Vincent Thomas Lombardi was the epitome of dedication—dedication to his church, to his family, and to football. He was born of Italian parentage in Brooklyn, New York, and ever was proud of his Italian ancestry. He became an altar boy in the local Catholic church and fervently decided to become a priest. Later, however, although still deeply religious, he decided to turn to law.

  He played football in high school, graduated with high honors, and was awarded a scholarship to Fordham University. Here he went out for football and became one of the famous "Blocks of Granite" on the Fordham University team. Following graduation, he briefly studied law, then obtained a position of teaching and coaching at nearby St. Cecelia High School, Englewood, New Jersey.

  During eight years at this school, he laid a firm foundation for becoming a successful coach. Here he learned both to provide instruction in the fundamentals of football and to inspire players to put forth almost superhuman efforts in order to win. Year after year, he coached winning teams that attracted wide attention. Already he was well on his way to a notable coaching career.

From the dust jacket