5 best college football books to help fill your sports void

2. Never Settle by Marty Smith

If I told you someone existed who had once sped around the Clemson athletic facilities while hanging on to the backside of a pickup truck during College Gameday, talked with a teary-eyed Dale Earnhardt Jr. talking about his return to racing, convinced Nick Saban to jump into a lake and interviewed nearly every major sports icon you can think of—would you believe me?

You might think of Marty Smith—who if you don’t know him, you should—as the real-life version of the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World” of college football. He’s had the real-life experience of living many of the wildest dreams a sports fan can have, and he’s bringing it all to you in Never Settle.

Smith’s life story (so far) mixes in moments and behind-the-scenes stories from some of the ESPN reporter and correspondent for College Gameday. Marty touches on the best stories from a variety of tales, from college football to racing, to family life and culture.

Smith is a great story-teller and mixes in so many funny moments with some real-life messages in his book, in a format that makes it hard to put down. In with these amazing moments, Smith touches on the real-life, serious issues people encounter in their lives.

From uncomfortable topics like depression and loneliness to marital issues and self-doubt, Smith touches each topic with grace, thoughtfulness, and a can-do attitude that will leave you motivated to chase your dreams and be a better person for those around you.

It’s one of my favorites on this list and Never Settle is a must-read if you want some wholesome discussion that also features a respectful approach to some familiar athletes, coaches and more.