, Steve Young occasionally mentions his charitable efforts and how great his life now is during his post-football career. This is a man who made it to the top of the world of professional athletics, and he has the fame, the celebrity, the fortune, and miraculously the health to show for it. Not all athletes that rise to his level leverage their success into things other than their own self-aggrandizement. While this wasn't the book to tell this story, I believe the story of Steve Young's post-football career should merit its own book when the time comes.
As I started reading the book, it dawned on me that I had never read a biography of a famous athlete before. For whatever reason, it was never a genre that appealed to me. Steve Young, however, is different.
Steve Young was a friend of my family, and in the book he makes several references to his friendship with my grandma, who took him in when he first moved to Provo to attend BYU. I can't say that I spent much time with him, but I do remember going to the musical Les Miserables back when I was in elementary school. It was probably its first time touring through Salt Lake City. The night we attended the musical, Steve Young attended it with us as my grandma's guest. After the play we lingered in the theater, as my grandma, who was one of the many people trying to help the popular quarterback find a wife, insisted that he go ask the actress that played Eponine on a date. And, he did. That story didn't make it into the book, but the story confirmed to me that Steve Young was as stud - and this was while he was still lurking around in Joe Montana's shadow.
Although I have other Steve Young memories, the best ones were watching him play football during the San Francisco 49ers golden age. The book is first and foremost a history of his time spent playing football, and he recounts it all in vivid detail.
As I read through his descriptions of each game, I can remember watching almost all of them. His performance on the field speaks for itself, but to hear what was going on in his head, and in the locker rooms, and in between each of these games brings an added dimension that in retrospect paints a picture of a character that is as well-rounded and dynamic as any of the best characters I have read in fiction.
And this, folks, is when you know you are in for a treat when reading an autobiography. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This book will probably appeal most to those who were fans of the 49ers at the time. On a lesser level, this book appeals to and will resonate with members of the LDS faith. Steve Young was the LDS celebrity that filled the chronological space between the Osmonds and Mitt Romney as one of the highest profile Mormons in the country. The book documents well the dynamics that result from an individual trying to navigate two very disparate cultural forces as Steve Young reconciled his life as a pro football player with the rigorous moral standards of the LDS church. Non-mormons will still be intrigued and fascinated by this all, because the football theatrics depicted in the biography are that good. I also suspect this book will become a staple in the libraries of many Mormons as it sits on their shelf next to their books by Gordon B. Hinckley and the Work and Glory series.
I gave this book five stars on Goodreads, because it does several things that I think a good book should do. It is well-written. It takes a topic that you probably already have an acquaintance with unless you were living under a rock in the early 1990s (Steve Young's football career) and adds a lot of context that will make you appreciate his accomplishments more. This appreciation will then lead you to examine your own life and look for ways that you can apply some of the same things that Steve Young learned to become a better person. This is a feel good book about a morally centered person that accomplished great things while playing games and even greater things outside of the relatively frivolous world of sports. These are the kinds of stories our culture could always use more of.
Although this wasn't a history book, all biographies are essentially a study of history through the microcosm of one person's life. While the book doesn't speak directly to the present day cultural and historical zeitgeist, it does give an intriguing frame of reference for measuring our current moment against. At the conclusion of a football season, where the season's biggest story wasn't related to anyone's performance on the field, but instead people were focused on the pre-game antics of a 49ers quarterback, it is interesting to be reminded of a time when a 49ers quarterback scandalized the nation by declaring on national television that well into his thirties he was living the law of chastity. As history rears its head and overshadows our games and their promise of escapism with the specters of racial strife, cultural division, and the elusiveness of justice, it is hard to know what to make of a relationship like the one between Steve Young and Jerry Rice. One of them was black and one of them was white. Coincidentally, the same year that Steve Young first started as a 49er, Michael Jackson's hit song, "Black or White," was released. The simplistic and obvious point of the song is that skin color doesn't matter, and in the case of Steve Young and Jerry Rice it didn't. You just had two players with their own strengths, who when added together became better than the sum of their parts. If we want to give our culture a fighting chance to overcome its problems on the social justice front, it couldn't possibly hurt to have fewer protests and more role models like Steve Young and Jerry Rice.
One of the final strengths of the book, is that it is well-structured and tightly focused. With that said, Steve Young occasionally mentions his charitable efforts and how great his life now is during his post-football career. This is a man who made it to the top of the world of professional athletics, and he has the fame, the celebrity, the fortune, and miraculously the health to show for it. Not all athletes that rise to his level leverage their success into things other than their own self-aggrandizement. While this wasn't the book to tell this story, I believe the story of Steve Young's post-football career should merit its own book when the time comes.
October 27, 2016
What a treat to read about the life of a fellow GHS classmate, Steve Young. I, like many others from the class of 1980, have been following the career of this extremely talented and incredibly kind individual. Although the chapter on Greenwich was quite short, it nonetheless, was certainly exciting to see what he had to say about some of his true and trusted friends-along with some fun photos. I loved Young's recollection of how many of his friends and our fellow classmates supported his religious practices and never forced him to partake in drinking. In fact, I remember parties where Steve would be only drinking milk, often supplied by the host. Many of our classmates are still quite close and were very eager to know what our friend had been up to since his retirement. This book certainly confirms that good things can happy to good people. You have made Greenwich proud. Congrats Steve!
August 17, 2022
Really interesting to read Steve Young's story. I remember some of the things when they happened but good to get actual context. Lots of play-by-play football so get pumped for that. I am glad I read this book just to read about his Separation Anxiety diagnosis which helped me realize that is exactly what my youngest is dealing with. Hopefully I can help her through it now!
October 18, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. I thought it contained some great insight on dealing with anxiety, being LDS and in the limelight, as well as the pressures of succeeding a legend. I really like how he resolved himself and his approach to the game. He gave up on the unrealistic expectations and trying to compare himself to Joe and Jim. Instead he decided that he was just going to go out there and see how good he could become while living and being satisfied with the results knowing he gave it his all. Such a great lesson! I'm sure it helps that Steve Young is probably my favorite football player of all time. I have tremendous respect for him, his work ethic, his character, his loyalty, his competitive spirit and ultimately his perspective on what really matters in life.
October 21, 2016
NFL legend Steve Young shares his thoughts on a life of football, family, and perseverance in this great memoir. Being a lifelong BYU Cougars and San Francisco 49ers fan, I was excited to read this story straight from the man himself. Young had an incredible football career capped with a Super Bowl Championship. However, behind the thrills of the game he had a decades-long struggle with anxiety that led him to seek treatment. He also felt the pressure of being LDS and single in a culture that strongly encourages families. Young's tenacity, intelligence, and honorable commitment to the Gospel helped him to overcome his issues with anxiety and live the life he always dreamed of for himself. As great as his football life was, Steve says his family life today is even better. There are some great recounts of Young's famous plays and games contained throughout the book. But, what will stick with the reader is how Steve turned his weaknesses into strengths and stayed the course to achieve his goals. When you read about the physical and mental toll he endured as a quarterback you will be amazed! There are also some humorous stories of Young's teammates and inspirational accounts involving fans. One of the best sports memoirs I've read in a long time!
January 3, 2024
Steve Young's playing years were before I watched football so I didn't know much about his career or life. I enjoyed the book but thought he missed opportunities to talk about how he dealt with his anxieties.
September 10, 2017
An auto-biography worth reading if you are a 49ers fan, a football fan and enjoy books, or a Mormon who grew up during the Young era. Although the play-by-play got a bit tedious, I thought it critical to really understanding what Young is all about on and off the field.
