Go Big Red!

Sport and Society

by George R. Mills

Recruited for his combination of size and speed, George Mills had the potential to become an outstanding college football player--but it never happened. A View from the Bench reveals the reality behind the glamour of college football and the tough experiences in the life of a benchwarmer.

Mills was a solid player who loved the game, but he had only one shot in nearly five years at making Nebraska's starting team. He found little time or energy left for academics after hours of drills, weight lifting, and team meetings. Now, with complete candor, Mills lays bare the true weight of emphasis in the "student-athlete" dichotomy.

Free from anger or malice, Mills tells of his struggle to come to terms with a sports career of "mediocrity." A View from the Bench is an honest reflection of the experiences of so many overlooked players. It will be meaningful to anyone who has watched or played competitive sports.

234 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Mills was Nebraska defensive football players from the early 1970's. He was one of the players that got to be a part of the final years of Bob Devaney and the first years of Tom Osborne. Mills tells the story of what it's like for many players coming to a major college and trying to succeed at becoming a star football player. He was very candid in pointing out when he fell short of expectations, both his own and that of the coaches, friends and family. Mills never became a legendary player at Nebraska, but his story is timeless and is well worth reading for any fan of Nebraska football or college football in general.