Here at NDNation, we tend to go old-school in a lot of things. User interface, attitude and expectations about the program, choice of alcoholic beverage … you name it, we appreciate it. So when we have a chance to relive those thrilling memories of yesteryear, it’s always a great experience for us.
Reggie Brooks has given us one of those opportunities with his new book, If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Notre Dame Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box. With the editing efforts of John Heisler and a foreword by Jerome Bettis, Brooks’ tome walks us down the memory lane of playing under Lou Holtz through interviewing Brian Kelly, all while tying the lessons he learned on that trip to his current career with the Fighting Irish.
Starting in Oklahoma watching his older brother, Tony, navigate the flows and shoals of college football, we follow Reggie through his experiences on campus scoring against Michigan while unconscious and providing the critical two points to beat Penn State in the inimitable Snow Bowl. He walks us through his issues dealing with NFL success and failure, and his satisfaction in a career at the school that gave him his start.
Brooks tells the story of his Notre Dame triumphs and tribulations and how they made him the man he is today. He pulls no punches and bears the burdens of the things he wishes he’d done differently, all while recognizing how his struggles got him to where he wanted to be — a proud representative of the Notre Dame community.
His perspective as a player and employee of the athletic department gives ND fans a valuable glimpse of what life behind multiple South Bend curtains is like while reminding us what Lou Holtz meant when he talked about the “40 year decision”. If you’re a Notre Dame fan or have any in your orbit, Brooks’ memoir is the perfect addition to your Fighting Irish repertoire.
For those who will be on campus this weekend to watch Notre Dame take on Southern Cal, Reggie will be signing copies at the ND Bookstore at 1:30pm on Saturday. Otherwise, you can purchase Reggie’s book via Triumph Books via THIS LINK. Enter the code “Irish25” to get 25 percent off the purchase price.