The GM: A Football life, a Final Season, and a Last Laugh

Admittedly, the first few chapters were a little tough to get through but once the book turned to the Pro game it really picked up, and could not put it down. Mr. Accorsi is an awesome person and a legend in the league. It was nice reading truthful comments about different coaches and players that you are not always documented. What really sold me was the last chapter about David Halberstam. Easily in my top three favorite authors of all time. A nice tribute to him to close the book.

"The GM" is an interesting, albeit fairly short, story about Ernie Accorsi, who was until his retirement last year, the General Manager of the New York Giants and the longest serving GM in the sport. Tom Callahan, the talented author of several other sports books, was granted unfettered access by Accorsi to follow him and the Giants around throughout the star-crossed 2006 season. In the end, the book is not so much about the day-to-day duties of an NFL General Manager, as it is about the long football life and experiences of Accorsi, and the many fascinating people he met along the way.I think Callahan got a lot more than he had envisioned, as the Giants endured a massive collapse during 2006, falling from title contender to also-ran in a matter of weeks. But this book goes beyond chronicling a NFL season in turmoil, and is filled with hundreds of short stories and anecdotes from many conversations with Accorsi, who has spent a lifetime in the NFL. Accorsi's tales about his long tenure in the NFL are probably the best parts of the book. Throughout his career, Accorsi got to work with and learn some of the biggest names in the history of football: Johnny Unitas, Pete Rozzelle, Joe Paterno, Wellington Mara, and others.Part of what makes this book good is Accorsi's witty and humanistic retellings and Callahan's seamless writing and recounting. It is obvious that Callahan spent many hours just listening to Accorsi's great stories, and has sprinkled them liberally throughout the book with ease. Callahan is a great writer, and his descriptions of people, places, and events that have shaped football in recent history are a joy to read. I have heard from several people that his last book -- a biography of Unitas -- is fantastic, and after reading "The GM", I look forward to picking it up.Additionally, the book spends a great deal of time on the 2006 Giants, framing them of course as the final note of Accorsi's long career. Callahan spoke to Head Coach (and tyrant) Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, Plaxico Burress, Michael Strahan, Jeff Feagles, and other Giants in delving into the Giants' collapse and exploring how the players coped with the losing and why they continued to play the game year after year. In the end, the Giants turbulent season -- they finished 8-8 and made the playoffs, but lost in the divisional playoff -- serves as a good metaphor for Accorsi's career: some highs, some lows, but a strong love of football always."The GM" is a really fun and quick read, though for just under 270 pages the price tag may a bit high for some. If you are interested in current pro football or just the history of the game, then I think you'll enjoy the book.Four stars.

It was very interesting reading about the "inside stuff" of being a GM of a major football team. GM Ernie Accorsi ran a great ship and was instrumental in bringing the Super Bowl Championship to NY and the NY Giants. This was a pleasant read especially if you are a NY Giant fan.

Ernie Accorsi, the "GM" of the New York Giants, was a link to the NFL's great past of Pete Rozelle, Wellington Mara, John Unitas and Jim Finks. In those days, the phrase "for the good of the game" was a frequent motivation for doing the right thing for the players, fans and that elite fraternity who invested their money to make it America's favorite sport. The way Accorsi approached his job and treated those around him reflects that spirit, which was accurately portrayed by Tom Callahan. Men like Accorsi are disappearing from professional sports, and we are all worse off for it. If you love the game, you'll love "GM."

A very interesting account of Accorsi's history in the league. A lot of good insider information especially about the Giants/Browns. Any football fan would like this book. A page turner.

This is a great read if your a fan of football, particularly if your a GIANTS fan. This book goes behind the scene and into the front office to see some of the intricacies of a professional football team. And more significantly it reveals some real surprises for NY Giants fans. If your a Giants fan you'll love this book. If your a football fan who wants to get a little more insight to what happens in the front office as well as learning a few interesting stories about past NFL history then you will enjoy this book. If your looking for X's & O's then don't bother it's about the human element of how a team is built not strategy.