The temps are cooling down and the kids are heading back to class. That can only mean one thing: the kickoff of football season is right around the corner! And to help you prepare, we’re sharing some of our favorite gridiron-related titles. 

Get Fired Up for Football Season with These Films and Shows 

If you’re in the mood for a football-related movie or TV show, we’ve got you covered! Some of your options include:

Varsity Blues 

In Varsity Blues, the son of a Texas high school legend is forced to follow in his dad’s footsteps, even though he has an Ivy League scholarship he’d rather pursue. The film follows the quarterback’s senior season as he’s forced to lead the team to state after the starter goes down with an injury.

Radio 

Radio, starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris, follows the story of a high school football coach who forms a bond with Radio, who’s described as “the same as everyone else, just a little slower than most.” As the friendship develops throughout the season, it endears them to residents in their conservative South Carolina town. 

The Longest Yard 

Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and Nelly star in The Longest Yard, a remake of the 1974 film. A former professional football player turned prison inmate is selected to draft, train, and coach a team ahead of the annual guards vs. inmates game. When a valued member of the team’s staff is killed in a prison accident, the team is given extra motivation to triumph over the guards. 

Brady vs. Belichick 

During the early 2000s, the world saw the New England Patriots turn from a middle-of-the-road franchise into a championship dynasty. Since the end of run, the debate has raged on as to whether this was the result of Brady’s play at quarterback or Belichick’s reputation as a defensive mastermind. In Brady vs. Belichick, legendary talk-show radio host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo gets to the bottom of the debate. 

Green and Gold 

In Green and Gold, starring Craig T. Nelson, a farmer is on the brink of losing his farm, forcing him into some tough decisions. This leads to him betting everything he has on the Green Bay Packers winning the title. 

Audiobooks to Stream Ahead of Football Season 

If you’re in the mood for an audiobook, a few choices that can help get you excited for football season include:

Out of the Darkness 

Out of the Darkness, by Ian O’Conner, takes readers on a journey throughout the life of current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. From his controversial takes during the pandemic to his shocking injury at the start of the 2024 season and everything in between, this definitive biography is a must-read for fans of the former MVP. 

Chuck Noll: His Life’s Work 

In Chuck Noll: His Life’s Work, author Michale MacCambridge sheds light on the defensive mastermind’s career, which resulted in one of the most revered dynasties in NFL history. The book provides readers with valuable insights into the Steelers organization throughout Noll’s four-decade-long tenure in Pittsburgh.

The Bootlegger’s Boy 

This memoir provides college football fans with a riveting tale of the son of a bootlegger, who went on to become one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA history. The Bootlegger’s Boy takes a deep dive into how Barry Switzer led both the Oklahoma Sooners and the Dallas Cowboys to success in the aftermath of an adverse childhood. 

The Express 

The Express tells the story of Ernie Davis, an All-American running back destined for stardom as the Cleveland Browns’ top pick in the 1962 NFL draft. Unfortunately, his dreams of NFL stardom never materialized, as a leukemia diagnosis prevented him from ever taking the field as a pro.

The Perfect Pass 

This is a must-read for fans who appreciate the offense associated with the modern game. The Perfect Pass tells the story of two under-the-radar coaches, Mike Leach and Hal Mumme, who revolutionized the game throughout the ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s with a combination of speed and precision passing.

eBooks About Iconic NFL Legends 

There’s a broad selection of football-related eBooks to choose from on Hoopla, too. A few suggestions to get you started include:

Inside the NFL: Philadelphia Eagles 

Fans of the Super-Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles, this one’s for you! Inside the NFL: Philadelphia Eagles provides a detailed look at everything that makes this franchise the team to beat heading into the new season.

The 2% Way 

The 2% Way tells the story of Myron Roll, a former Freshman All-American at Florida State who now practices neurosurgery at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital. The self-written book explains how he navigated his way through the NFL draft while studying at Oxford, along with providing insight into how making small life improvements can lead to major results.

A Fire to Win 

In one of the most honest, revealing portrayals of an Ohio State football legend, A Fire to Win takes a look at the philosophical motivations behind one of the most complicated legacies in NCAA history. This book also explores coach Woody Hayes’s altruistic nature that wasn’t highly publicized during his career, which culminated in several national championships, along with a 238-72-10 record. 

The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson 

This one could be a trip down memory lane for some football fans, or it could be the introduction to a hero of yesteryear, depending on your age. The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson describes how the two-sport superstar took American sports and pop culture by storm in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, along with how he seemingly vanished from the public eye without a trace. 

Brady and Belichick 

Relationships can make or break a team of any kind. Brady and Belichick provides in-depth analysis into what brought the dynamic duo together, while answering questions regarding the motivation behind their on-field success.

Enjoy Football-Related Reads, Movies, and Shows All Season Long on Hoopla—Free with a Library Card! 

You can feel the start of the new football season in the air. Hoopla has all sorts of content to help you get your football fix between now and the kickoff of the new season. Explore our catalog of football related titles, along with all sorts of other content, by downloading Hoopla today!

*Title availability may vary by library.