Overview

If you are one of the tens of millions of Americans who loves football-and who simultaneously worries if it can be safely played-then Dr. David Kaufman's book is a must-read. Like such classics as Paper Lion and A Fan's Notes, We Need You in the Locker Room provides a fascinating, unique, and immensely readable perspective on a game we only think we know. As a neurologist assigned to work with the coaches and players, his time in the locker room and on the sidelines made him an intimate witness to the drama, teamwork, and courage of young athletes-and to the toll this violent game exacts on them. A page-turner about a championship season, this book is also a smart, sensitive argument for how football can be preserved. As a professor at Michigan State University for over twenty years, Dr. Kaufman used to sit in the upper deck of Spartan Stadium with his family to root for his beloved football team. Occasionally, he would wonder what it would be like to be on the sidelines to help injured players. How that fantasy became reality is what this big-time college football narrative is about. Kaufman's life as a clinician-researcher abruptly changed during the early days of the ""concussion crisis,"" when awareness of the short-term and lasting effects of brain injuries suffered by players at all levels of collision sports became a hotly debated issue. At his first game, on September 4, 2010, he helped save the life of an injured student-athlete. Two weeks later, following MSU's overtime victory against Notre Dame, his medical teammates had to do the same to save the life of the team's head coach, Mark Dantonio, after he suffered a heart attack. During his time with the team, Kaufman learns that football indeed has risks; but that the game's power to unite players and fans, and to bring entire communities together, is a valuable part of American culture that should be allowed to evolve and endure.

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9781958861479

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Reviews

""Kaufman's perspective as a neurologist assigned to the Michigan State Spartans football team makes him an intimate witness to both the drama, teamwork, and courage of young athletes-and the toll this violent game exacts on their bodies. This book is a page-turner about a championship season and a smart, sensitive argument for how football can be preserved."" -Samuel G. Freedman, award-winning author of 10 nonfiction books runs a renowned book-writing seminar each spring at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. ""A must-read for any Michigan State fan or football enthusiast. This book captures a rare and invaluable perspective-highlighting a special time, with special people, at a special place. It's an unforgettable journey through the heart of Michigan State football.""-Jack Allen, two-time All-American and Academic All-American, and 2014 Rose Bowl Champion as center for Michigan State University (2011 through 2015) ""With a winning mixture of humor and heart, David Kaufman's We Need You in the Locker Room gives readers a play-by-play view from the sidelines-and the training room-of a legendary college football team. This is no ordinary sports story; Kaufman takes us by the hand and leads us through a narrative that is part science, part memoir, and part love letter to Spartan football. Kaufman's humanity suffuses every word."" -Matthew Van Meter, author of Deep Delta Justice ""This book captures some of the best years of my life, spent alongside unforgettable people. Dr. Kaufman brings a unique perspective on a program that was on the rise, achieving incredible things thanks to the efforts of people like him. I know readers will enjoy and appreciate his insight into this remarkable journey."" -Benny Fowler, former MSU Spartan wide receiver (2010-2013). Fowler played 8 years in the NFL and was an important member of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50. He is the author of Silver Spoon: The Imperfect Guide to Success."" ""Dr. Kaufman offers an insider's view on a remarkable season for a Division 1 football team. His perspective blends both the excitement of sport and the importance of keeping athletes healthy and performing their best."" -Sally Nogle, Head Athletic Trainer, Michigan State University, 2013 to 2023, member, National Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame ""Dr. Kaufman reminds us that to be a good professional, we must first be a good human."" -Professor Morgan Shipley, Inaugural Foglio Endowed Chair of Spirituality at Michigan State University

Author Information

Dr. David Kaufman has served as the on-field neurologist for the Michigan State University football team for over 13 years. He is a tenured professor and is the founding chair of the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology at Michigan State University. He was recently appointed the Assistant Vice President of Clinical Affairs for the Office of Health Science at MSU. Dr. Kaufman recognizes his greatest accomplishments as meeting and marrying his wife, Laurie Kaufman, M.D., and helping to raise their two children, Matt and Sarah, to become college graduates. This is his first book.

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