The Next Level
A Game I Had To Play! (Vol 1)
Vernon Turner

The Next Level
November 28, 2010 / ISBN 9780984473618
Autobiography / Sports / Football
Amazon

Reviewed by Dennis Collins

I expected The Next Level to be a football book. After all, it was written by a former NFL player whose career spanned six seasons and included five teams. But I found it to be much more. Vernon Turner chronicles his entire life in this book and it isn’t always pretty. His isn’t one of those stories that points the finger of blame at everybody else for his human failings. Turner accepts full responsibility and builds his character on that foundation. As a result, he’s able to develop into a rock-solid member of society in spite of a life strewn with tragedy and filled with the temptations that celebrity brings. He freely admits that it wasn’t perfect but to my eye, it’s a life he can be proud of.

A lot of the book is devoted to Turner’s football adventures from his high school days right on through a successful professional career. He explains the value of having coaches who believed in him and acted as lifelong mentors. He credits the influence of the coaches of his youth for keeping him grounded. But it’s obvious that he was a willing student.

Reviewing this book interested me because I’ve been a lifelong football fan and way back in high school I played the same position as Vernon Turner. Turner actually played one season for my beloved Detroit Lions and I remembered seeing him on the field back in 1993. I really wanted to hear what he had to say.

Although Turner had struggles and conflicts during his pro career, he was able to remain focused and become the best football player he could be. He didn’t burden himself with angst and thoughts of vengeance. This book provides a pattern and recipe for success and it does it without bitterness. I strongly recommend this book for all young men, especially those who play sports. It will not only help them become better athletes, it will show them how to develop character.