Playmakers

How the NFL Really Works (and Doesn't)

By: Mike Florio

Narrated by: Dan Woren

The story of a modern NFL that can’t get out of its own way—and can’t stop making money

In recent decades, the NFL has simultaneously become an athletic, financial, and cultural powerhouse—and a League that can’t seem to go more than a few weeks without a scandal. Whether it’s about domestic violence, performance-enhancing drugs, racism, or head trauma, the NFL always seems to be in some kind of trouble. Yet no matter the drama, the TV networks keep showing games, the revenue keeps rising, and the viewers keep tuning in.

How can a sports league—or any organization—operate this way? Why do the negative stories keep happening, and why don’t they ever seem to affect the bottom line? In this wide-ranging book, Mike Florio takes listeners from the boardroom to the locker room, from draft day to the Super Bowl, answering these questions and more, and showing what really goes on in the sport that America can’t seem to quit.

​Known for his constant stream of new information and incisive commentary, Florio delivers again in this book. With new insights and reporting on scandals past and present, this book will be the talk of the League—whether the League likes it or not.

©2022 Mike Florio (P)2022 PublicAffairs

Absolute must read for any NFL and PFT fan!

Will be rereading this every offseason until the next book Florio puts out! Only suggestion would be to have Florio narrate the book or a version himself. Maybe have Simms, BigCat, etc each read a chapter or section as well? $$$

a great book very enjoyable reading

this book is very enjoyable loved it really insightful I recommend it highly you'll learn a lot

Nothing New

If you are familiar with the game of football, this book will offer little you don’t already know. Well written for people who don’t follow football, but I’m afraid the average NFL fan will be familiar with 90% of what this book has to offer.

Loved it.

I’m a big fan of Florios from PFT and PFT PM. His insight into the League is on full display here in Playmakers and will be enjoyed by many.

I read where he said he did try to do the narration but was uncomfortable doing so. Though the narrator did an excellent job, I do wish Florio would give it a try again for any future editions.

Worth the time and money

Cool to hear some behind the scenes stories and confirmation of rumors we’ve heard over the years. I do not like this narrator though.

Insightful and entertaining look into the NFL

An insightful and entertaining look into current matters in the NFL. Quick-paced and engaging, Playmakers covers a variety of relevant topics: the Draft; new and old penalties and rules; the treatment and development of players and coaches; off-field behavior of players, coaches, and owners; the impact that legalized gambling could have on the League; and more. Even if you have been following Florio for years, you are going to enjoy his astute (and humorous!) analysis of the matters the NFL has recently faced or will be facing in the near future.

Disappointed.

This book is probably best-suited for a new fan, who has only an elementary understanding of the game and recent history of it. I would not recommend this book for the serious fan. Are you really interested in hearing a six minute recap of the Donovan McNabb trade? How about twelve hours of similar dribble? I’m not sure what prompted Florio to write this book this way, but, after following his site for twenty years, I have a feeling he has a much better book in him, with in-depth behind-the-scenes essays in it. I really wanted to love this book. I don’t dislike it enough to request a credit refund; I just don’t love it.

Pretty good

Would rather have the author speak it
Good read between voluntary n non voluntary football paractice

The last two decades of NFL revisited (and some insights/concerns for the future)

Playmakers is an enjoyable reading/listening that helps fans - die-hard or casual - remind the most notable happenings involving the NFL - on and off the field - in the last two decades or so. The (audio)book contains facts that, depending on the topic, also have personal opinions by the author, especially by the last chapter where there are ideas about the future of the league, and which is up to the reader/listener to decide whether or not to agree with it (I happen to agree with almost every one of his personal opinions, past, present, and future). I felt this book inclined to be more of a pro-player, pro-sport, and a bit of anti-ownership, anti-business effort. However, business practices are praised and players' behaviors are criticized when praise and criticism are due. There’s a little bias on it, but not heavily biased. All in all, it is a good listen worth of anybody's time.

In Depth. Insightful. Informative. Interesting.

Mike Florio does a great job of telling you the rest of the story a la, Paul Harvey. I didn't agree with all of his opinions but I understand why he has them. The only drawback I have about his, all owners are greedy s.o.bs. perspective is, he doesn't really hold players to the same scrutiny despite, doing a petty masterful job of pinpointing many of the player's off-field scandals. Great book!