July 3, 2018
This was a great read. You probably have to enjoy football - and the more you can recall specific games from the '90's, probably the better. It was so enjoyable to go back in time to Young's BYU, USFL and 49er days. Lots of Xs and Os - which I loved, but I think at times it was a bit hard for Robbie - my 12 year old son who doesn't know a lot about football, and certainly not players from the 90's - who I read this book with. Steve seems to be a terrific model in so many ways. I'm glad Robbie could get exposed to the lessons and stories in the book.
February 15, 2022
I don't like Steve Young. I don't like the San Francisco 49ers. Probably because they always seem to be beating my favorite team. Why pick up this book then? It's $1at Goodwill and it's in mint condition, plus I love the game of football.
This is one of my favorite books. I really grew to love Steve Young, as a player and as a person. He is an amazing individual and has a great life story. Deep down I will always be a Steve Young fan.
Highly recommended read.
This is one of my favorite books. I really grew to love Steve Young, as a player and as a person. He is an amazing individual and has a great life story. Deep down I will always be a Steve Young fan.
Highly recommended read.
October 27, 2016
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. Keep in mind I'm a die-hard Mormon and BYU football fan and a third generation die-hard San Francisco 49er fan who grew up playing football in the 90s! On top of that I attended BYU Law School and grew up in Provo--running into him three or four times. This book was written for me. The thing is, I've even been keeping up with the Forever Young Foundation from a distance. I think it's time I donated.
This is what my October to do list looked like:
-Pre-order this in hardcover, audio version, and kindle e-version. Check.
-Read this book from cover to cover twice. Check.
-Go on eBay and buy every autographed copy available. Check.
-Watch every "Steve Young" highlight video available on the internet (um, there are some creepy fans out there Steve). Check.
-Send hardcover and autographed editions to friends and family for early Christmas gifts. In Progress.
Now let's talk about the contents of the book. I was stunned that Steve Young was so candid and open about his own internal anxiety when he was younger and when he was playing football at every level. I can't believe that someone with such incredible talents had such crippling anxiety. Reading this book gave me a fresh perspective on my own abilities and an appreciation for demons I don't have to wrestle with.
I knew the general story about Steve Young coming to BYU and being a long-shot backup QB behind McMahon. I also remember the 90s when he sat the bench for several years behind Joe Montana. I remembered almost every game he described in vivid detail because my whole family would gather and watch the 49ers games together. It was a special time for us.
The reason Steve Young is so special to me is because my mother grew up in San Francisco and joined the Mormon Church in her late twenties or early thirties and received a scholarship to BYU for piano. Her family thought Mormons were crazy (and hey--I totally get it). They didn't really understand Mormons until...drum roll....Steve Young became the quarterback for the 49ers. Then Mormons were deemed "OK" in their book. They gave us a pass and we all became closer together. For that I will always firmly believe that Steve Young's example brought Mormonism into millions more homes then serving a mission ever could have. I will defend him and people like Jabari Parker to the death. They are playing an important role that missionaries could never have played.
But there were so many details I didn't know. I had no idea the volume and extent of his injuries and I had no idea that the NFL was so relaxed about concussions back in the day. I remember the silicone helmet layer they put on his helmet, but I don't remember all of the other injuries. I could barely get through the descriptions of some of them. I think its good to be candid about them because I haven't heard this perspective before.
One of the greatest stories ever was the story about how the Kirtland City Council member decided to vote to approve the LDS Church's restoration project when he saw Steve Young's picture in the Sports Illustrated Magazine where he was wearing a "Kirtland" t-shirt. I've visited so many of those historic sites and heard the approval process miracles so often that it doesn't surprise me at all that this happened.
I appreciated him shedding light on why he didn't serve a mission. That story was so fascinating and now that I'm more mature I can totally see that happening. I've heard people badmouth him for not serving and it boils my blood.
Another good story was the story of when Steve Young and Marie Osmond went out on a date. Can you imagine what would have happened? I've seen Steve Young's pioneer home in Provo by Will's Pit Stop and it was tiny and ghetto. I honestly didn't even believe it was possible that he could have owned it being the highest paid player in two different sports leagues.
The other story that was amazing to me was that when he was backing up Joe Montana he didn't cash his paychecks because he didn't feel like he earned them. So funny! He let millions of dollars of paychecks pile up in his nightstand until he finally had to have his roommate FedEx them to him in Utah to deposit before year-end.
I am going to recommend this book to anyone who is going through adversity in their life. Steve Young had his fair share of adversity and came out on top in so many ways.
I have so many questions now after reading it: I'm fascinated by the fact that his mom and dad didn't seem to go to that many games. When they were there he certainly mentioned it so I assume they didn't go that often. Maybe this assumption is incorrect. For having such debilitating separation anxiety, I'm surprised he went back to Utah instead of going back to Connecticut to be with his parents.
This is what my October to do list looked like:
-Pre-order this in hardcover, audio version, and kindle e-version. Check.
-Read this book from cover to cover twice. Check.
-Go on eBay and buy every autographed copy available. Check.
-Watch every "Steve Young" highlight video available on the internet (um, there are some creepy fans out there Steve). Check.
-Send hardcover and autographed editions to friends and family for early Christmas gifts. In Progress.
Now let's talk about the contents of the book. I was stunned that Steve Young was so candid and open about his own internal anxiety when he was younger and when he was playing football at every level. I can't believe that someone with such incredible talents had such crippling anxiety. Reading this book gave me a fresh perspective on my own abilities and an appreciation for demons I don't have to wrestle with.
I knew the general story about Steve Young coming to BYU and being a long-shot backup QB behind McMahon. I also remember the 90s when he sat the bench for several years behind Joe Montana. I remembered almost every game he described in vivid detail because my whole family would gather and watch the 49ers games together. It was a special time for us.
The reason Steve Young is so special to me is because my mother grew up in San Francisco and joined the Mormon Church in her late twenties or early thirties and received a scholarship to BYU for piano. Her family thought Mormons were crazy (and hey--I totally get it). They didn't really understand Mormons until...drum roll....Steve Young became the quarterback for the 49ers. Then Mormons were deemed "OK" in their book. They gave us a pass and we all became closer together. For that I will always firmly believe that Steve Young's example brought Mormonism into millions more homes then serving a mission ever could have. I will defend him and people like Jabari Parker to the death. They are playing an important role that missionaries could never have played.
But there were so many details I didn't know. I had no idea the volume and extent of his injuries and I had no idea that the NFL was so relaxed about concussions back in the day. I remember the silicone helmet layer they put on his helmet, but I don't remember all of the other injuries. I could barely get through the descriptions of some of them. I think its good to be candid about them because I haven't heard this perspective before.
One of the greatest stories ever was the story about how the Kirtland City Council member decided to vote to approve the LDS Church's restoration project when he saw Steve Young's picture in the Sports Illustrated Magazine where he was wearing a "Kirtland" t-shirt. I've visited so many of those historic sites and heard the approval process miracles so often that it doesn't surprise me at all that this happened.
I appreciated him shedding light on why he didn't serve a mission. That story was so fascinating and now that I'm more mature I can totally see that happening. I've heard people badmouth him for not serving and it boils my blood.
Another good story was the story of when Steve Young and Marie Osmond went out on a date. Can you imagine what would have happened? I've seen Steve Young's pioneer home in Provo by Will's Pit Stop and it was tiny and ghetto. I honestly didn't even believe it was possible that he could have owned it being the highest paid player in two different sports leagues.
The other story that was amazing to me was that when he was backing up Joe Montana he didn't cash his paychecks because he didn't feel like he earned them. So funny! He let millions of dollars of paychecks pile up in his nightstand until he finally had to have his roommate FedEx them to him in Utah to deposit before year-end.
I am going to recommend this book to anyone who is going through adversity in their life. Steve Young had his fair share of adversity and came out on top in so many ways.
I have so many questions now after reading it: I'm fascinated by the fact that his mom and dad didn't seem to go to that many games. When they were there he certainly mentioned it so I assume they didn't go that often. Maybe this assumption is incorrect. For having such debilitating separation anxiety, I'm surprised he went back to Utah instead of going back to Connecticut to be with his parents.
