Find Similar Books - In Search of a Hero: The Life and Times of Tony Canadeo by D. Zimmerman

In Search of a Hero: The Life and Times of Tony Canadeo

by D. Zimmerman

Summary

In Search of a Hero is one man's fantasy-fulfilled journey in his search of a childhood hero that has universal appeal. While unfolding the life of Tony Canadeo, a star for the Green Bay Packers in the 1940s, the author's journey wonderfully recreates that bygone era of professional football and the popular Green Bay Packers in particular.

As a group, these men represented perhaps the last in the tradition of hard-nosed fundamentally sound, underpaid yet dedicated professional football players. The time period Canadeo played (1941-52) the game was much simpler than the version we see today.

During the 1940s there was also an amazing bond between the underpaid players and their fans - particularly in the small city of Green Bay, where their heroes were playing teams from the huge metropolitan cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The unique connection was heightened by the influence of the elaborate sports pages of the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the colorful description of the game through radio (no television in this era). Such partnership could never exist today where rich elitist players are motivated by high salaries, who willingly leave their team and fans behind for high priced free agent contracts. The beloved players of the `40s and `50s played the game out of passion rather than profit.

When Canadeo joined the Packers in 1941, they were consistent winners. In fact, the Packers and Chicago Bears dominated the NFL throughout the 1920s, `30s and early `40s. But, midway in his playing career the team fell upon hard times. However, with the retirement of the great Don Hutson in the mid-40s, Canadeo became the undisputed star of the Packers for the rest of the decade. He stayed on for another three seasons with the Packers, into the early 1950s which was the dawn of the enormous popularity of professional football.

After his retirement as a player, Canadeo continued his relationship with the Packers for another 40 years as a member of the team's Board of Directors, creating the longest association anyone has ever had with the Packers. He also became a confidant and close friend of Green Bay's legendary coach, Vince Lombardi.

In the search for the hero of his youth, what the author would discover in gathering material for the man's life that covered far more than the years he played for the Packers is the search would lead him on a remarkable journey that would have significant meaning.

What is portrayed is the essence of the life of a real hero, made from determining and identifying characteristics that, as it turned out, reached far beyond the restricted boundaries of a football field. After reading this book, you may be convinced that Tony Canadeo may indeed be the "greatest Packer of them all." Certainly no man has ever given more loyalty, service and exemplary lifestyle!