"There have been other books about football and concussions, but none quite like this. In Vicki Mayk's hands, the tragic story of Owen Thomas is simultaneously a cautionary tale about playing the game and a love letter to a sport that means so much to so many young players. Deftly walking that fine line, Mayk produces a main character you won't soon forget." --John Eisenberg, author of The League: How Rivals Created the NFL and Launched a Sports Empire "The case of Owen Thomas will rock your world and break your heart. For critics of football, Growing Up on the Gridiron is a vital story to know and share widely. For lovers of football, you have a responsibility to read this book. We must put our heads in the sand no longer, because Owen's story demonstrates to us all what is truly at stake." --Dave Zirin, sports editor, The Nation "Vicki Mayk's compelling book should be a wake-up call for all involved in youth football--coaches, parents, and players.

Not a predictable diatribe, Growing Up on the Gridiron is beautifully written and nuanced yet completely frightening for those concerned about our children's brains." --Mark Hyman, author of Until It Hurts: America's Obsession with Youth Sports and How It Harms Our Kids "During his brief, spectacular life, Owen Thomas was a devoted son and brother, a beloved and empathetic friend, and a brilliant, ferocious UPenn football captain. Writing with a brisk, fluent style, Mayk depicts his tragic demise in this deeply researched and poignant story with admirable candor and compassion." --J. Michael Lennon, author of Norman Mailer: A Double Life "Eloquently written, Growing Up on the Gridiron is a journey inside the unbreakable bonds of football brotherhood and the brains of an extraordinary player. A must-read for every parent whose son is contemplating football and every school that puts young men on the field . The real touchdown is confronting gaps in how society can help boys become happier and healthier men." --Warren Farrell, PhD, author of The Boy Crisis.