June 24, 2025
Fascinating account of an anxious Mormon quarterback’s career! Anxiety and the Mormon religion are front and center throughout the book.
The changes in tense from past to present, with no discernable rationale, were distracting. There was also almost a double perspective between the successful quarterback and the man who was riddled with anxiety and self-doubt. Sometimes both halves of his persona show up on the same page! (See how I went to present tense there— but why?)
Lots of fun anecdotes, many of which I read aloud to PD.
Steve’s dad, Grit, tried to make him a right-hander, but ultimately Young was the first leftie inducted into the Hall of Fame
He was attracted by the idea of going to Princeton
Before he went to college, he had never spent a single night away from his family (he was later diagnosed with separation anxiety!) and he never did a missionary trip
His 3xgreat grandfather was Brigham Young
He has a photographic memory
And ‘tremendous timidity” (80)
He lived in the cupboard under the stairs in his little sister’s apartment in Provo while starting law school at BYU in the off season, while having the highest NFL contract and not cashing his paychecks until reprimanded by the 49ers owner, whereupon he had to have $4 million worth of checks FedExed to him to deposit
He adopted the motto of a young cancer patient he visited until the boy’s death: “Don’t worry. I’m doing great.”
Sometimes he lacks perspective, as in this unintentionally hilarious excerpt: “Suddenly I felt Christ’s love for me, along with his grace. I have always believed in Jesus and accepted His teachings. But it had just gotten much more real. I even changed my perspective on the loss to Dallas.” (232)
By 1993, he was still living in very strange housing, now in an unheated barn loft belonging to some friends, where he did not have a microwave, dishes, or silverware, in addition to no heat source
Soon, however, he bought a house on Waverley Street in Palo Alto (I lived on Waverley my first two years of law school!!)
A chance encounter with Stephen Covey on an airplane lead him to reexamine his insecurities about being Joe Montana’s backup for the first part of his career. Covey encouraged Young to avoid comparisons, and try to answer the question: do you want to find out how good you can get?
The 49ers take a knee, hold hands, and pray the Lord’s Prayer
He basically had an arranged marriage. After their first date, he sent his future wife “a dozen giant sterling silver roses and a box of chocolate turtles” every month on the anniversary of that date. They married in Kona, Hawaii.
He received a blessing from one of the Apostles of the Mormon church and was told “God is mindful of me”
He was offered a chance to play for the Broncos at the end of his career, but chose to be loyal to San Francisco. More quarterbacks should do that
He wrote this book so that his children would understand his life as a football player, since they were all born after he retired.
He has a foundation, Forever Young, and started a private equity firm in the Bay Area.
Special shout out to Bill Bookworm, by way of Tyler, for this recommendation! Sarah, you should read this for the Mormon content!
And now someone needs to find a book by or about Joe Montana and recommend that to see the different perspective!
The changes in tense from past to present, with no discernable rationale, were distracting. There was also almost a double perspective between the successful quarterback and the man who was riddled with anxiety and self-doubt. Sometimes both halves of his persona show up on the same page! (See how I went to present tense there— but why?)
Lots of fun anecdotes, many of which I read aloud to PD.
Steve’s dad, Grit, tried to make him a right-hander, but ultimately Young was the first leftie inducted into the Hall of Fame
He was attracted by the idea of going to Princeton
Before he went to college, he had never spent a single night away from his family (he was later diagnosed with separation anxiety!) and he never did a missionary trip
His 3xgreat grandfather was Brigham Young
He has a photographic memory
And ‘tremendous timidity” (80)
He lived in the cupboard under the stairs in his little sister’s apartment in Provo while starting law school at BYU in the off season, while having the highest NFL contract and not cashing his paychecks until reprimanded by the 49ers owner, whereupon he had to have $4 million worth of checks FedExed to him to deposit
He adopted the motto of a young cancer patient he visited until the boy’s death: “Don’t worry. I’m doing great.”
Sometimes he lacks perspective, as in this unintentionally hilarious excerpt: “Suddenly I felt Christ’s love for me, along with his grace. I have always believed in Jesus and accepted His teachings. But it had just gotten much more real. I even changed my perspective on the loss to Dallas.” (232)
By 1993, he was still living in very strange housing, now in an unheated barn loft belonging to some friends, where he did not have a microwave, dishes, or silverware, in addition to no heat source
Soon, however, he bought a house on Waverley Street in Palo Alto (I lived on Waverley my first two years of law school!!)
A chance encounter with Stephen Covey on an airplane lead him to reexamine his insecurities about being Joe Montana’s backup for the first part of his career. Covey encouraged Young to avoid comparisons, and try to answer the question: do you want to find out how good you can get?
The 49ers take a knee, hold hands, and pray the Lord’s Prayer
He basically had an arranged marriage. After their first date, he sent his future wife “a dozen giant sterling silver roses and a box of chocolate turtles” every month on the anniversary of that date. They married in Kona, Hawaii.
He received a blessing from one of the Apostles of the Mormon church and was told “God is mindful of me”
He was offered a chance to play for the Broncos at the end of his career, but chose to be loyal to San Francisco. More quarterbacks should do that
He wrote this book so that his children would understand his life as a football player, since they were all born after he retired.
He has a foundation, Forever Young, and started a private equity firm in the Bay Area.
Special shout out to Bill Bookworm, by way of Tyler, for this recommendation! Sarah, you should read this for the Mormon content!
And now someone needs to find a book by or about Joe Montana and recommend that to see the different perspective!
June 6, 2025
Alert for Sarah! Lots of Mormon content. Plus a fun fact for Mom below. Thanks to Tyler for the rec. I’m glad I read this to better understand a big part of SF sports history
Things I found interesting / worth remembering:
- Steve is the great great great grandson of Brigham
- At 6 months old he fell down a steep set of wooden sets in his walker, and sustained no injuries
- He really wanted to drop out of BYU at the beginning when it wasn’t going well. At one point he called his dad telling him he’d packed his bags and he was about to come home. His dad told him “You can certainly quit. But you can’t come home. I’m not living with a quitter”
- After college he went to the LA Express of the USFL rather than join the NFL because the Bengals would have drafted him and he didn’t want to go there. They gave him a Shohei Ohtani style deferred contract - worth $40 million, but over 43 years. He tried to give his first two checks (for $1 million and $1.5 million) to the Mormon Church because he didn’t want the pressure of the money, but the apostle convinced him not to do that. Later in SF he didn’t cash any of his paychecks for a whole year when he was riding the bench behind Joe Montana because he didn’t feel like he was earning the money
- He called off his first wedding the night before the wedding. The second time he was engaged, he again called it off, this time a few months before the wedding.
- He signed with the 49ers believing that Joe Montana was too old and beat up to continue as starting QB, but ended up fighting for playing time for years. Even though he was desperate to be a starting QB, he re-signed when he was barely getting any playing time because he believed things would get better soon, which they did.
- He always drank milk instead of beer. He was the first athlete to feature in the Milk Mustache campaign
- Special fact for mom: He was asked to appear in There’s Something About Mary! He turned it down after reading the script - the humor was “a bit much” for him. Of course Brett Favre was the replacement
- Other main themes of the book include his battles with anxiety, his repeated head injuries leading to greater awareness of that issue in the NFL and ultimately ending his career, and his Mormon faith
Things I found interesting / worth remembering:
- Steve is the great great great grandson of Brigham
- At 6 months old he fell down a steep set of wooden sets in his walker, and sustained no injuries
- He really wanted to drop out of BYU at the beginning when it wasn’t going well. At one point he called his dad telling him he’d packed his bags and he was about to come home. His dad told him “You can certainly quit. But you can’t come home. I’m not living with a quitter”
- After college he went to the LA Express of the USFL rather than join the NFL because the Bengals would have drafted him and he didn’t want to go there. They gave him a Shohei Ohtani style deferred contract - worth $40 million, but over 43 years. He tried to give his first two checks (for $1 million and $1.5 million) to the Mormon Church because he didn’t want the pressure of the money, but the apostle convinced him not to do that. Later in SF he didn’t cash any of his paychecks for a whole year when he was riding the bench behind Joe Montana because he didn’t feel like he was earning the money
- He called off his first wedding the night before the wedding. The second time he was engaged, he again called it off, this time a few months before the wedding.
