Author, Richard C. Crepeau, of NFL Football: A History of America’s New National Pastime , NFL Centennial Edition answers questions about his inspirations, discoveries and dispels myths about sports. You can read his Q&A for the first edition here.
Q: Why did you decide to write this book?
With the 50th Anniversary of the NFL it seemed that an update of the first edition was in order.
Q: Who were your biggest influences?
Michael Oriard, David Harris, Michael MacCambridge, and Craig Coenen who were authors of major histories of the NFL.
Q: What is the most interesting discovery you made while researching and writing your book?
It is not really a discovery so much as a confirmation of the power of the NFL over the media that covers it, especially television.
Q: What myths do you hope your book will dispel or what do you hope your book will help readers unlearn?
The myth that sports builds character and the owners of the NFL are sportsmen and not businessmen.
Q: What is the most important idea you hope readers will take away from your book?
The idea that the NFL is not so much about football as it is about business and power.
Q: What do you like to read/watch/or listen to for fun?
Baseball, Hockey, Ballet, classical music, and jazz.
