Play Book Tag discussion

by Ben Utecht 3.5 stars rounded up to 4


"I now understand that our existence as human beings lies in our ability to remember. Everything that matters about our identities - our very sense of self - comes from our memories. We may live in the present, but that doesn't last. Every moment quickly slips into the stream of short-term memory and journeys toward the ocean that is the long-term memory center of the brain. There our memories take root, shaping us, refining us, defining who we are. We are the culmination of all we have experienced, all we have thought and read and believed, all we have loved. We are living memories. Without memories we cease to be ourselves. In a very real way we cease to be." (Pg. 9)

Ben Utecht played five years in the NFL for not the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals, winning a coveted ring Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLI. Yet throughout his college and professional career he suffered five documented concussions and untold undocumented ones, often referred to as "getting his bell rung." The concussions eventually took their toll and he now lives with permanent decreased memories and cognitive abilities.

If you are a football fan or the parent of a sports participant this is a must read. There has been a much more focused spotlight by the NFL and former players. But Ben brings a personal touch with the fullness of his story. It's a poignant memoir about faith, love, and appreciating each moment with with the ones you love.

A could of items to note, however. I thought from the subtitle, "A Letter To My Family," is a bit misleading. I expected this to be structured as an epistolary form. The letter comes in the last chapter. Up until that point it is a recounting of his experience in football programs. Secondly, faith is at the core of Ben's life. If discussion of faith bothers you this is not the work for you. It isn't didactic in nature. In fact, while being a Christian myself I don't align with his interpretation of the manifestation of God's power in our lives, but it didn't take away from my appreciation of the story