- He signed with the 49ers believing that Joe Montana was too old and beat up to continue as starting QB, but ended up fighting for playing time for years. Even though he was desperate to be a starting QB, he re-signed when he was barely getting any playing time because he believed things would get better soon, which they did.
- He always drank milk instead of beer. He was the first athlete to feature in the Milk Mustache campaign
- Special fact for mom: He was asked to appear in There’s Something About Mary! He turned it down after reading the script - the humor was “a bit much” for him. Of course Brett Favre was the replacement
- Other main themes of the book include his battles with anxiety, his repeated head injuries leading to greater awareness of that issue in the NFL and ultimately ending his career, and his Mormon faith
August 24, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed listening to this memoir on Audible. As a Mormon boy born in 1988, I never attended BYU and thus I missed--by about 5 years or so--the thrill of being aware of having a Mormon quarterback take on the mantle of Joe Montana and win the Super Bowl MVP honor in his own right with the San Francisco 49ers along with other dominant athletic performances in the 1990s. I definitely knew who Steve Young was growing up, but the NFL was seldom watched and hardly discussed in my family--MLB and NBA, more so. I remember some of my elder cousins had cut-outs, posters, and books about Steve Young on display in their bedrooms, and I recall a few of Steve Young's appearances on the news where he discussed his faith (most famously on 60 minutes where he explained why he doesn't wear temple garments while playing football and how his great-great-grandfather likely would have dubbed him "a menace to society" for not marrying before the age of 25).
Be forewarned, if you do not enjoy recounted play-by-play football situations, this may not be the memoir for you. For me, however, I loved Young's telling of every significant game and play (I found myself looking some of them up on YouTube because they sounded so fun). There is plenty of other interesting topics he discusses--his crippling anxiety which he somehow managed to overcome through a combination of faith, friendship, and repeated practice; his dating woes that increased with his increased celebrity including hundreds of letters of proposals and revelations stating that he should marry so-and-so culminating in his dating a non-Mormon supermodel, whom eventually converted and married him after his retirement at the age of 38; his stellar academic achievements and his J.D. he worked on at BYU during the offseason; and his love of faith, family, and friends more than finances and even more than football.
Nevertheless, Steve Young's football career is at the core of this particular memoir around which the rest of his life spirals out. It is candid and fairly complete (though there does seem to remain some mystery as to how exactly he managed to overcome his anxiety; it seems rather miraculous). This guy loves CITY SLICKERS and his story is truly inspiring: a testament to Steve's grit, perseverance, and guileless leadership. He was told at BYU that he would never make it as a QB because he was a lefty; he began as the 8th string on the JV team (was told to switch to defense) and somehow came out from behind the shadow of Jim McMahon at BYU and then the shadow of Joe Montana in San Francisco. This is all not to mention his stint as the $40 million man in the short-lived, Trump-sponsored USFL, playing for the Los Angeles EXPRESS in 1984 only to have the league fold in 1985, forcing Young to transition to the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL for a pair of seasons. Overall, there is a lot to enjoy and learn about Steve Young and his incredible journey in this book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Be forewarned, if you do not enjoy recounted play-by-play football situations, this may not be the memoir for you. For me, however, I loved Young's telling of every significant game and play (I found myself looking some of them up on YouTube because they sounded so fun). There is plenty of other interesting topics he discusses--his crippling anxiety which he somehow managed to overcome through a combination of faith, friendship, and repeated practice; his dating woes that increased with his increased celebrity including hundreds of letters of proposals and revelations stating that he should marry so-and-so culminating in his dating a non-Mormon supermodel, whom eventually converted and married him after his retirement at the age of 38; his stellar academic achievements and his J.D. he worked on at BYU during the offseason; and his love of faith, family, and friends more than finances and even more than football.
Nevertheless, Steve Young's football career is at the core of this particular memoir around which the rest of his life spirals out. It is candid and fairly complete (though there does seem to remain some mystery as to how exactly he managed to overcome his anxiety; it seems rather miraculous). This guy loves CITY SLICKERS and his story is truly inspiring: a testament to Steve's grit, perseverance, and guileless leadership. He was told at BYU that he would never make it as a QB because he was a lefty; he began as the 8th string on the JV team (was told to switch to defense) and somehow came out from behind the shadow of Jim McMahon at BYU and then the shadow of Joe Montana in San Francisco. This is all not to mention his stint as the $40 million man in the short-lived, Trump-sponsored USFL, playing for the Los Angeles EXPRESS in 1984 only to have the league fold in 1985, forcing Young to transition to the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL for a pair of seasons. Overall, there is a lot to enjoy and learn about Steve Young and his incredible journey in this book. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
March 11, 2018
Three and a half stars. The only thing keeping my rating from going higher is the ridiculous thought that I had about midway through QB: "There's too much football in this book." Not sure exactly what I was expecting from Steve Young's biography, but the play by plays got a little much for me. He had a very long career and I hung in there for several years' worth of games, but admittedly started skimming the games in the second half of the book. I did slow down for his injuries, which were frequent, and only confirmed in my mind that football is kinda' crazy.
What I did love about this book was Young's honest portrayal of his struggle with anxiety that started in childhood and continued through his college and professional football career. One of my kids does something we call "pre-stressing", when she stresses over something that hasn't started yet, and then once it starts, she's fine. QB gave me a name for that--anticipatory anxiety.
I enjoyed hearing about Steve Young's childhood and family life and his struggles with dating and finding the right one. I couldn't help but laugh knowing that underneath my husband's table growing up, one of his sisters had carved "I love Steve Young". Clearly, she wasn't alone in her feelings, and QB talks about all of those adoring female fans. One of my favorite stories in the book was when an official was putting in a good word for his daughter mid-game. When he called a play in Young's favor, he whispered to him, "She likes Italian food."
But hands down, what I loved most about this book was reading it out loud to my husband as he made dinner. Lyle turned all Rain Man on me and before I would even say a name in the book, he'd jump in and tell me the first and last name of a certain receiver or quarterback coach or team owner or offensive lineman or opposing quarterback. He knew them all. He also knew who the Cougars were playing in this bowl game or that championship and even what the final score was. It became kind of a game. I'd start a sentence and just wait, while he calmly sautéed mushrooms and spouted off random football facts dating back 20-30 years. It was impressive and so was Steve Young.
What I did love about this book was Young's honest portrayal of his struggle with anxiety that started in childhood and continued through his college and professional football career. One of my kids does something we call "pre-stressing", when she stresses over something that hasn't started yet, and then once it starts, she's fine. QB gave me a name for that--anticipatory anxiety.
I enjoyed hearing about Steve Young's childhood and family life and his struggles with dating and finding the right one. I couldn't help but laugh knowing that underneath my husband's table growing up, one of his sisters had carved "I love Steve Young". Clearly, she wasn't alone in her feelings, and QB talks about all of those adoring female fans. One of my favorite stories in the book was when an official was putting in a good word for his daughter mid-game. When he called a play in Young's favor, he whispered to him, "She likes Italian food."
