Read by Michael Huyghue

Former collegiate star, sports agent, and NFL Executive Michael Huyghue recounts his journey in professional sports and shows how race and racism operate among the rich and the white and extend way beyond the NFL and the world of sports executives. With a deep, abiding love for sports, Huyghue chronicles his journey from childhood athletics to one of the highest-ranking black executives in the NFL. Huyghue reveals a bird's eye view of the inner workings of the exclusive inner sanctum of the NFL owners, players and management. The author's journey as an athlete and lawyer provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors in the world of professional sports and collegiate athletic programs. His story as a pioneer and a change agent is one of hope, triumph, setback and sheer perseverance that will resonate with any sports fan. It is a blueprint-marked by wry humor and without bitterness -- to successfully navigate the journey that remains for minorities to succeed as front office executives in the multibillion-dollar sports industry. It is also a not often told chronicle of growing up black and male in white suburban America. While black athletes are ubiquitous on the playing field and front pages of tabloids, the challenge remains to gain true power in the multibillion-dollar sports industry. Huyghue details that struggle play by play. Michael Huyghue gained widespread prominence as the youngest and one of the first black general managers in professional football. He held a top leadership role in operations for the NFL owners and served as senior vice president for football operations of the start up NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars. (During the team's first five seasons he lead the club to more wins than any new franchise in the history of the NFL, including a remarkable two AFC Championship game appearances.) Huyghue's career also included stops at the Detroit Lions, the NFL Management Council and the NFL Players Association. A lawyer by training, Huyghue lectures extensively on professional sports and sports law. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where he was a star football player and is a former member of the board of trustees. Huyghue earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and is admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. "Michael is very unique in that he has strong leadership and business skills, yet totally understands football and in particular the coaches and players mentality. That unique blend of talent along with some real smarts made him a successful leader. He was not only a role model for minorities in the league but for all young front office people." -Jerry Glanville, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons "I enjoyed interacting and collaborating with Michael for many years -while he was with the NFL Management Council, the Detroit Lions and the Jacksonville Jaguars - and I always appreciated and valued his insights and observations - I am delighted that he has chosen to share his experiences and his thoughts in BEHIND THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE."-Amy Trask, author of Negotiate Like a Girl, ESPN anchor, and former CEO of the Oakland Raiders "Michael is unique in that he combines brilliant knowledge of the sports industry along with integrity and a sense of identity. Even now he motivates me to want to do more in my life both professionally and off the course." -Jim Thorpe, PGA and Champions Tour winner "Michael helped to guide not only my professional football career but my off the field life as well. He was not only my agent and business advisor but a close friend too." -Eric Crouch, former Heisman Trophy winner "Michael and I have been strong friends for more than 30 years since we graduated from Michigan Law School together. As classmates we dreamed about starting our own sports agency but Michael truly stood out, landing a job at the NFL, and beginning a journey that is far from over. We have maintained

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