53rd Man

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Hey BBTL,

The mods gave me permission to start this thread so here goes.

I have alluded to this recently, but I have a new book in the works, being published by Rowman & Littlefield, that should come out in August, titled 53rd Man. Now as this astute audience might guess, this is about the guys at the bottom of pro football rosters, fighting to make it in the NFL. I tell lots of stories and talk about what these guys go through, but I focus on three players in particular, one of whom is Matthew Slater, who we all know and love. Slater's career track, obviously, went from 5th round pick and special teamer to a guy who became an all-pro, but most 53rd men don't see that kind of success. It is, if I may say, a pretty fascinating look inside the NFL. I've interviewed a number of players for this, which has been pretty fun.

I bring all this to your attention because I'm looking to put together a launch team. This is a group of people who help me get this off the ground. Don't worry - no money is involved! If you are interested in being part of the team to help promote this book, PM me and I will give you more details of what I'm asking of you. If after I've explained more to you and you want to commit to being part of the team, you'll receive a free copy of the book.

Shoot me a PM if you have interest in talking more with me about this. There's no group of people I'd rather have on board with me than this one right here.

Thanks!
 

dirtynine

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 17, 2002
8,884
Philly
Hey, this sounds really fantastic. Outstanding concept for a book. Hoping this is the definitive take on Slater! Can’t wait to check it out - Congrats BJ!
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Hey, this sounds really fantastic. Outstanding concept for a book. Hoping this is the definitive take on Slater! Can’t wait to check it out - Congrats BJ!
Thanks. It definitely isn't THAT - he's one of three guys I spend a lot of time talking about. But you do learn a lot about him. For example, did you know that he and Edelman roomed together for a few years? Talk about the odd couple.

There's a good short Belichick story in there that I share from a different player that I think you all will like.

And amidst all the BB conversation we're having, I have to say that Slater has an incredibly high opinion of Belichick as a coach and as a mentor.
 

streeter88

Member
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Apr 2, 2006
2,080
Melbourne, Australia
Sounds really exciting - I will definitely get a copy when it is published.

Topic of Slater and Special Teams - what would your view be on Slater as an ST coach (or even coordinator)? Would he be good in such a role? Would he even be interested? Clearly there is a need...
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Sounds really exciting - I will definitely get a copy when it is published.
Thanks so much!

Topic of Slater and Special Teams - what would your view be on Slater as an ST coach (or even coordinator)? Would he be good in such a role? Would he even be interested? Clearly there is a need...
Slater would be great at that role, but I'll offer this quote from the book....

"He loves the idea of coaching but then laughs when he thinks about the hours Belichick and his staff put in on a weekly basis."

So....you tell me.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
9,289
Philly
Excited for you. Congratulations. I’d suggest doing a podcast circuit if you can in terms of promoting it. I’m sure the Boston football pods would love to have you on. If you need help figuring out who has what pod let me know.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Excited for you. Congratulations. I’d suggest doing a podcast circuit if you can in terms of promoting it. I’m sure the Boston football pods would love to have you on. If you need help figuring out who has what pod let me know.
I’d love that help, thanks. I’ve been on a bunch of baseball podcasts for my previous book (about the 2004 ALCS) but I’d like to do the same with this book. I appreciate it!
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
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Oct 1, 2015
26,826

BigJimEd

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Jan 4, 2002
4,610
Looking forward to this. Congrats!


Slater would be great at that role, but I'll offer this quote from the book....

"He loves the idea of coaching but then laughs when he thinks about the hours Belichick and his staff put in on a weekly basis."

So....you tell me.
Sounds like someone who would be a great fit at a lower level. Who wouldn't want Slater coaching their teenager/young adult?
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Looking forward to this. Congrats!


Sounds like someone who would be a great fit at a lower level. Who wouldn't want Slater coaching their teenager/young adult?
I agree. Imagine him as one of your kids' high school coaches? Man that would be sweet.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
So in light of the theme of the book, who do you all think is one of those little-known players that might make a big impact this weekend in the playoffs? I'm going to suggest Jalen Nailor of Minnesota. Rookie, 6th round pick out of Michigan State. He hasn't played much this year but has caught 7 passes the last two weeks (granted, a bunch in garbage time) for 151 yards, and if the Giants manage to take Jefferson away somehow (good luck with that), this guy might make a big play or two.
 

Super Nomario

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Nov 5, 2000
14,068
Mansfield MA
he is a very religious man so I am not sure if everyone would want that
I wonder if he would be a fit in the Team Chaplain role or "character coach" or whatever they call it. They haven't had one since Jack Easterby left, I don't think. And, you know, since he'd be around helping guys with personal problems and spiritual journeys and mental health issues, might as well hop in and run a couple special teams drills too, eh?
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
I wonder if he would be a fit in the Team Chaplain role or "character coach" or whatever they call it. They haven't had one since Jack Easterby left, I don't think. And, you know, since he'd be around helping guys with personal problems and spiritual journeys and mental health issues, might as well hop in and run a couple special teams drills too, eh?
They definitely have a team chaplain, but not (as far as I know) a "character coach". Two different roles. But yes he would be great in either of those roles. He'd be great as a special teams coach too, of course, but it seems pretty clear he doesn't want to do that, at least not now.

I coach HS volleyball and work with D1 student athletes and holy cow the number and significance (as in, we aren't just talking about "minor" mental health issues here) of mental health issues has exploded. Just this school year alone, I've spoken with no fewer than five athletes who have either contemplated suicide or who have had a friend die by suicide. It's an epidemic.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
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Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Update: The copyediting is done at this point. Now we are working on cover design and typesetting and such. The marketing is the next big thing as well. Thanks to those of you who have expressed a desire to help with this.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Official launch date is TWO MONTHS AWAY - August 9. I want summer to stay for a while but man...I'm excited for this.

Thanks to many of you here who have helped with this project.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
I’m in. And I’d love your autograph! Just let me know when an d how….
Sweet, thank you! You can order it from my website, and anyone on SOSH that wants a 15% discount on any order (you might also like The Forgotten Game...check it out!) just use the discount code SOSH when you check out.

Just click on 53rd Man, autographed copy, and order away! Keep in mind that I won't be able to fulfill the order til mid-August, since the book isn't being released til August 9.
 

BaseballJones

slappy happy
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
26,826
Two weeks from release date. My publisher is offering 30% off if you order it from there.

www.rowman.com - search for 53rd Man

Then on checkout, use this code: RLFANDF30