But hands down, what I loved most about this book was reading it out loud to my husband as he made dinner. Lyle turned all Rain Man on me and before I would even say a name in the book, he'd jump in and tell me the first and last name of a certain receiver or quarterback coach or team owner or offensive lineman or opposing quarterback. He knew them all. He also knew who the Cougars were playing in this bowl game or that championship and even what the final score was. It became kind of a game. I'd start a sentence and just wait, while he calmly sautéed mushrooms and spouted off random football facts dating back 20-30 years. It was impressive and so was Steve Young.
June 3, 2017
Be careful: if you read this book, Steve Young will probably become one of your heroes. It is amazing that he was able to overcome so many challenges to become successful, yet he is still so down-to-earth and humble about it. As you read this book, you discover that he was not always a star with a clearly paved road to becoming a Super Bowl quarterback. In fact, his first QB coach in college told him that lefties never make it anywhere. When he decided not to go on a mission, it was not because he knew he would be McMahon's heir (he was 8th-string QB at the time) but because he had serious separation anxiety and felt that the mission would not be a positive experience for him. But because of his dedication and tenacity, he has been able to be a positive influence in the lives of millions of people in Utah, California, and all over the country.
If you don't enjoy reading play-by-play descriptions of football games, you are going to skim a lot of this book. By the end, I was getting a little tired of it, especially when I knew how those games were going to turn out. It was fun to hear him describe the most exciting or life-changing plays, but some of those passages were a little much.
If you do enjoy reading about someone who struggled with severe anxiety and was able to have a successful career despite the constant pressure, you will love this book. It is sad that he went for so long without a diagnosis, without knowing why his mind was always torn between rising to the top or quitting completely, but he made the most of his journey. He also got a lot of help a long the way, from child cancer patients who inspired him to persevere, from well-known Mormons like Neal A. Maxwell & Stephen Covey who gave him excellent advice, and from regular Utah families who were willing to support him even before he was a star. Great story, great book, and a great man.
If you don't enjoy reading play-by-play descriptions of football games, you are going to skim a lot of this book. By the end, I was getting a little tired of it, especially when I knew how those games were going to turn out. It was fun to hear him describe the most exciting or life-changing plays, but some of those passages were a little much.
If you do enjoy reading about someone who struggled with severe anxiety and was able to have a successful career despite the constant pressure, you will love this book. It is sad that he went for so long without a diagnosis, without knowing why his mind was always torn between rising to the top or quitting completely, but he made the most of his journey. He also got a lot of help a long the way, from child cancer patients who inspired him to persevere, from well-known Mormons like Neal A. Maxwell & Stephen Covey who gave him excellent advice, and from regular Utah families who were willing to support him even before he was a star. Great story, great book, and a great man.
March 29, 2019
I would love to give this a 3 1/2. There are certain aspects of Young’s story I would have liked him to elebrate more. I don’t think it was easy opening up about his anxiety but it seemed rushed and glanced over in the book. I would have liked more details about that. Some of the football was repetitive to me but he is famous for being a football player... Some of the stories he told felt a bit random and but I think he was trying to write for several groups like 49er and LDS fans.
I had a hard time reading about his dating life. Made me roll my eyes anytime he talked about girlfriend and fiancées.
Overall I enjoyed his story and appreciated his expressed gratitude for being able to play pro-football and for the people who helped get him there. I found the epilogue at the end very touching.
This was my pick for book club and the majority did not like it. People felt he was complaining about the Joe Montana situation too much and felt like he came off as a jerk.
Ultimately this was his story to tell.
I had a hard time reading about his dating life. Made me roll my eyes anytime he talked about girlfriend and fiancées.
Overall I enjoyed his story and appreciated his expressed gratitude for being able to play pro-football and for the people who helped get him there. I found the epilogue at the end very touching.
This was my pick for book club and the majority did not like it. People felt he was complaining about the Joe Montana situation too much and felt like he came off as a jerk.
Ultimately this was his story to tell.
November 8, 2019
I don’t watch football. I think professional athletes are overpaid and I think teachers are underpaid. But Steve Young has always interested me. An NFL MVP who drinks milk instead of beer? A millionaire bachelor who lives the law of chastity? A football legend with a law degree and a photographic memory? While he was born with some natural talent and a body built to take a beating, I learned that none of his successes came easy for him. He was always an underdog but with intense practice and determination he became the famous NFL superstar that I grew up hearing football lovers talk about. Now he is someone who I want to talk about too. What a great role model!
March 2, 2017
We'll-written and fascinating.
January 26, 2021
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
This was a surprise!
I've had NFL great Steve Young's biography sitting in my Audible Library for a while, but always found a reason to skip it. I generally opt for fiction over reality in my books! But it spoke to me this month, so instead of skipping over it again I opened it up, gave it a listen...
...and was hooked after the first chapter!
I had SO much fun reading football story after football story. From high school running back in Connecticut to 8th string Quarterback at BYU; from learning under future great Jim McMahon at BYU to backing up current great Joe Montana; from winning the Super Bowl with the 49ers, to retirement and everything in between--this book is packed full of play-by-play descriptions of key games, on-the-field events, side-lines antics, and locker room scenes of some of the most iconic moments of his Hall of Fame career.
It was a blast reading how Steve interacted with so many famous and influential players, coaches, leaders, and teachers. I wore out YouTube looking for videos of the games and plays he described and watching how things played out after he finished telling the story from his perspective.
Steve Young is not an ordinary human. He's accomplished too much to be considered ordinary. Yet he earned everything he achieved. His stories about working hard, persevering, overcoming adversity, and achieving goals are every parent's dream come true--I've already dropped a few Steve Young stories on my kids! His achievements aren't limited to the football field, either. His journey through dealing with, understanding, and coming to terms with the severe anxiety he battled make his accomplishments even more significant. I especially appreciated Steve's openness about his religious beliefs and how they influenced his life and his decisions.
As far as biographies go, it's pretty light. Steve explained that he wrote his memoir for his kids: they never saw him play, and we wanted them to know about his very full life before they were born.
There are no dirty secrets revealed, no conspiracies. Contrary to what you might expect to find in a behind-the-scenes life of a NFL Quarterback who was an extremely eligible bachelor his entire career, it's a G-rated memoir of a G-rated man. As a G-rated dad, I loved that too!
Turns out, that's just Steve Young: devoted to family, faith, and football.
I loved this story, and I bet you will to.
Best for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
This was a surprise!
I've had NFL great Steve Young's biography sitting in my Audible Library for a while, but always found a reason to skip it. I generally opt for fiction over reality in my books! But it spoke to me this month, so instead of skipping over it again I opened it up, gave it a listen...
...and was hooked after the first chapter!
I had SO much fun reading football story after football story. From high school running back in Connecticut to 8th string Quarterback at BYU; from learning under future great Jim McMahon at BYU to backing up current great Joe Montana; from winning the Super Bowl with the 49ers, to retirement and everything in between--this book is packed full of play-by-play descriptions of key games, on-the-field events, side-lines antics, and locker room scenes of some of the most iconic moments of his Hall of Fame career.
It was a blast reading how Steve interacted with so many famous and influential players, coaches, leaders, and teachers. I wore out YouTube looking for videos of the games and plays he described and watching how things played out after he finished telling the story from his perspective.
Steve Young is not an ordinary human. He's accomplished too much to be considered ordinary. Yet he earned everything he achieved. His stories about working hard, persevering, overcoming adversity, and achieving goals are every parent's dream come true--I've already dropped a few Steve Young stories on my kids! His achievements aren't limited to the football field, either. His journey through dealing with, understanding, and coming to terms with the severe anxiety he battled make his accomplishments even more significant. I especially appreciated Steve's openness about his religious beliefs and how they influenced his life and his decisions.
As far as biographies go, it's pretty light. Steve explained that he wrote his memoir for his kids: they never saw him play, and we wanted them to know about his very full life before they were born.
