Football Stars Up Close

Fans and teammates alike know Rob Gronkowski as "Gronk." The fun-loving NFL tight end grew up with four energetic brothers, playing football from an early age. After sharpening his football skills in high school and college, Gronk was chosen by the New England Patriots in the 2010 NFL draft. However, despite an amazing rookie season, a series of injuries threatened to end Gronk's NFL career. He wondered if he would ever return to the field. Fortunately, Gronk worked hard and overcame his injuries. He even helped lead the Patriots to victory against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX (49)! In Rob Gronkowski, young readers get a close-up view of the famous tight end's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for the University of Arizona, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Gronk on through his amazing career.

Troy Polamalu is an unstoppable force--with incredible hair. Considered to be one of the best defensive players in the NFL, Troy uses his incredible speed, agility, and strength to intercept passes and tackle opponents. Troy has helped bring his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, to two Super Bowl championships. Even though life hasn't always been easy for this superstar, no obstacle could stop Troy from rising to football fame. In Troy Polamalu, young readers get a close-up view of this defensive player's inspiring journey from his childhood in California and Oregon, through his college years at the University of Southern California, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Troy through his amazing career.

Nobody was surprised when the Washington Redskins chose Robert Griffin III as the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The starting quarterback's amazing speed and strong arm were already well known. However, during Robert's first season, the Redskins struggled. The young quarterback, known by his fans as RGIII, never gave up, though. Despite suffering from a recurring injury, he was able to lead his team to a late-season comeback and a spot in the playoffs! In Robert Griffin III, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in Texas, through his college years at Baylor University, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Robert through his amazing career.

When Tony Romo joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2003, few people thought he'd become a superstar. During his first three years, he was stuck being a backup quarterback, sitting on the sidelines most of the time instead of playing on the field. That changed in 2006 when Tony's coach decided it was time to see if he had what it takes to lead his team to victory. Would this hometown hero be able to make it in the NFL? In Tony Romo, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in Wisconsin, through his college years at Eastern Illinois University, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Tony through his amazing career.

Today, J.J. Watt is a record-setting NFL defensive player for the Houston Texans. Before that, his job was delivering pizzas! J.J. grew up loving football, and played the game every chance he got. At the University of Wisconsin, J.J. worked hard at his pizza delivery job to pay for college, and also worked hard to excel on the school's football team. J.J.'s hard work paid off. After graduating from college, he was chosen by the Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Fans love to watch J.J. sack quarterbacks and catch interceptions. He's even been named the NFL Defensive Player of Year in both 2012 and 2014! In J.J. Watt, young readers get a close-up view of the famous defensive player's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for both Central Michigan University and the University of Wisconsin, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer J.J. on through his amazing career.

On November 23, 2014, the New York Giants faced the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Eli Manning threw the ball toward Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants' rookie wide receiver leaped backward into the end zone-and caught the ball with one hand! Many people consider it the greatest catch in NFL history. Yet, that amazing catch was just part of Odell's rise to the top ranks of NFL wide receivers. The young star showed extraordinary talent from an early age, and his sports-loving family encouraged him to pursue his NFL dream. After Odell graduated from Louisiana State University, the New York Giants chose him in the 2014 NFL draft. Since then, Odell has overcome a leg injury to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year! In Odell Beckham Jr., young readers get a close-up view of the famous wide receiver's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for Louisiana State University, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Odell on through his amazing career.

As a kid, Russell Wilson loved playing sports--especially football. However, the quarterback was often told that he was too short to ever be in the NFL. Even though he never grew taller than 5 feet 11 inches, Russell worked harder than anyone else on the field. In college, he impressed fans and coaches with his amazing skills. He had a rocket for an arm, made few mistakes, and always stayed cool under pressure. The Seattle Seahawks drafted him in 2012, and in the next season, he led his new team to a blowout victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII (48)! In Russell Wilson, young readers get a close-up view of the famous quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for both North Carolina State University and the University of Wisconsin, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Russell on through his amazing career.

Ever since he was a little boy, Colin Kaepernick dreamed of being a star player for his favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers. That dream came true when the Niners drafted him as their backup quarterback. Colin didn't have to wait long to show his fans he had what it takes to be a leader. In only his second year in the NFL, Colin became the starting quarterback for the 49ers and led his team all the way to the Super Bowl! In Colin Kaepernick, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in California, through his college years at the University of Nevada, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Colin through his amazing career.

From his earliest days on the field, quarterback Andrew Luck's incredible skills and quick thinking have set him on a path to becoming a champion player. After graduating from Stanford University, Andrew was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts as the very first pick of the 2012 NFL draft. During his rookie season, he ran, passed, and handed off the football for a total gain of 4,374 yards (4,000 m). This was more than any other rookie quarterback in NFL history! Since then, Andrew has continued to dazzle fans, never missing an opportunity to help his team score the winning touchdown. In Andrew Luck, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years at Stanford University, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Andrew through his amazing career.

Football fans love Richard Sherman's big personality. The NFL cornerback talks a big game--and backs up his words with amazing defensive skills. In 2011, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Richard. Since then, the young star has had more interceptions than any other NFL player, proving that he's one of the best cornerbacks in the league. In February 2014, he even helped Seattle win their first ever Super Bowl title, with a 43-8 blowout over the Denver Broncos. In Richard Sherman, young readers get a close-up view of the famous cornerback's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for Stanford University, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Richard on through his amazing career.

Tom Brady's football career got off to a rocky start. Few colleges offered the quarterback a chance to play. During the 2000 NFL draft, Tom wasn't even chosen until the sixth round. But Tom refused to be defeated. When the New England Patriots finally selected him to join their team, Tom knew he had a lot to prove. Could he lead his team to Super Bowl success and show the world that he was a shining star? In Tom Brady, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in California, through his college years at the University of Michigan, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Tom through his amazing career.

Quarterback Peyton Manning has become one of the most successful players in the NFL. Growing up in a football family, he showed extraordinary talent from a young age. In high school, he became the biggest star on his football team. After graduating from University of Tennessee, Peyton was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts as the very first pick of the 1998 NFL draft. He led the Colts to multiple Super Bowl appearances and has been named MVP more than four times! Since then, despite a neck injury, Peyton has continued to be a superstar player and impress fans. In Peyton Manning, young readers get a close-up view of the famous quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood, through his college years playing for the University of Tennessee, and then all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer Peyton on through his amazing career.

After quarterback Drew Brees suffered a devastating injury on the field in 2005, fans wondered whether he'd be able to make a comeback. Not only did Drew bounce back, he came back stronger than ever. Drew catapulted to the top of his game, carrying the New Orleans Saints to playoff wins--and all the way to a Super Bowl victory! In Drew Brees, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in Texas, through his college years at Purdue University, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Drew through his amazing career.

Could Aaron Rodgers prove to Green Bay Packers' fans that he was a great quarterback? Or would he always remain in Brett Favre's shadow? Aaron desperately wanted to show the world that he, too, was capable of dominating the field. And he knew exactly what he needed to do: play harder, stronger, and faster. Would he be able to achieve these goals--and at the same time lead his team to a Super Bowl championship? In Aaron Rodgers, young readers get a close-up view of the quarterback's inspiring journey from his childhood in California, through his college years at the University of California, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Aaron through his amazing career.

Running back Adrian Peterson knows what it's like to be a champion. From his earliest days on the field, Adrian put in the extra effort to become a superstar player. As a rookie, Adrian rushed for 296 yards (271 m), setting a new NFL record! From that point on, Adrian continued to dazzle fans, never missing an opportunity to speed down the field and help his team score the winning touchdown. In Adrian Peterson, young readers get a close-up view of the running back's inspiring journey from his childhood in Texas, through his college years at the University of Oklahoma, all the way to NFL stardom. Large, full-color photos paired with engaging, simple text will keep sports fans on the edge of their seats as they cheer on Adrian through his amazing career.