By John Turney 
Joe Zagorski's newest book Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (but True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley is a wild story.
When you think of Bill Bradley, you probably think of the former New York Knicks' star ... and rightly so. He not only was a Hall-of-Fame player; he was an accomplished U.S. Senator. But there was another Bill Bradley ... also accomplished ... who deserves to be recognized.
Fortunately, he has been.
Joe Zagorski's newest book. "Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (but True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley," chronicles the wild story of a football legend best remembered for his accomplishments on the field, his larger-than-life personality and a unique path in the sport.
A wishbone quarterback at the University of Texas, Bradley became an All-Pro free safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the league in interceptions for two straight seasons while also serving as the team's punter and holder for placekicks -- basically, a do-it-all kind of player.
But he was much more than that.
His career unfolded in 1969 in an era when the NFL still resisted players who dared to break the mold. But it couldn't resist Bill Bradley. He was among the first players to grow long hair and a bushy mustache and who, as a Texas high-school player, stood up for civil rights and fair treatment of his black teammates.
Later, after joining the Eagles, he was one of the first NFL players to hold out for more money. Plus, in an age where drug usage was more and more commonplace, he refused to give in -- vowing that he was "never taking any kind of drug."
And so he didn't.
The book is a character study into the makeup of a truly iconoclastic athlete. Beyond statistics, it delves into the emotional rollercoaster of Bradley's career ... the ups and downs of injuries ... and his path from a winning collegiate team to a second-division NFL club.
Drawing from extensive interviews, Zagorski brings his story to life with enthusiasm, capturing Bradley's quirks and rebellious spirit -- both of which are evident in some of the book's most entertaining moments. The narrative also covers the evolving dynamics of professional sports, highlighting the team politics and personal sacrifices that come with such a high-stakes career.
Mostly, however, the book sheds light on the harsh realities players faced in Bradley's era (1969-77), from the lack of guaranteed contracts to the uncertainty of injuries that often left them without support.
With an engaging writing style, Zagorski presents a human story, one that is both a product of its time and a timeless tale of a man who refused to fit the mold, choosing instead to forge his own path. At 304 pages, including 34 pages of notes, bibliography, and an index, "Free Spirit at Free Safety" is a compelling tribute to a true football maverick.
About the author:
Joe Zagorski is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Pro Football Researchers Association. His biography of former Philadelphia Eagles free safety Bill Bradley is his fifth book. It is published by Highlander Press out of Baltimore, Maryland. His sixth book, a biography of former Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame offensive guard Larry Little, will be released later in 2025.
Zagorski is also the coordinator of the Facebook page The NFL in the 1970s.
All of Zagorski’s pro football books are available on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites
The NFL in the 1970s: Pro Football's Most Important Decade
Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (but True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley
The 2,003-Yard Odyssey: The Juice, The Electric Company, and an Epic Run for a Record
The Year the Packers Came Back: Green Bay's 1972 Resurgence
America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier
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