There are no dirty secrets revealed, no conspiracies. Contrary to what you might expect to find in a behind-the-scenes life of a NFL Quarterback who was an extremely eligible bachelor his entire career, it's a G-rated memoir of a G-rated man. As a G-rated dad, I loved that too!
Turns out, that's just Steve Young: devoted to family, faith, and football.
I loved this story, and I bet you will to.
Best for 14 and up.
Happy Reading!
January 18, 2020
Really liked this autobiography on the former 49ers quarterback, Steve Young. Guy seems like a solid, standup dude. The writing is pretty good and he recalls just about every game he ever watched or played in as a 49er. There are interesting stories about his college days, USFL days as well. Some parts got a little too religious for me, but it's not too bad. Some good stories about him and Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Brent Jones, Charles Haley, Bill Walsh, George Seifert, Mike Holmgren, etc. 49er fans will absolutely love and fans of the NFL will like as well. Good stuff.
April 5, 2025
First book completed in a while…
Great sports autobiography that’s a good blend of football and non-football. I didn’t appreciate the depth of the Montana/Young rivalry, nor did I know about how anxiety-ridden Young was during most of his NFL career.
Also found it interesting how marriage served as a catalyst for Young’s retirement. Once he got married and had kids on the way he just didn’t have much interest in football anymore.
Bill - definitely think you should read this one.
Great sports autobiography that’s a good blend of football and non-football. I didn’t appreciate the depth of the Montana/Young rivalry, nor did I know about how anxiety-ridden Young was during most of his NFL career.
Also found it interesting how marriage served as a catalyst for Young’s retirement. Once he got married and had kids on the way he just didn’t have much interest in football anymore.
Bill - definitely think you should read this one.
August 9, 2018
I enjoyed this much know than I expected. I had no idea that the legendary quarterback of the 49ers struggled with debilitating anxiety off the field that almost kept him from playing on the field. I loved reading about the path his life took, the people who influenced him and even the exciting plays of the game. I even looked up a clip or 2 you tube. What a determined human being.
February 3, 2017
A facetious question posed by an NPR radio host lured me into reading Steve Young’s memoir, QB: my life behind the spiral. Did the pro football Hall of Famer receive special treatment at Brigham Young University where he played quarterback because he is the great-great-great grandson of Brigham Young?
With outstanding high school achievements, Young was readily admitted to the university, but the football team listed him as number eight on the depth chart for the quarterback position (future Chicago Bears Super Bowl winner Jim McMahon was number one). The quarterback coach was adamant, telling him, “I don’t coach lefties. You’ll never play quarterback at BYU.” Assigned to the defensive squad, Young threw passes on his own, day after day. When the quarterback coach took a job elsewhere and McMahon became injured, the lefty was put in and began his ascension to All-American college quarterback.
With his photographic memory and disarming candor, Young provides the reader with an adrenalin charged perspective of the game of football: offensive and defensive strategies, the impact of coaching changes, team rivalries, personal alliances, rituals, and self-doubts. No active player could remain employed putting this kind of information into writing.
After two seasons with the soon to be defunct Los Angeles Express and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in 1987 Young joined the San Francisco 49ers. The head coach assured him that legendary quarterback Joe Montana had sustained career ending injuries. However, that was not case. For four tortuous years Young sat on the bench, and at one point he didn’t even cash his paychecks because he believed he hadn’t earned the money not playing. He found purpose off the field, visiting a 10-year- old 49ers fan struggling with brain cancer, and Young studied at BYU during the offseason to earn a law degree.
Steve Young is the first and only left-handed quarterback to enter the National Football League Hall of Fame. When he took over the position for the 49ers after Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Jerry Rice, the best wide receiver ever, had to be retrained to learn what to expect when catching a football thrown by a left-hander. Young and Rice went on to win a Super Bowl, and during their years together completed 50 more touchdown passes than Montana and Rice did.
Media references to Young’s ancestry and religion tend to emphasize celebrity and sensationalism. What I wanted to know is how he navigated the disparate worlds of the Latter-Day Saints and the beer drinking culture of America’s favorite sport. With Mormonism always an integral part of his life, he seamlessly addresses this issue. Unable to attend Sunday services during the season, the night before games he gathered with a few Mormon players, each of whom was qualified to give others the sacrament. While on the field, opponents tried to distract him by making disparaging remarks about his faith.
After defeating the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys in a Conference championship game, Young reminisces: “I look up and see the scoreboard flashing that I am the Miller Lite Player of the game. I smile. I’ve never had a beer in my life. I’m a thirty-three-year-old dry Mormon.”
Young explains the scriptural basis for not using alcohol, and his personal belief that he would have great endurance and be protected from serious injury by following the health code. When hurt, he opted for traction, chiropractic adjustments and electric stimulation, with medication as a last resort.
Like other elite athletes, Young stayed on the field no matter how battered his body was. He describes being blitzed by one of the hardest hitting cornerbacks in the league."His helmet hit me first.Then the rest of his body went through me...On the way down my head smashed into my lineman’s thigh.” While lying on the ground, flat on his back, he worried more that his neck was broken than about being knocked out. Yet he refused a stretcher and groggily made it to the sideline. He then demanded to be put back in and was incredulous that his coach refused. That hit was made during a Monday Night Football game and it aired over and over on news broadcasts and the internet. Though Young felt fine within two weeks, as a precaution, neurologists never cleared him to play again. His career was over.
One of Young’s former teammates, who is not a Mormon, has early dementia and was among 500 former players in a class-action suit alleging that the NFL promoted a culture of excessive use of painkillers and other narcotics that had long-term effects on the players’ quality of life. Young has no lasting impairment from the concussions he suffered--perhaps his health code did preserve him.
Reviewed by Janice Batzdorff, Librarian
With outstanding high school achievements, Young was readily admitted to the university, but the football team listed him as number eight on the depth chart for the quarterback position (future Chicago Bears Super Bowl winner Jim McMahon was number one). The quarterback coach was adamant, telling him, “I don’t coach lefties. You’ll never play quarterback at BYU.” Assigned to the defensive squad, Young threw passes on his own, day after day. When the quarterback coach took a job elsewhere and McMahon became injured, the lefty was put in and began his ascension to All-American college quarterback.
With his photographic memory and disarming candor, Young provides the reader with an adrenalin charged perspective of the game of football: offensive and defensive strategies, the impact of coaching changes, team rivalries, personal alliances, rituals, and self-doubts. No active player could remain employed putting this kind of information into writing.
After two seasons with the soon to be defunct Los Angeles Express and then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in 1987 Young joined the San Francisco 49ers. The head coach assured him that legendary quarterback Joe Montana had sustained career ending injuries. However, that was not case. For four tortuous years Young sat on the bench, and at one point he didn’t even cash his paychecks because he believed he hadn’t earned the money not playing. He found purpose off the field, visiting a 10-year- old 49ers fan struggling with brain cancer, and Young studied at BYU during the offseason to earn a law degree.
Steve Young is the first and only left-handed quarterback to enter the National Football League Hall of Fame. When he took over the position for the 49ers after Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, Jerry Rice, the best wide receiver ever, had to be retrained to learn what to expect when catching a football thrown by a left-hander. Young and Rice went on to win a Super Bowl, and during their years together completed 50 more touchdown passes than Montana and Rice did.
Media references to Young’s ancestry and religion tend to emphasize celebrity and sensationalism. What I wanted to know is how he navigated the disparate worlds of the Latter-Day Saints and the beer drinking culture of America’s favorite sport. With Mormonism always an integral part of his life, he seamlessly addresses this issue. Unable to attend Sunday services during the season, the night before games he gathered with a few Mormon players, each of whom was qualified to give others the sacrament. While on the field, opponents tried to distract him by making disparaging remarks about his faith.
