Dr. Z cover art

Dr. Z

The Lost Memoirs of an Irreverent Football Writer

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Dr. Z

By: Paul Zimmerman, Peter King - editor
Narrated by: Barry Abrams
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About this listen

During his nearly 50 years of sportswriting, including 28 at Sports Illustrated, fans of Dr. Z came to expect a certain alchemical, trademark blend: words which were caustic and wry, at times self-deprecating or even puzzling, but always devilishly smart with arresting honesty. A complex package, that's the Doctor.

The one-time sparring partner of Ernest Hemingway, Paul Zimmerman is one of the modern era's groundbreaking football minds, a man who methodically charted every play while generating copious notes, a human precursor to the data analytics websites of today. In 2008, Zimmerman had nearly completed work on his personal memoirs when a series of strokes left him largely unable to speak, read, or write. Compiled and edited by longtime SI colleague Peter King, these are the stories he still wants to see told.

Dr. Z's memoir is a rich package of personalities, stories never shared about such characters as Vince Lombardi, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, and Johnny Unitas. Even Joe Namath, with whom Zimmerman had a legendary and well-documented 23-year feud, saw fit to eventually unburden himself to the remarkable scribe.

©2017 Paul Zimmerman (P)2018 Tantor
Football (American) Sports Memoir

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All stars
Most relevant
Lots of great stories in here but a few feel out of place. Overall a great review of sports going through 50 years. Not as much football as you expect but some enjoyable pieces on collecting, plus some great insights on Olympics. Could have done without the National Anthem timings but I guess that’s what makes Dr. Z who he is.

Some great stories to throw back into Americana

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