Once a Giant

"Once a Giant: A Story of Victory, Tragedy, and Life After Football" by Gary Myers is a powerful and emotional account of the 1986 New York Giants and the brotherhood that extended well beyond the football field. Myers revisits one of the NFL’s most iconic teams, not only highlighting their Super Bowl-winning season but diving into the lives of the players long after the cheering stopped. Through in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges these men have faced physically, mentally, and emotionally in the years since they hung up their cleats.

The book focuses on how the bonds formed during their playing days helped many of the Giants players cope with the aftershocks of their careers. Whether it's dealing with chronic pain, mental health struggles, or the loss of teammates like Lawrence Taylor’s close friend and team captain Harry Carson, the story is one of brotherhood, support, and enduring connection. Myers doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the game, highlighting the long-term toll of injuries, addiction, and the NFL’s shortcomings in supporting its former players.

At its core, “Once a Giant” is not just about football; it's about life after the lights fade. It’s a tribute to resilience, friendship, and the human cost of playing a violent and beloved sport. Fans of football and those interested in the personal stories behind the game will find this book both sobering and inspiring.