Freddie Steinmark

Faith, Family, Football

By: Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan

Narrated by: Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan, Sammy Steinmark

Freddie Steinmark was starting safety for the undefeated University of Texas Longhorns in 1969. In the thrilling “Game of the Century,” a come-from-behind victory against Arkansas that ensured Texas the National Championship, Steinmark played with pain in his left leg. Two days later, X-rays revealed a cancerous bone tumor so large that it seemed a miracle Steinmark could walk, let alone play football. Within a week of the Arkansas game, his leg was amputated.

A gritty, undersized player, Steinmark had quickly become a fan favorite at Texas. What he endured during the Longhorns’ memorable 1969 season, and what he encountered afterward, captivated not only Texans, but the country at large. Americans watched closely as Steinmark confronted life’s ultimate challenge, and his openness during his battle against savage odds helped reframe the national conversation surrounding cancer, prompting President Nixon to sign the first National Cancer Act establishing the ongoing race for a cure.

Written with unfettered access to the Steinmark family and archives, Freddie Steinmark: Faith, Family, Football is the exploration of a brief but full life, one that began humbly but ended on a grand stage. Narrated by the authors, with Steinmark’s younger brother, Sammy, voicing Freddie’s statements and thoughts, this audiobook includes many historical audio clips, dramatized clips from the major motion picture My All American, and sound effects inserted into the narrative, bringing to life Freddie’s remarkable universal journey of hope and heart that transcends the game.

An inspirational and timeless story of a legendary Longhorn whose photograph, emblazoned with the word “heart”, flashes on the Freddie Steinmark Scoreboard’s Jumbotron prior to each home football game in UT’s Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at Joe Jamail Field.

©2015 Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan (P)2023 Bower Yousse, Thomas J. Cryan

Great story, hate the narration.

The narrator was awful and I could barely suffer through it. But the story is great!

Riveting account of the brief life of a most inspiring young athlete, masterfully related by one of his boyhood friends.

The fascinating true story of collegiate football star Freddie Steinmark captured national attention in 1970, even to the office of the U.S. President, but occurred before my becoming old enough to follow such news. This retelling places the reader at the Steinmark dinner table to feel like part of that family; sits the reader inside the locker room of the National champion Texas Longhorns to feel like an appreciative teammate to Freddie; and lets the reader accompany Freddie’s friends, doctors, and priests as they find that their every effort to encourage this young man in a battle for his life only resulted in their own spirits being lifted and enriched by Freddie’s altruistic consideration for those around him. I’m so glad’s to have discovered this book - I am richer for having experienced Freddie for myself.

Storytelling at its finest—don’t miss this

Freddie Steinmark has always inspired my children. They admire his humility, work ethic, love of family, and positivity. His life has modeled for them how to face tragedy with honor. Everyone, especially young athletes, should know his story. It is powerfully brought to life in this audiobook narrated by authors Bower Yousse and Thomas Cryan and Freddie's brother, Sammy. Implausible as it will seem to those who already loved the book, they’ve managed to make it even better. Historical audio clips, sound effects, and bonus materials enhance the listening experience and will keep you enthralled. It’s an emotional read, but ultimately so uplifting.

Inspiring

A moving and passionate story that offers insight and guidance for a life well lived.

Inspiring

A remarkable young man’s story of faith and courage. Amazing what a 160 pound young man can accomplish on the football field.