Remember Why You Play

Remember Why You Play follows the Faith Christian Lions, a high school football team from Grapevine, Texas, during their 2008 season. Coach Kris Hogan leads this private school team through their regular games while preparing for an unusual matchup against Gainesville State School, a maximum-security correctional facility. The book documents the team's practices, games, and preparation through direct accounts and interviews with players, coaches, and families. The narrative focuses on Coach Hogan's leadership philosophy and how football serves as a vehicle for character development. Through the specific story of one football season, Thomas explores broader themes of purpose, service, and what defines true victory in sports and life. This account examines the impact of faith-based coaching and how athletic competition can build meaningful connections across social divides.

Readers found this book an uplifting true story about sportsmanship and character in high school football. The book resonated with coaches, teachers, and parents. Liked: - Clear, engaging writing style - Focus on values and life lessons beyond winning - Emotional impact of the central game - Details about building team culture - Message about putting others first Disliked: - Some found early chapters slow - Christian themes too prominent for some readers - Wanted more about the featured season/players - A few felt the story was oversimplified Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (208 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (116 ratings) Reader Quote: "Shows how sports can teach bigger life lessons. The story itself is amazing but Thomas's storytelling makes it even more powerful." - Amazon reviewer "More than just a football book - it's about servant leadership and making an impact on young lives." - Goodreads reviewer

Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger The story follows a high school football team in Texas, revealing how sports unite communities and shape character beyond the scoreboard.

Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx A former NFL player transforms young athletes' lives by teaching football as a vehicle for moral development and personal growth.

The Hard Hat by Jon Gordon The legacy of Cornell lacrosse player George Boiardi demonstrates how sports leadership and team values impact lives beyond the playing field.

Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy NFL coach Tony Dungy's journey illustrates the connection between faith, football, and mentoring young athletes to succeed in life.

The Greatest Coach Ever by Fellowship of Christian Athletes The impact of coach John Wooden's philosophy shows how sports leadership principles transfer to character development and life success.

🏈 The book centers on a remarkable 2008 football game where Faith Christian School deliberately let their opponents, Gainesville State School (a juvenile detention center), score a touchdown - teaching profound lessons about compassion and sportsmanship. 📚 Author David Thomas has covered sports for three decades, writing for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and serving as a correspondent for Sports Illustrated and The Dallas Morning News. 🌟 The title "Remember Why You Play" comes from Faith Christian coach Kris Hogan's pre-game speech, emphasizing that sports should be about more than just winning. 🤝 The game featured in the book gained national attention, including coverage on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated, inspiring similar acts of kindness in high school sports across America. 🏆 The book won the 2011 Inspirational/Christian Life Book of the Year from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA).