The Toe

The Lou Groza Story

by Lou Groza

  • Format: Softcover, 128 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Illustrations: 24 black-and-white photographs
  • ISBN: 978-1-886228-80-1
  • Price: $12.95
Description

Back in print, with a new design. Lou “ The Toe” Groza played for the Cleveland Browns longer than anyone (1946-1967), becoming a beloved football icon along the way. His autobiography vividly recalls a golden age of professional football that spans the sport's most important formative years. Filled with great personal anecdotes about fellow Browns legends like Jim Brown, Paul Brown, and Otto Graham. Groza was a gentleman in a rough game; he tells his story with warmth and humor.

Book Excerpt:
A Cleveland Brown

The Browns also benefited from my kickoffs, which usually soared long and deep and into or near the end zone. (My strategy on a kickoff was always the same— to try to kick the ball out of the end zone so that it could not be returned.) This feature of the kicking game provided the Browns with great field position, because our stingy defense often forced the opposition to punt from deep in their own territory.

Paul Brown directed me to kick field goals to a greater degree than anyone had before, and because I was regularly either breaking or establishing new placekicking records, I soon captured the attention of fans and sportswriters. One local writer, James E. Doyle of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, originated my enduring nickname, “ The Toe,” in 1946, our first year. Doyle first tried the rhyme “ Lou the Toza” with “ Groza” . Then he compressed this expression to “ The Toe.”

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Reviews
Akin to Groza sitting down and telling stories around the campfire. And during his 21 years as a Cleveland Brown, Groza acquired many great stories to tell . . . not only is a wonderful chance for those who were around when Groza played to reflect fondly on those times, but it also is an excellent opportunity for any fan of the game to learn more about the formative years of the sport. — Maple Heights Press
A great read for Browns fans, buckeye fans and football fans in general. It's a great look at the greatest dynasty in NFL history . . . As the current Browns team struggles, it is helpful to remember the proud history of this team--and this book does a great job of that. — clevelandseniors.com
About Lou Groza
Lou Groza

Lou Groza was an offensive lineman and place-kicker for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-1967 including the last championship team in 1964. More About Lou Groza

Contains References to:

100 Greatest Football Players, 1954 Player of the Year, Cleveland Browns, Dick Schafrath, Football Hall of Fame, Jim Brown, Jim Tressel, John Wooton, Legendary Kicker, Lou Groza Rule, Municipal Stadium, NFL, Ohio State Buckeyes, Paul Brown, Sporting News,

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