Monster of the Midway: Bronko Nagurski the 1943 Chicago Bears and the Greatest Comeback Ever

Jim Dents Monster of the Midway is the story of footballs fiercest competitor the legendary Bronko Nagurski. From his discovery in the middle of a Minnesota field to his 1943 comeback season at Wrigley from the University of Minnesota to the Hall of Fame Bronko Nagurksis life is a story of grit hard work passion and above all an unstoppable drive to win.Monster of the Midway recounts Nagurskis unparalleled triumphs during the 1930s and 40s when the Chicago Bears were the kings of professional football. From 1930 the Bronks first year through 1943 his last the Bears won five NFL titles and played in four other NFL Championship Games. Focusing on Nagurskis 1943 comeback season and how he miraculously led the Bears to their fourth NFL championship against the backdrop of World War II era Chicago Jim Dent uncovers the riveting drama of Nagurskis playing days. His efforts were the stuff of legend and his success in 1943 accomplished in spite of a battered frame worn-out knees multiple cracked ribs and a broken bone in his lower back. . While chronicling the drama of the 43 championship chase Dent also tells of both the Bears colorful early years and Bronkos improbable rise to fame from the backwoods of northern Minnesota. Woven into the narrative are the sights and smells and sounds of one of the most romantic flavorful eras of the twentieth century. And laced through it all are stories of legend: Bronko rubbing shoulders with colorful characters like George Halas Red Grange Sid Luckman and Sammy Baugh; Bronko running into (and breaking) the brick wall at Wrigley Field; Bronko winning All-American spots for two positions; Bronko knocking scores of opponents unconscious; and Bronko reaching the heights of football glory and with rare grace turning his back on the game after winning his last championship.. Rich in unforgettable stories and scenes this is Jim Dents account of Bronko Nagurski-arguably the greatest football player who ever lived-and his teammates the roughest toughest rowdiest group of players ever to don leather helmets and the original Monsters of the Midway.