Illinois State Redbirds Football - by Dan Verdun (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This first-ever history of the Illinois State University football program chronicles Redbird legends and lore, from the 1880s team to today's Missouri Valley Football Conference powerhouse. Dan Verdun covers the early years (1887 to World War II) and the post-war era (late 1940s to 1950s) before delving into a decade-by-decade examination of the program. The 1950 Corn Bowl team, playoff appearances, NFL draft picks, and the 2014 team's second-place finish in the FCS National Championship are all included.

Opening with a foreword by James "Boomer" Grigsby, an ISU all-American linebacker who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2005, Illinois State Redbirds Football includes many names that will be familiar to Illinois State fans, including Frank Chiodi, Guy Homoly, Kevin Glenn, Laurent Robinson, Brock Spack, and Tre Roberson. Informed by extensive research and personal interviews, Verdun relays the inside stories of several players and explores the details of where they came from, how they arrived at ISU, what they accomplished on the playing field, and the paths their lives took after graduation. This engaging account retells the greatest moments in ISU Redbirds history with fresh new insight. It will appeal to ISU fans and alumni, and those fascinated by sports history and the history of the region will also find much of interest in this comprehensive volume.

Review Quotes

"The long and storied history of Illinois State football is captured in fascinating detail in Dan Verdun's new book. The tales of the exploits of players such as Dennis Nelson, Mike Prior, Boomer Grigsby, and Marshaun Coprich transport us through the years of Redbird football."
--Randy Reinhardt, Pantagraph beat writer and ISU alumnus

"Coach Brock Spack has created a new golden age for the Redbirds through successful teams, national recognition, and renewed excitement at Hancock Stadium, while his program is producing NFL talent. The Redbirds aren't just respected in the Missouri Valley Conference, they're known nationally across the FCS."
--Craig Haley, STATS FCS senior editor

"Dan Verdun picked the right time to chronicle more than a century of Illinois State football history, culminating in an oh-so-close quest for a national title that fell a heartbreaking 30 seconds shy. Dan has written a compelling book, one that will appeal to every Redbirds fan."
--Roger Cushman, former ISU media relations director and ISU alumnus

About the Author

Dan Verdun is a sports historian/journalist based in Naperville, Illinois. He is the author of Northern Illinois Huskies Football and Eastern Illinois Panthers Football.