BRINGING THE HEAT - Mark Bowden The story of the 1992 Philadelphia Eagles. The BUCPOWER.COM review If you buy just one book on the NFL, make it this one by Mark Bowden. It’s the story of the 1992 Philadelphia Eagles, mis-managed by Rich Kotite, still suffering from four years of Buddy Ryan, but with so much talent on the field it was astounding they never reached the SuperBowl. This magnificent book takes you so far behind the action at Veterans Stadium, you walk away with a totally new insight into the game. The stories about the off-field financial and marital problems that seem to be an every-day part of the game are particularly interesting, as is the section on former Buc Ron Heller who recounts the story about his famous locker-room fight with Ray Perkins in 1987. Other reviews This look at the Philadelphia Eagles covers both the tenure of coach Buddy Ryan, which began in 1986 and ended with his firing in 1991, and the next three years of current coach Rich Kotite's regime. The 1992 season is the focal point, but Bowden, who covered the Eagles for the Philadelphia Inquirer, deals in depth with the years leading up to that season. Of particular interest are Bowden's profiles of many of the Eagles' colorful characters, including Ryan, owner Norman Braman (who sold the team to Hollywood producer Jeff Lurie in 1994) and players Jerome Brown, Seth Joyner and Randall Cunningham. Bowden pulls no punches, documenting the stormy off-the-field lives of several team members including Joyner and Wes Hopkins, as well as describing the players' dislike of star quarterback Cunningham. Although a bit melodramatic at times, this is as thorough an account of a sports franchise as any fan, even Eagles fanatics, could want. Publishers Weekly Bowden, a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, records the tempestuous 1992 season of professional football's Philadelphia Eagles as they fight for a spot in the playoffs. He presents vivid portraits of coaches Buddy Ryan and Richie Kotite, owner Norman Braman, and key players. Bowden assesses the achievements and problems of star quarterback Randall Cunningham, defensive players Reggie White and Seth Joyner, and others, as injuries, money, sexual relations, and egos affect their careers. As Ken Delinger (For the Glory: College Football Dreams and Realities Inside Paterno's Program, LJ 8/94) has done for college football, Bowden turns a searching eye on professional football. Library Journal What you thought of it Add your comments on this book If you want to add a review for this book or any other book, please e-mail us at the contact address shown on the front page of BUCPOWER.COM.