Everybody's All-american

Frank Deford's "Everybody's All-American" chronicles the rise and fall of Gavin Grey, a golden boy who embodies the idealized American athlete. Gavin, a star running back at the University of North Carolina in the late 1950s, captures the nation's attention, gracing the covers of *Time* and *LIFE* magazines and appearing on the "Ed Sullivan Show." He becomes a symbol of success and admiration, with everyone clamoring for a piece of him, including his nephew Donny, who serves as the novel's narrator and Gavin's closest confidant. This initial portrayal sets the stage for a compelling exploration of identity and the challenges of transitioning from a celebrated athlete to an ordinary man. Following a respectable NFL career, Gavin grapples with the stark contrast between his glory days and the realities of life after football. As his wife "Babs" becomes the primary breadwinner, Gavin struggles to adapt, clinging to the past and the fading echoes of his former fame. This poignant narrative, characteristic of Deford's insightful sports writing, delves into the complexities of celebrity, aging, and the search for meaning beyond athletic achievement. "Everybody's All-American" earns its place among Deford's best works due to its nuanced characters, sharp social commentary, and enduring exploration of the human condition, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.