Peter Schrager

Following a stellar career as an NFL linebacker, O. J. Brigance joined the Baltimore Ravens' front office. But in 2007, O. J. was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis--also known as Lou Gehrig's disease--and given only three to five years to live. As a player, he'd battled hundreds of setbacks, but none prepared him for this. With faith and determination in his heart and his wife, Chanda, praying by his side, O. J. fought back against the debilitating disease, even as ALS robbed him of the ability to walk and speak. He kept working, smiling, and touching players' lives all the way to the Ravens' victory at Super Bowl XLVII in 2013--more than five years after his diagnosis. Now, O. J. shares his incredible story, offering lessons in resilience and reflecting on the team that inspired him in turn. With insights into the Ravens' dynamics from the best seat in the house, O. J. highlights their perseverance, confidence, and leadership, the best that sports can bring out in people. Full of profound revelations and anecdotes, Strength of a Champion is a celebration of the human spirit from a man who left everything on the field.

"Puede parecer que sal de la nada. Pero mi camino fue largo, agitado, lleno de obst culos, e incluso de algunas calles sin salida. He perdido familiares. He perdido amigos. Incluso perd mi camino. Cuando toque a lo que parec a ser el fondo, me di cuenta de que ten a una responsabilidad con todos los que cre an en m y en los chicos como yo, que solo necesitan una oportunidad y algo en que creer."--del epilogo de Momento de Gloria Victor Cruz, amplio receptor, batidor de varios y ganador del Super Bowl, es mejor conocido por sus jugadas explosivas y celebrar los touchdowns bailando salsa. Aunque su mete rico ascenso en la NFL parec a ser resultado de un a o m gico, en realidad fue el trabajo de toda una vida.