Peter King, a longtime contributor to NFL analysis and a former Sports Illustrated writer, has released a new book titled "The Game." The book chronicles the evolution of American football from the 1980s to the present day, covering 40 chapters that delve into significant moments and figures across four decades of the sport.
"The Game" explores various aspects of NFL history, from individual player careers to the resurgence of franchises like the New York Giants and the final years of influential figures such as Bill Walsh and Al Davis. The narrative aims to provide a comprehensive look at the league's growth into a dominant cultural force.
Within the book, King presents a "Mount Rushmore" of Pro Football, identifying individuals he considers most significant in shaping the league. This ranking has generated discussion, particularly regarding the placement of coaching icons Bill Belichick and Don Shula.
King ranked Bill Belichick, who holds the record for most Super Bowl championships by a coach, at No. 24 on his list. Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history and the leader of the league's only undefeated Super Bowl team, was placed outside King's top 25.
King explained his methodology, stating that his rankings focus on individuals who were most instrumental in making the NFL the dominant sport it is today. He cited figures like former commissioners Joe Carr, Pete Rozelle, and influential owners Lamar Hunt and George Halas as being among the most significant historical figures. He also included legendary coach Vince Lombardi and broadcaster John Madden in his top 10.
King acknowledged that while Shula's undefeated season with the Miami Dolphins in 1972 was an extraordinary accomplishment, he questioned what other contributions Shula made to the game beyond his win total that would warrant a higher placement. He contrasted this with individuals like Madden and Lombardi, whose broader contributions to the sport he felt were more extensive.
Despite the debate over specific rankings, the book itself has been noted for its ability to spark such conversations about football history. King, who served as a Pro Football Hall of Fame selector for many years, also reportedly believes that Belichick should have been a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee, indicating he is not inherently against the former Patriots coach's legacy.