After defeating the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys in a Conference championship game, Young reminisces: “I look up and see the scoreboard flashing that I am the Miller Lite Player of the game. I smile. I’ve never had a beer in my life. I’m a thirty-three-year-old dry Mormon.”
Young explains the scriptural basis for not using alcohol, and his personal belief that he would have great endurance and be protected from serious injury by following the health code. When hurt, he opted for traction, chiropractic adjustments and electric stimulation, with medication as a last resort.
Like other elite athletes, Young stayed on the field no matter how battered his body was. He describes being blitzed by one of the hardest hitting cornerbacks in the league."His helmet hit me first.Then the rest of his body went through me...On the way down my head smashed into my lineman’s thigh.” While lying on the ground, flat on his back, he worried more that his neck was broken than about being knocked out. Yet he refused a stretcher and groggily made it to the sideline. He then demanded to be put back in and was incredulous that his coach refused. That hit was made during a Monday Night Football game and it aired over and over on news broadcasts and the internet. Though Young felt fine within two weeks, as a precaution, neurologists never cleared him to play again. His career was over.
One of Young’s former teammates, who is not a Mormon, has early dementia and was among 500 former players in a class-action suit alleging that the NFL promoted a culture of excessive use of painkillers and other narcotics that had long-term effects on the players’ quality of life. Young has no lasting impairment from the concussions he suffered--perhaps his health code did preserve him.
Reviewed by Janice Batzdorff, Librarian
November 2, 2017
Steve Young is my hero! I loved every word of this book! There's so much to like in this book by Steve Young! My admiration for Steve Young covers all facets of his life. First of all, it is wonderful to find a member of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who lives by the principles taught. He is a great example to our youth of someone who stays true to his standards even though they are hard. His commitment to living a moral life and of service to others is admirable.
I love football, so I enjoyed all the descriptions of the games he played in, the strategies, the planning, the drama of the goals to achieve, the details of the dedication and preparation for each game was educational and fun to read. I again admire Steve's gift of memorization with his photographic memory to learn all the complicated plays, and yet his patience with his coaches to go over them "one more time" before each game. I admire his tenacity from the time he was young to try to be the best he could be, and to achieve the highest level in whatever team he was on at the moment. He never gave up, even when he was 8th string quarterback at BYU! He just worked harder! And the adversity he went through while playing backup quarterback to Joe Montana with the San Francisco 49ers was incredible. Because he never quit, he went on to achieve some awesome records, and helped his team win a Super Bowl, and was the MVP of that Super Bowl.
All of these achievements would be more than enough for a lifetime, but he wanted more, and went to law school in between football seasons, earning his law degree from BYU. He was a humble guy, too, never living ostentaciously, or showing off. He lived humbly, and made great sacrifices to get that education.
Through all these achievements, he was dealing with great anxiety and depression, but after many years, even a decade, he overcame those terrible times and problems. He dealt with that issue privately, and overcame, but now is sharing his story in part to help others who may be going through the same problems.
I am happy that he was able to eventually find his soul mate, and be married in the temple to fulfill a goal he'd had all his life. He has his priorities in order, as he says all the worldly success and acclaim from his football career pale in comparison to the happiness he has found in family life and being a husband and father, his ultimate goal.
Steve Young is the real deal. He has set some great examples for all of us while exhibiting phenomenal skills in the game of football and in life skills, too.
I love football, so I enjoyed all the descriptions of the games he played in, the strategies, the planning, the drama of the goals to achieve, the details of the dedication and preparation for each game was educational and fun to read. I again admire Steve's gift of memorization with his photographic memory to learn all the complicated plays, and yet his patience with his coaches to go over them "one more time" before each game. I admire his tenacity from the time he was young to try to be the best he could be, and to achieve the highest level in whatever team he was on at the moment. He never gave up, even when he was 8th string quarterback at BYU! He just worked harder! And the adversity he went through while playing backup quarterback to Joe Montana with the San Francisco 49ers was incredible. Because he never quit, he went on to achieve some awesome records, and helped his team win a Super Bowl, and was the MVP of that Super Bowl.
All of these achievements would be more than enough for a lifetime, but he wanted more, and went to law school in between football seasons, earning his law degree from BYU. He was a humble guy, too, never living ostentaciously, or showing off. He lived humbly, and made great sacrifices to get that education.
Through all these achievements, he was dealing with great anxiety and depression, but after many years, even a decade, he overcame those terrible times and problems. He dealt with that issue privately, and overcame, but now is sharing his story in part to help others who may be going through the same problems.
I am happy that he was able to eventually find his soul mate, and be married in the temple to fulfill a goal he'd had all his life. He has his priorities in order, as he says all the worldly success and acclaim from his football career pale in comparison to the happiness he has found in family life and being a husband and father, his ultimate goal.
Steve Young is the real deal. He has set some great examples for all of us while exhibiting phenomenal skills in the game of football and in life skills, too.
February 6, 2017
"How good can you become?" That was the question that Stephen Covey posed to Steve Young that gave him pause. It's a question I now ask my myself. How good can I become?
There are so many reasons to admire this book, but I want to focus on Steve Young's unremitting faith. In a book that chronicled much of his football life, he shared personal information that detailed his struggles, his faith, and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared experiences where he met with religious leaders--bishops, apostles, church scholars, etc. who shared intimate and personal impressions about the direction of his life. I admire that he followed through on the counseling he received and his feelings, even though some of it is not taboo. For example, she shared his experiences about why he did not serve a mission, how he met his wife, and his experience traveling in the Holy Land. One of my favorite quotes from the novel is the counsel he received from Elder Neil A. Maxwell: "Many challenges in life can't be avoided and must be experienced. 'Simply giving away the money in some ways might be avoiding the very experience God intends for you to have . . . Sometimes the most rigorous experiences of this life should not be avoided'" (Young, 2016, p. 99).
Since I am a BYU fan and was a 49ers fan during his time in San Francisco, I found the intricacies of his playing career fascinating. For instance, his conversations with coaches and players, how he rose from adversity (he backed up arguably the two best quarterbacks of his era while in college, Jim McMahon and the NFL, Joe Montana!), and how his mental and emotional toughness allowed him to rise from adversity while battle severe separation and anticipatory anxiety--an illness that usually derails people from living functional lives.
This book is both inspirational and motivating. Steve Young's determination, ability to put his head down and go to work, and faith imbue an atmosphere of hope.
If Rob Kirkham, Johnny Allred, or JD Egbert are reading this review I highly recommend to each of you (and really anyone else).
There are so many reasons to admire this book, but I want to focus on Steve Young's unremitting faith. In a book that chronicled much of his football life, he shared personal information that detailed his struggles, his faith, and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared experiences where he met with religious leaders--bishops, apostles, church scholars, etc. who shared intimate and personal impressions about the direction of his life. I admire that he followed through on the counseling he received and his feelings, even though some of it is not taboo. For example, she shared his experiences about why he did not serve a mission, how he met his wife, and his experience traveling in the Holy Land. One of my favorite quotes from the novel is the counsel he received from Elder Neil A. Maxwell: "Many challenges in life can't be avoided and must be experienced. 'Simply giving away the money in some ways might be avoiding the very experience God intends for you to have . . . Sometimes the most rigorous experiences of this life should not be avoided'" (Young, 2016, p. 99).
Since I am a BYU fan and was a 49ers fan during his time in San Francisco, I found the intricacies of his playing career fascinating. For instance, his conversations with coaches and players, how he rose from adversity (he backed up arguably the two best quarterbacks of his era while in college, Jim McMahon and the NFL, Joe Montana!), and how his mental and emotional toughness allowed him to rise from adversity while battle severe separation and anticipatory anxiety--an illness that usually derails people from living functional lives.
This book is both inspirational and motivating. Steve Young's determination, ability to put his head down and go to work, and faith imbue an atmosphere of hope.
