Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
A Few Seconds of Panic summary
Stefan Fatsis
Brief summary
A Few Seconds of Panic by Stefan Fatsis takes readers inside the world of professional football, as the author trains with the Denver Broncos as a placekicker. It offers a unique perspective on the mental and physical challenges of the game.
Topics
Table of Contents
A Few Seconds of Panic
Summary of key ideas
The Journey to the NFL
In A Few Seconds of Panic, Stefan Fatsis, a journalist and author, takes us on a unique journey into the world of professional American football. Fatsis' adventure starts with a seemingly casual conversation with his friend, Jason Elam, the placekicker for the Denver Broncos. This conversation sparks an idea in Fatsis' mind - to immerse himself in the world of NFL placekicking, the most specialized and often underappreciated position in football.
Fatsis' initial plan is to write a book about the modern NFL placekicker, but he quickly realizes that to truly understand the position, he must experience it firsthand. He convinces the Broncos' management to let him train with the team as a placekicker, despite his lack of professional experience, athleticism, and age (Fatsis is in his mid-30s at the time).
The Grind of NFL Training
What follows is a grueling and often hilarious account of Fatsis' transformation from a middle-aged journalist into a professional athlete. He describes his intense training regimen, the physical and mental challenges he faces, and the constant pressure to perform at an elite level. He also chronicles his interactions with the players and coaches, giving us a rare glimpse into the inner workings of an NFL team.
Despite the initial skepticism and amusement from the players, Fatsis earns their respect through his dedication and willingness to endure the same punishing routines they do. He also provides valuable insights into the psychology of placekicking, emphasizing the immense pressure and mental strength required for this seemingly simple act of kicking a ball through the goalposts.
Game Day Realities
As the season progresses, Fatsis' focus shifts from training to the actual game days. He vividly describes his experiences on the sidelines during games, the intense emotions, and the critical role of placekickers in determining the outcome of matches. Fatsis also delves into the statistical and strategic aspects of placekicking, highlighting the complex decision-making processes that go into every field goal or extra point attempt.
Throughout his journey, Fatsis maintains a self-deprecating sense of humor, often poking fun at his own lack of athletic prowess and the absurdity of his situation. However, his narrative also carries a deep respect for the sport and the individuals who dedicate their lives to it, including the often overlooked placekickers.
Insights and Reflections
In the latter part of A Few Seconds of Panic, Fatsis reflects on his unique experience. He discusses the physical toll his training has taken on his body, the mental fortitude required to perform under pressure, and the profound sense of camaraderie and brotherhood he has witnessed within the Broncos' locker room.
In conclusion, Fatsis' journey as an NFL placekicker provides us with a rare and fascinating perspective on the world of professional football. His narrative is not just a personal adventure, but also a deep dive into the intricacies of a sport that captivates millions of fans. Ultimately, A Few Seconds of Panic is a testament to the dedication, sacrifice, and sheer grit required to succeed in the high-stakes world of American football.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is A Few Seconds of Panic about?
A Few Seconds of Panic by Stefan Fatsis is a gripping account of the author's journey to become a professional NFL kicker. Fatsis takes us behind the scenes, sharing his intense training and the mental and physical challenges he faces. Through his personal experience, he provides a unique perspective on the world of American football and the dedication required to succeed in this high-pressure environment.
A Few Seconds of Panic Review
A Few Seconds of Panic (2008) by Stefan Fatsis offers an inside look into the world of professional American football from a unique perspective. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- It sheds light on the physical and mental demands faced by athletes in one of the most intense sports, providing a new appreciation for their dedication.
- The book delves into the unseen challenges behind the scenes of football, uncovering the grit and determination required to succeed in the NFL.
- With its engaging storytelling and eye-opening revelations, it guarantees a captivating journey through the highs and lows of professional sports.
Who should read A Few Seconds of Panic?
Football fans who want to understand the mental and physical challenges of playing in the NFL
Aspiring athletes who are curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of professional sports
Readers interested in personal growth and pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone
Categories with A Few Seconds of Panic
Book summaries like A Few Seconds of Panic
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
A Few Seconds of Panic FAQs
What is the main message of A Few Seconds of Panic?
The main message of A Few Seconds of Panic is the inside look into an NFL team's culture and challenges.
How long does it take to read A Few Seconds of Panic?
Reading A Few Seconds of Panic takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is A Few Seconds of Panic a good book? Is it worth reading?
A Few Seconds of Panic is a compelling read due to its unique perspective on the complexities of professional football.
Who is the author of A Few Seconds of Panic?
Stefan Fatsis is the author of A Few Seconds of Panic.
What to read after A Few Seconds of Panic?
If you're wondering what to read next after A Few Seconds of Panic, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz