Did you know that the University of Illinois was home to perhaps the most dominant football player of his day? Or that the Illini have won multiple national championships? Or that the Chicago Bears under George Halas were within months of bankruptcy in the early days of the league?
I wasn't aware of any of this, which made this book, The The First Star by Lars Anderson, such a fascinating read. It is the story of Red Grange, a boy who grew up in Wheaton, IL and became the most dominant football player of his day, and an athlete whose stardom briefly equalled that of Babe Ruth. Known as the "Galloping Ghost," Grange was a superstar at the University of Illinois, and his hiring by and promotion of the upstart Chicago Bears is perhaps the most influential reason for the popularity of professional football in the United States today.
If you are a fan of football, the Illini, or the Bears, I recommend this as a compelling read. John H.
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