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Editorial Review Book Description
The San Francisco 49ers shaped the NFL throughout the 1980s with their unique blend of precision, panache, and preparation. Two decades later, NFL teams are still copying the system and the methods that made the 49ers unlike any other organization in professional sports. Running back Roger Craig exemplified the qualities that have produced five Super Bowl titles for the franchise. Craig starred in three of the 49ers' Super Bowl wins, helping set the tone in practice with his nonpareil work ethic. During his eight seasons with the team he was one of the most productive players in franchise history. Roger Craig's combination of skills was something never before seen in professional football. In 1985 he became the first player in NFL history to top 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He used his knee-churning, eyes-wide-open style to earn four trips to the Pro Bowl and score a Super Bowl-record three touchdowns in one game. After finishing his career with the Raiders and Vikings, he signed a contract with the 49ers in 1994 so that he could retire as a member of the organization. To this day he remains a 49ers icon who is as well respected by the current team as he was more than a decade ago when he was charging through opposing defenses. In Tales from the San Francisco 49ers Sideline Roger Craig uses his trademark vision to capture some of the moments that defined the organization during its glory years. Included are stories about all of the men who shaped the direction of the franchise, including such luminaries as Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, and George Seifert. Fans will relive all the great moments and read some never-before-toldstories from a man kept his eyes open to everything during his fascinating career. ... Read more Customer Reviews (6) 
Awesome player writes little tidbits from 49ers' glory days
Roger Craig definitely deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but he should have elaborated a little more on his career, teammates, the teams he played for and the 49ers in general.
I've read several bios from other sports figures and left feeling very enlightened on their lives as players, their teammates, big games in their careers and the team itself.
When I finished Craig's book -- which only took one afternoon to read -- I was left wishing he had gone into more detail about his relationships, the big games, his dealings with 49er management, etc. He talks about teammates in only four or five paragraphs per player. Come on, please! I would have like to know more about these guys behind the scenes other than what I already knew about them to begin with. I already knew Joe Montana was a practical joker, so give me some more insight into the one of the greatest QBs to ever put on a jersey.
It was a nice book, especially being the huge 49er fan I am, but I was really left feeling a little empty by the briefness of each story. People read bios to get some real background into that person's life, not just a book that rambles on about how great every person you ever played with was in four paragraphs or less.
I gave it four stars because I like the 49ers and Roger Craig will always have a special place in my heart from those great San Francisco teams of the 1980s. I didn't give it five stars because it just wasn't very complete and in depth as it could have been.
Great Book by a Great Player and a Great Person!
I had the opportunity to meet Roger Craig at a charity basketball game last fall and he seemed like a great guy.Being a lifelong 49er's fan, I was thrilled to find out that one of my favorite players of all time had a book coming out.It's a nice, light, and insightful read that can be done in one sitting but the stories and lessons that "Catfish" provides will stay with you for a long time.
A definite must for any fan of the "Team of the 80's" and also an interesting read for any NFL fan.Thanks for all of the great memories Roger!
An enjoyable cruise through the 49ers' glory days!
Honestly, if everyone reading this review was a San Francisco football fan, I would have given the book five stars.But I have to be fair!
This book is a very easy read, and you cannot help but admire Roger Craig to the nth degree.You can really tell what kind of a football warrior this guy was by reading how he trained, and how he played with pain.Reading some of his anecdotes about the glory years put a smile on my face, and would do the same for any Niner fan.
The only criticism I have regarding this book is the lack of depth (people who like light and easy reads would probably not agree with my assessment here).I already knew many of the stories Craig wrote about, and the ones I didn't know about were not explained in great detail.
The best part of the book was Craig describing the deterioration of his and Eddie DeBartolo's relationship following Craig's fumble in the 1990 NFC Championship game against the New York Giants.One thing Craig fails to mention was his decline in productivity over his last year with S.F. being the chief reason he was let go via Plan B Free Agency.
Craig's positive outlook on life beams off the pages of "Tales from the San Francisco 49ers Sideline".If I had ever played in the NFL, I would want the dedication, toughness, and skill of Roger Craig by my side.
CRAIG SHARES HIS THOUGHTS..
This was a good,quick read and it allowed Niner fans like myself to relive the glory days through the thoughts and history left behind by Roger Craig. The most compelling part of this book are his updates on what has happened to many ex-players since his playing days. Craig also displays his knowledge of 49er history,commenting in fair length on players from long,long ago such as Joe Perry and Bob St. Claire,showing that Roger himself is a fan of his own former team. I found this to be intriguing.
There was only one factual mistake that i found (he states ex-Bear William Perry was running in Td's in 1984 ;actually that was '85...Perry wasn't in the league in '84) but of course thats no big deal. There was a typo (Harris Burton rather than the correct Harris Barton). The book certainly doesn't drag on as i finished it in one day. I'm glad he put it out there.
Great read.........
Being an avid Niner fan, I was pleased to come across this book. I grew up watching the Niners during the dynasty days in San Francisco. This book gave me some great insight and brought back some wonderful memories from one of the best teams of all time. Roger Craig proves to be a fantastic story teller, and his passion for the game, and the Niners, comes through in this collection of stories. This is a must read for all Niner fans.
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