Book Review: "1961: A Sensational Season" by T.J. Troup

By John Turney

Ten years ago and in-depth review about NFL football in the 1950s was written called, "The Birth of Football's Modern 4-3 Defense: The Seven Seasons That Changed the NFL"

The author was T. J. Troup was -- one of the foremost historians of professional football -- and it was a team-by-team and year-by-year analysis of players, offensive and defensive systems as well as key games for the teams.

It was really groundbreaking. And informative. And amazingly detailed.

Well now there is a follow-up to that book and it follows the same informative format. It is called "1961: A Sensational Season"

And it's excellent.

Want to know who the starters were for the 1961 San Diego Chargers? It's in the book. And you'll learn that players of that era would play multiple positions in a year and sometimes they were not written about at the time or in previous books.

Want to know the most significant game of the season for the Detroit Lions? Read the book and you'll find out.

Troup, through watching film, was able to glean such details and now shares them with ardent football fans.

The book offers an in-depth recount of one of the most transformative years in professional football history. With meticulous research and a deep understanding of the game, Troup brings to life the pivotal events and characters of the 1961 NFL and AFL seasons. This book is not only a reflection on a single season but also a snapshot of an era when professional football was evolving into the modern game we know today.

Want to know what offensive scheme the St. Louis Cardinals used in 1961? It is in the book. Or perhaps you want to know what the Houston Oilers's offense under George Blanda was doing? It's it's in the book.

It is significant because teams -- especially AFL teams -- didn't use just one. And by reading "1961: A Sensational Season" you not only learn who did what but also who might have changed their position to accommodate those kinds of back-and-forths.

It is a straightforward, logical style that delivers information you'll learn nowhere else because Troup, a personal friend of the late Steve Sabol was able to study films most folks never see.

Studying games of the golden age of football is Troup's passion and it shows. 

Boy, does it.

Troup sets the stage by providing an overview of the early 1960s and the state of professional football. The NFL, a well-established league, was gaining prominence, while the AFL, which had just been created in 1960, was still struggling for legitimacy. 

One of the book's standout features is its focus on the people behind the game and the season.

Troup provides in-depth profiles of iconic figures from the 1961 season, such as Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers and Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns. He also highlights the critical contributions of players like Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, and Jim Brown.

Troup is careful not to bog down the reader with technical jargon yet still explains.strategies employed, the game plans, and the key plays are accessible to both seasoned football fans and newcomers alike. 

T.J. Troup’s writing style is both informative and engaging. His deep knowledge of football history shines through. The book is packed with facts, stats, as well as breakdowns.

While the book is highly detailed, it remains accessible because Troup is careful not to alienate readers who may not be as familiar with the finer points of football strategy -- making this book suitable for both football historians and casual fans. There is a little something for both

For football enthusiasts and sports historians alike Troup's writing captures 1961 in professional football with depth and precision. Whether you are a long-time fan of the game or a newcomer curious about its history, this book offers a rich and insightful look into one of the sport's most exciting periods.

Where to Get it:

Right now the book is only available through the author an sells for $24.95 plus shipping. He can be contacted at zeuglodon446@gmail.com.

About the Author"

Troup is a former collegiate and high school football coach and has written articles for American Football Coaches Monthly, Pro Football Journal and was the football coordinator/consultant to George Clooney for the film Leatherheads. Troup is the author of "This Day in Football" which was published in 2009