I posted a few weeks ago that I received a copy of Doing It My Way by Braylon Edwards and Tom VanHaaren. (One bad thing about new football books is that they often get released around the beginning of football season, which is the busiest time of year for me. Oh well.) I was able to finish the book fairly quickly because I took it with me everywhere I went, but as for writing about it, I just couldn’t find the time.
As a Michigan football fan, I actually found the book quite riveting. Edwards has always been a controversial character, even going back to his college playing days when a lot of fans were fed up with his drops. For better or worse, polarizing figures like him make for interesting books. Since those relatively harmless college days, he amped up the controversy with legal troubles, negative comments about Michigan football and its coaches, and a mercurial NFL career.
Hit the jump for more.
One reason I was interested in reading his book was because I actually didn’t know much about Edwards, who was around before college football recruiting really took off. If he were a prospect today, we would have video of his 7v7 tournaments, interviews with his high school coaches, and questions about his character due to the Twitter account. I learned a lot about his time growing up, his high school career (including a significant knee injury), and his cracked relationship with his biological father, Stan Edwards.
Edwards also explained his controversial comments and relationship with the #1 jersey. I don’t think anyone in the public really knew the full story behind his frustration when Rich Rodriguez gave J.T. Floyd the #1 jersey. I certainly didn’t know the full story, and while he didn’t handle it perfectly, the book helped me empathize with Edwards.
I know some Michigan fans might balk at the idea of buying the book, simply as a way not to support Edwards financially. But for better or worse, Edwards is an integral part of Michigan history and quite possibly the most talented wideout to ever suit up for the Wolverines. For some Wolverines who put out a book, I might suggest purchasing the book just to support a member of the Michigan family. That might not be a great incentive in this case, but what you’ll get instead is an inside look at an important piece of Michigan football lore.
You can buy the book from Amazon here (LINK).
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Interesting perspective.
I thought the 1 jersey thing was a cool tradition even if it was a recent one. Was disappointed when they stopped doing it.
I would have liked to have seen the 2 jersey get a similar treatment.
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