Lombardi: His Life and Times by Robert W. Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Before I begin my review, I just want to mention that the copy of this book that I read is actually the first edition from 1971, published by Wisconsin House Ltd. This edition has been out of print for a long time I think.
I like this book; I think it is the best short biography of Vince Lombardi that is available. The author traces Lombardi’s life from his childhood in Brooklyn through his final season as the head coach of the Washington Redskins and to his short battle with cancer. The focus is of course on the years Lombardi spent as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Having grown up about 30 miles from Lambeau Field, I remember the Lombardi years in Green Bay, particularly the three consecutive NFL championship seasons, so I can not claim to be impartial. I think the author has done a good job of capturing all sides of Lombardi’s personality; Lombardi was controversial as a coach and general manager, though of course 50 years has softened the memories of some of his hard edges. He was a complicated man and a successful coach and I think the author has done a good job of portraying Lombardi as he really was.