“Gilden’s detailed book captures the excitement of the Unitas-led Colts drives and provides a glimpse into one of pro football’s greatest player-coach relationships.”
–Publisher’s Weekly

Jack Gilden’s Collision of Wills: Johnny Unitas, Don Shula and the Rise of the Modern NFL is he story of the last great mystery in the NFL, the contentious relationship between the league’s greatest coach and player. Unitas and Shula were the Brady and Belichick of their era, big winners and tough men. But their inability to get along, a mystery to their adoring fans and their closest friends, cost them dearly in the biggest of games. An intense work of journalism that includes personal interviews with historic figures such as Don Shula, Joe Namath, Gay Talese, and many others. University of Nebraska Press, October, 1st 2018. Buy now.

Praise for Collision of Wills:

“Gilden’s book offers a detailed look at the Colts and the relationship between Unitas and Shula for hometown fans of the sport, but for anyone interested in a compelling, comprehensive and poetic take on the tumultuous 1950s and ‘60s through a pro-football prism, Gilden’s book kicks it through the goalposts.”  -Susan Ingram, Baltimore Jewish Times

“Gilden uncovers much that we never suspected, in a book about two of the most legendary figures the game has ever known…doggedly reported and sharply revealing.” -Michael Olesker, Baltimore Post Examiner 

“The book well chronicles their deeply intertwined careers, including substantial interviews with former Colts greats.” -Baltimore Magazine

“…presents well-rounded portaits of Shula, Unitas, and other principals such as owner Carroll Rosenbloom, and players Tom Matte and Raymond Berry . . . . Very much worth reading.” – Library Journal

Jack on writing Collision of Wills: UNP BLOG

Select appearances:

Hosts Scott Garceau and Jeremy Conn ask the questions and elicit long-lost stories from Collision of Wills about the roots of conflict between Johnny Unitas and Don Shula.

The famous “After Hours” journalist, Amy Lawrence, interviews Jack Gilden about the mysteries of the Johnny Unitas and Don Shula relationship on her national talk show

SEE MORE GREAT NEWS, REVIEWS AND APPEARANCES AT: WWW.JACKGILDEN.COM