It seems like every time one turns on the news, another NFL player is in trouble with the law. While it has been going on for some time, this trend of thuggish behavior appears to be accelerating. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces jail time for illegal dog fighting; former Chicago Bears tackle Tank Johnson is arrested for assaulting a police officer and for owning a cache of unlicensed firearms; Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones has a rap sheet longer than a commencement speech; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry is suspended for eight games for frequent behavior violations; Bears linebacker Lance Briggs totals his $350,000 Lamborghini on an expressway, then bolts the accident scene.

Away from the Ball presents the stories of a different kind of NFL player. In it Alan Ross takes a look at the positive accomplishments generated by many of today's athletes, such as Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, Seattle Seahawks lineman Grant Wistrom, New York Giants linebacker Michael Strahan, New Orleans Saints running backs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, and former Dallas Cowboys cornerback, Emerson Walls. These men are just a few of the finest men of the NFL who generously give of themselves to others.

With the blessings of the NFL Players Association media relations department, Away from the Ball is a timely book that tells a part of the NFL story that is frequently overshadowed by negative news events and overlooked by the sports media. An inspirational look at the positive influence many NFL players have in their communities, Away from the Ball will be an encouragement to football fans who love the game and want to look up to the men who play it.