If Rob Kirkham, Johnny Allred, or JD Egbert are reading this review I highly recommend to each of you (and really anyone else).
January 20, 2017
This is a fascinating and recommended autobiography of Steve Young. Being LDS, going to BYU, and growing up in the San Francisco area, I had to love this book, and it had some really interesting stories, and a bit too much football recounting.
It was fascinating to learn that Steve didn't really learn to throw the ball well early on, but got through High School by being the fastest guy in the team. He wanted to be QB because of its status. He got picked by BYU, and showed up to training freshman year as BYU's 8th best quarterback. He even had a coach tell him that he wouldn't play because he was a lefty. (Later we learn that Jerry Rice had difficulty catching his passes because they had opposite spin.) BYU tried to play him as a safety, but he picked up some pointers from Jim McMahon, and was soon the most accurate passer on the team.
Later he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl championship and league MVP, leading the league in passing for many years.
It was interesting to read of his family, and how his dad, nicknamed Grit, after a challenge with a friend, ended up doing sit-ups for hours every morning until he could do 8000. Steve showed similar grit, and claimed to work harder than the others on the 49ers.
The story about how he met his wife was super interesting too, but I'll let you read that one on your own.
I went to YouTube a few times to watch some of his best plays. Search for "Steve Young 49 yard run" and "Steve Young the Catch 2."
I only wish he hadn't spent so much time on each game, and I felt like he kept focusing on injuries, despite later saying he only had minor injuries.
It was fascinating to learn that Steve didn't really learn to throw the ball well early on, but got through High School by being the fastest guy in the team. He wanted to be QB because of its status. He got picked by BYU, and showed up to training freshman year as BYU's 8th best quarterback. He even had a coach tell him that he wouldn't play because he was a lefty. (Later we learn that Jerry Rice had difficulty catching his passes because they had opposite spin.) BYU tried to play him as a safety, but he picked up some pointers from Jim McMahon, and was soon the most accurate passer on the team.
Later he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl championship and league MVP, leading the league in passing for many years.
It was interesting to read of his family, and how his dad, nicknamed Grit, after a challenge with a friend, ended up doing sit-ups for hours every morning until he could do 8000. Steve showed similar grit, and claimed to work harder than the others on the 49ers.
The story about how he met his wife was super interesting too, but I'll let you read that one on your own.
I went to YouTube a few times to watch some of his best plays. Search for "Steve Young 49 yard run" and "Steve Young the Catch 2."
I only wish he hadn't spent so much time on each game, and I felt like he kept focusing on injuries, despite later saying he only had minor injuries.
July 26, 2017
Young does an excellent job going through his entire professional career. His story is inspiring: he details how he went from a 6th string QB at BYU to become a starter, then a professional, then an NFL rookie, and so on a so forth.
Two things stood out to me:
1. Steve Young's writing is incredibly humbling. He writes candidly about his faults and insecurities, and it really helps the reader connect with Young. It sheds away the "over confident" jock/pro athlete stereotype, and replaces it with a story that motivates and captivates.
2. Young does a great job keeping the reader interested. The chapters are organized in small anecdotal sections, and there are plenty of tales tucked away within the pages to help illustrate the off the field life of Young.
The downside to this book is the football recaps. While some of Young's greatest moments and most inspiring moments come across as exciting and entrancing in the book, his long career also included a lot of regular, not so iconic games. Every chapter has two to three paragraphs of Young recounting the offense performance of a few regular season games. By the time you reach his later years, they all seem to blend together. Young runs for a bit, Young throws to X, 49ers get Y points before Z happens.
Despite this, Young still weaves in his personal life, and shows that even on his best days, he is more than just a quarterback. He is a man with his strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears, and QB: My Life Behind the Spiral really helps understand the life of a unique professional superstar.
Two things stood out to me:
1. Steve Young's writing is incredibly humbling. He writes candidly about his faults and insecurities, and it really helps the reader connect with Young. It sheds away the "over confident" jock/pro athlete stereotype, and replaces it with a story that motivates and captivates.
2. Young does a great job keeping the reader interested. The chapters are organized in small anecdotal sections, and there are plenty of tales tucked away within the pages to help illustrate the off the field life of Young.
The downside to this book is the football recaps. While some of Young's greatest moments and most inspiring moments come across as exciting and entrancing in the book, his long career also included a lot of regular, not so iconic games. Every chapter has two to three paragraphs of Young recounting the offense performance of a few regular season games. By the time you reach his later years, they all seem to blend together. Young runs for a bit, Young throws to X, 49ers get Y points before Z happens.
Despite this, Young still weaves in his personal life, and shows that even on his best days, he is more than just a quarterback. He is a man with his strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears, and QB: My Life Behind the Spiral really helps understand the life of a unique professional superstar.
October 20, 2017
I would actually rate this 3.5 stars, but I rounded up. This was a book club selection, not one that I would pick up on my own. I am glad I did read it as I was surprised at how interested I was in his career and how things came to be. I did a bit of skimming since he literally described in detail pretty much every game he played including all the stats that go with it. I have to say, having watched my boys play football the past couple of years have helped me learn about the game and understand a little more, which made the book more enjoyable. I was disappointed in the lack of information regarding his personal life, as I found that when he did talk about it, the book was more fun to read (for me). However, I guess I understand why he wouldn't. Reading about all the injuries he faced as well as other football players made me feel nervous. His struggle with anxiety was interesting, he was lucky to have such an awesome support system. I think my husband and anybody that loves football, BYU or the 49ers would love this book. I do plan on looking up some of his big plays on Youtube. :)
April 27, 2017
I didn't have high hopes for this one, but it ended up being amazing. I'm now an expert on all things Steve Young. I'm also completely horrified by a lot of things about the NFL, namely the concussion issue and the fact that they will just inject lidocaine into broken ribs, jammed fingers, sprains, etc so players can keep playing without pain. It was fun to read his accounts of playing football for BYU, and it was fun to see so many familiar names in his stories: Jim McMahon, Kyle Whittingham, Norm Chow, Tom Holmoe, and, of course, LaVell Edwards. It was interesting to read his side of the Joe Montana rivalry, and nice to learn that Steve Young and Jerry Rice are still great friends. I was also happy to hear about his work with his Forever Young Foundation, especially the work he does helping LGBT youth. He's an amazing man who has lived an amazing life, both on and off the football field. I highly recommend this one, just know that there are lots of play-by-play accounts of many football games that he considers defining moments in his life.
June 12, 2017
I was young when Steve Young was in his prime time, so it was interesting to read about his life and learn about his struggles with anxiety. He was lucky to have some great friends who helped him a ton!! I kept thinking what a drain he would have been.
And interesting to read about him living in Joe Montana's shadow for years. Although I skimmed soooooo much because it felt like he gave a play by play of pretty much every game he ever played in... No lie.
Also crazy how many injuries in football. Sooooo many injuries, big and little. Football is crazy. Also crazy that Steve is like Superman and had the ability to heal really fast.
I liked reading about how it took him so long to find his wife in his late 30s, with two broken engagements before.
And interesting when he met with apostles for various reasons.
Fun at the end when he talked about the private equity firm he works at now, HGGC, since I worked there for a bit, although in a different office and never met him. I knew the people he mentioned.
And interesting to read about him living in Joe Montana's shadow for years. Although I skimmed soooooo much because it felt like he gave a play by play of pretty much every game he ever played in... No lie.
Also crazy how many injuries in football. Sooooo many injuries, big and little. Football is crazy. Also crazy that Steve is like Superman and had the ability to heal really fast.
I liked reading about how it took him so long to find his wife in his late 30s, with two broken engagements before.
And interesting when he met with apostles for various reasons.
Fun at the end when he talked about the private equity firm he works at now, HGGC, since I worked there for a bit, although in a different office and never met him. I knew the people he mentioned.
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