Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton
Walter Payton's premature passing forced a rethinking of his  autobiography that completely sidesteps the self-importance that dominates  sports memoirs in general.Never Die Easyisn't a traditional  autobiography at all. It's an oral history disguised as autobiography that  relates the saga of the most exquisite running back in NFL history through an  interweaving of Payton's words and the words of those who knew him, with  necessary transitions and narrative bridged by his collaborator. The result is  an appealing hybrid that mirrors Payton's quiet modesty. "He had not just been a  great football player," writes Yaeger, "he had been a role model in an age when  role models were in short supply."The Payton that emerges is a man of great skill, decency, passion, and charity:  a man beloved. Naturally, there's lots of football inNever Die Easy--the  title comes from a saying of Payton's college coach--with eyewitness testimony  provided by the likes of Mike Ditka, Mike Singletary, Jim McMahon, Franco  Harris, Matt Suhey, and even Jim Brown, whose career rushing record Payton  leaped over. But there is also lots of family: the voices of his wife, children,  brother, and sister are heard.But mostly, there is Walter Payton. It's his own unmistakably high-pitched voice  that resonates throughout; he sets down the melody and the others harmonize.  Payton was certainly astute about the game and his abilities, forthcoming both  in triumph and failure--his unsuccessful attempt at winning the NFL franchise in  St. Louis was a terrible post-career blow--and utterly decent. How many other  superstar athletes could say, convincingly, "Too many of us only take. We don't  give." Payton gave to the end--a man who died for want of an organ was willing  and eager to donate his own. It was the ultimate testimony of his refined,  unforgettable Sweetness.Never Die Easyoffers a fair, honest,  appreciative taste.--Jeff Silverman--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.