Writing FROM GOLD TEETH TO GOLD JACKET: MY LIFE IN FOOTBALL AND BUSINESS with Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James was a three-year labor of love.

Football fans, especially Indianapolis Colts fans, will love reading about how Edgerrin overcame many obstacles growing up and willed himself to become an absolutely fantastic running back, one of the best to ever play the position.

Personally, the chapters about Edgerrin the businessman are my favorite.

Read all about how Edgerrin negotiated with super agent Leigh Steinberg (whom the movie JERRY MAGUIRE with Tom Cruise was patterned after) to sign the richest contract ever for a running back at the time and how in 1999 he earned more money than any NFL rookie ever. Steinberg recounts in the book how Edgerrin is one of the most financially smart clients he ever represented. 

SHOW ME THE MONEY indeed.

Also in the book, Edgerrin schools athletes in general, and young athletes in particular, about the financial pitfalls to look for and overcome. Edgerrin saved all the money he earned as a player and increased his financial empire after he retired.

I especially love the part of the book that describes how it felt when Edgerrin made his first millions and how everyone around him suddenly changed after he went from poor to wealthy overnight. As he puts it, having money is nice because you can pay the bills but by no means is it a bed of roses.

Finally, Edgerrin and Ricky Williams discuss their so-called rivalry as the two best running backs to enter the draft that year. Edgerrin was the surprise No. 4 overall pick with Ricky taken one pick behind him. Both men offer interesting takes on how people perceived their careers as well how they saw it. 

Check out the book. You'll be glad you did.