What People Are Saying

“John U. Bacon went deep inside the world of college football, penetrating the locker room doors to meet some players you won’t forget and, most amazingly, learn the secrets coaches protect more fiercely than the CIA. By getting so close to the heart of the sport, Bacon reminds us what we love about our greatest game.”

John Saunders, Emmy-nominated studio host of ESPN and ABC College Football

“No one knows the Big Ten better than John U. Bacon, so it’s no surprise he picked the perfect football season to chronicle in his groundbreaking book, Fourth and Long. Bacon has written a riveting portrait of a watershed season in the most venerable college conference in the nation. The Big Ten is at the vortex of so many issues in college sports, and Bacon expertly covers them all.”

Christine Brennan, USA Today – Fourth and Long: The Fight for the Soul of College Football

“I wanted to send you a note of most sincere and enthusiastic gratitude for everything you did for us during your visit. To say I have heard a chorus of rave reviews ever since Wednesday night would be a gross understatement. From “your best lectureship ever” to “he hit it out of the park,” “touchdown” and “total home run,” I have been showered with positive calls, e mails and getting stopped by staff in the halls to tell me they were inspired, touched and re-energized by your remarks. We all felt very special and very privileged to be there…Again, from my heart, thank you!”

James Fahner, MD, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

“Absolutely wonderful. I hear my old friend in these pages, and his advice is just as direct as he was. Read it – and pay attention!”

Mike Wallace, 60 Minutes – Bo’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership

“John U. Bacon’s report on the weird world of college football is eye-opening, and occasionally jaw-dropping.”

George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist – Three and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines in the Crucible of College Football

“One of the most riveting nonfiction works I’ve read in years, in any genre. The eyewitness details from the locker room, the sidelines, and the most powerful offices on a college campus are breathtaking….John U. Bacon is one of the best reporters of my generation.”

David Shuster, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist – Three and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan Wolverines in the Crucible of College Football

“No person is more qualified to tell the story of the milestones and missteps in Michigan’s football programs than John Bacon, who has the sources, relationships and storytelling mastery to pull back the curtain at an institution where the curtain is thick. ENDZONE provides a fascinating view into a powerful and successful program that, for a while, lost its way.”

Joe Schad, ESPN College Football Insider – Endzone: The Rise, Fall, and Return of Michigan Football

“Jim Harbaugh always has been one of the most intriguing figures in all of football, the NFL or college. ENDZONE brings them together, helping to understand what motivated Harbaugh to leave the successful San Francisco 49ers for the struggling Michigan Wolverines, and why Michigan fans have received him as their savior.”

Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider – Endzone: The Rise, Fall and Return of Michigan Football

“John, thanks again for presenting at our program. Your presentation was excellent and it definitely was a hit with our team. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments!”

Frank Tecumseh, Vice President, Human Resources, FireKeepers Casino Hotel – Speaking Event

“I have received dozens of messages about the CHRC conference being a huge success and in particular your presentation. It really hit home with great lessons and memorable stories…I can’t thank you enough for making the conference so special.”

Dr. Valerie Opipari, Chair, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics – Speaking Event

“Thanks again for being a part of our annual Branch Team Conference for Region 14. I wanted to provide you a few comments from one of our associates: ‘John U. Bacon was superb! I can’t fully express in words how much his speech resonated with me. I wish I could have him talk to my kids and their coaches and teachers. More people need to hear his stories.’”

Robert E. Heisler, AAMS, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones – Speaking Event

“Undoubtedly John Bacon was the best speaker we’ve ever had.”

Glenn Johnson, Founder and CEO, Insight Global – Speaking Event

“I wanted to let you know your evaluation score was a 4.9 out of 5.0 —the highest of all the events! And with all of the compliments I got from alumni – including the written comments, too — I couldn’t have been more pleased. You are a wonderful speaker, and it was a pleasure to work with you.”

Cynthia Silveri of the University of Michigan Executive MBA Reunion – Speaking Event

“Looking at your evaluations, I have to ask: Did you pay these people off when I wasn’t looking? They’re the best I’ve ever seen.”

Andy Dolich, President, Memphis Grizzles – Speaking Event