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
Paper Lion summary
George Plimpton
Brief summary
Paper Lion by George Plimpton is a captivating sports memoir that takes readers inside the world of professional football. With humor and honesty, Plimpton shares his experiences as a "last-string" quarterback for the Detroit Lions, offering a unique perspective on the game.
Topics
Table of Contents
Paper Lion
Summary of key ideas
The Journey of a Journalist Turned Football Player
In Paper Lion, George Plimpton, a journalist and editor, embarks on a unique adventure. He convinces the Detroit Lions to let him join their training camp as a quarterback to gain first-hand experience of professional football. The book takes us through his journey from a journalist to a temporary player, offering a rare and honest look at the life of an NFL athlete.
Plimpton's initial excitement quickly turns into anxiety as he realizes the enormity of the challenge. The book captures his struggle to keep up with the rigorous training, his fear of getting injured, and the constant pressure of performing in front of the team and the coaches. He shares his insecurities and self-doubts, making the narrative deeply personal and relatable.
Insight into the World of Professional Football
As Plimpton immerses himself in the world of the Detroit Lions, he provides us with fascinating insights into the game of football and the lives of the players. He describes the complex strategies and tactics employed by the team, the physical and mental toll the game takes on the players, and the intense competition for spots on the team roster.
Plimpton also sheds light on the camaraderie and rivalries among the players, the relationships between the athletes and the coaches, and the role of the media in shaping the public perception of the game. His observations are astute and his prose engaging, painting a vivid picture of the football world in the 1960s.
The Unforgettable Game
The most memorable part of Paper Lion is the preseason game against the champion team, the St. Louis Cardinals. Plimpton, who has been practicing with the Lions but has never played a professional game, gets the chance to take the field. His description of the game is gripping, capturing the adrenaline, chaos, and excitement of the moment.
Despite his lack of experience, Plimpton manages to complete a few passes, earning the respect of his teammates and the admiration of the crowd. The game serves as the climax of his football adventure, and he reflects on the experience with a mix of pride, humility, and gratitude.
Reflections on the Experience
As the training camp comes to an end, Plimpton reflects on his unique experience. He acknowledges the physical and mental toughness required to play professional football, and the dedication and sacrifice of the athletes. He also appreciates the sense of camaraderie and teamwork that binds the players together, despite the cutthroat competition.
In the end, Paper Lion is not just a sports memoir but a meditation on the nature of competition, the pursuit of excellence, and the human spirit. Plimpton's honest and self-deprecating narrative makes it clear that he never intended to prove himself as a football player, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of the game and the people who play it.
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 Paper Lion about?
Paper Lion is a non-fiction book by George Plimpton that takes readers inside the world of professional American football. Plimpton, a journalist and self-proclaimed "participatory journalist," joins the Detroit Lions as a third-string quarterback during their training camp. Through his humorous and insightful storytelling, he provides a unique and entertaining look at the inner workings of the NFL.
Paper Lion Review
Paper Lion by George Plimpton (1966) invites readers into the world of professional football through the eyes of the author as he immerses himself in the game by joining the Detroit Lions' training camp. Here's why this book is worth delving into:
- Featuring humorous anecdotes and insights into the players' lives, it offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the sport.
- The book showcases the challenges faced by a non-athlete in a professional sports environment, providing a fresh perspective.
- Through Plimpton's engaging narrative and witty observations, the book ensures an entertaining and enjoyable read from start to finish.
Who should read Paper Lion?
Football enthusiasts looking for an inside look at the sport
Readers interested in sports journalism and the behind-the-scenes of professional athletes
Those who enjoy humorous and engaging storytelling
Categories with Paper Lion
Book summaries like Paper Lion
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
Paper Lion FAQs
What is the main message of Paper Lion?
The main message of Paper Lion is the unique experience of an amateur participating in professional football.
How long does it take to read Paper Lion?
Reading Paper Lion takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Paper Lion a good book? Is it worth reading?
Paper Lion is a captivating read due to its insightful look into the world of pro football. Definitely worth it.
Who is the author of Paper Lion?
George Plimpton is the author of Paper Lion.
What to read after Paper Lion?
If you're wondering what to read next after Paper Lion, 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