Football Hero

Success comes with risk and a high price in this thrilling standalone football novel from New York Times bestselling author and former NFL player Tim Green. Perfect for fans of Mike Lupica.

Ever since Ty Lewis was orphaned and forced to stay with his legal guardian, Uncle Gus, he’s always wanted to prove how fast he is on a football field and be like his older brother, Thane "Tiger" Lewis, who's about to graduate from college—and is being courted by the NFL.

But instead of playing football, he’s scrubbing bathrooms after school for his uncle’s cleaning service. Thane is the only bright spot in Ty’s life. And now Uncle Gus wants to use Ty to get to him and obtain valuable insider information for a local mob boss called “Lucy” and his gambling ring.

Can Ty break free to save not only Thane’s football career, but his life?

• Stories About Brothers: Ty idolizes his older brother, Thane, an NFL prospect. But when their family bond is twisted for criminal gain, Ty has to protect the one person he has left.
• Overcoming Adversity: From scrubbing toilets to facing down bullies on the field, Ty refuses to give up on his dream of playing football, no matter the odds.
• High-Stakes Thriller: Caught between a ruthless mob boss and his manipulative uncle, Ty is forced to gather secret information that could destroy everything his brother has worked for.
• Family Drama: When the only family you have is the one trying to exploit you, where do you turn? Ty must navigate the dark secrets of his new life with his Uncle Gus.

Ty Lewis can't believe it when Coach V recruits him for the football team. This is Ty's big chance to prove how fast he is on the field, get a fresh start in a new school, and be like his older brother, Thane "Tiger" Lewis, who's about to graduate from college—and is being courted by the NFL.

But Ty's guardian, Uncle Gus, won't let him play. Uncle Gus needs Ty to scrub floors and toilets for his cleaning business while he cooks up gambling schemes with the local mob boss, a man called "Lucy."

When Lucy hears just how famous Ty's older brother is, he becomes suddenly friendly. Are the questions Lucy is asking Ty really about fantasy football . . . or is the Mafia using Ty to get valuable insider info from his superstar brother? Desperately worried, Ty must come up with a plan to save Thane's football career—and, ultimately, his life.

Author of the New York Times bestselling Football Genius, former NFL player Tim Green will have you on the edge of your seat rooting for Ty—and enjoying an up-close look at what it's like to be inside the NFL.

“Even better than Football Genius...lots of fast-moving action and suspense...sure to be a hit.” - KLIATT starred review

“Green...of course nails the exciting football action and behind-the-scenes information. This is even better than his previous YA novel, Football Genius, with lots of fast-moving action and suspense. It’s sure to be a hit with middle school and junior high sports fans, who will root for stoic but plucky Ty and rejoice in the happy ending.” - KLIATT starred review

“Instantly gripping...[keeps] the tension level high and the pages flipping furiously...sure to have a great many fans.” - Kirkus Reviews

“[T]he moral choices faced by the hero are heart-wrenchingly realistic, while the detailed description of the world surrounding the life of a professional football player will appeal to the many fans of the sport.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“[B]riskly paced, ... a good bet for sports-minded reluctant readers.” - School Library Journal