Newton's Football: The Science Behind America's Game

St. John (columnist, Skiing magazine; Skiing for Dummies) and self-described "science evangelist" Ramirez (formerly mechanical engineering, Yale Univ.) offer a history of the evolution of football as interpreted through scientific concepts. For example, Sam Wyche's development of the no-huddle offense is seen in light of chaos theory, and the shifting pressure and coverage schemes of the zone blitz are likened to Werner Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. The authors interviewed coaches, former players, scientists, and engineers and use these to drive the narrative. While the football discussion is lacking nuance at times, as in the history of kickers or the apparent simplicity of Vince Lombardi's offense, the overriding theme of the book is how much serious thought is inherent in the game, leading to constant adjustments. The issue of safety is a running topic: the authors acknowledge the challenges, e.g., related to concussions, faced by football today but remain optimistic about its future because of the likelihood of better helmets, improved ways of tackling, and new strategic advances to make the game safer.