Soldiers First

A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into a year of Army football at the US Military Academy at Westpoint, from the New York Times–bestselling author of Our Boys.

“A portrait of passion and purpose.” —The Boston Globe

To be a football player at the US Military Academy is a formidable commitment, on top of an Ivy League–caliber education and year-round military training. After graduation, these young men are not going to the NFL but to danger zones halfway around the world. They are not simply football players—they are soldiers first.

New York Times sportswriter Joe Drape takes us inside the world of Army football, as the Black Knights and their coach, Rich Ellerson, seek to turn around the team’s fortunes and “sing second” at the Army-Navy game. His inspiring account shows how these admirable young men learn crucial lessons that will resonate throughout their lives—and ours.

“A can’t-miss book for Army fans and anyone with a general interest in life at the service academies.” —MilitaryTimes.com

“The story of how football was once played, and should be today. Most of the elite players in college football would not last two weeks at West Point—marching before dawn, competing academically on an Ivy League level, and sleepwalking to football practice. A tremendous story.” —Jim Bent, New York Times–bestselling author of The Junction Boys