Patriot Reign (24 page)

This is my first book, and it wouldn’t exist if
it weren’t for dozens of smart, supportive, and visionary people. I realize I
just put a lot of pressure on myself with that phrasing— I’m almost guaranteed
to forget someone who deserves to be mentioned. But honestly, there isn’t
enough space to thank the people who made this book come to life. Mauro
DiPreta, my editor, tops the list. He did a brilliant job of listening to the
original idea and then expanding and organizing it until it became what you are
now holding. My literary agent, Basil Kane, had confidence in the manuscript,
even when the 2002 Patriots won nine games and the project appeared to be
doomed. I’d like to thank the New England Patriots, a secure organization that
granted me access without ever asking for or even hinting at editorial control.
The Kraft, Belichick, Pioli, and Najarian families were especially helpful and
generous with their time. Eric Mangini was kind enough to
teach me defensive concepts on Friday afternoons. The other assistant coaches,
scouts, and players were notably professional as an outsider peeked into their
world.

Instead of naming each of my family members,
I’ll just thank my crew—the Holleys, Sales, Soberanises, and Robinsons—for
their support.

There are many others to thank. Among them: Terry
Pluto, Armen Keteyian, Don Skwar, Stacey James, Joe Amorosino, Jay Muraco,
Joanne Chang and the crew at Flour Bakery + Café, the
Boston
Globe
, Michael Smith, Ross Carey, Joelle Yudin, Karilyn Crockett,
Nick Carparelli, Bob Quinn, Michael Price, Kari Barclift, Golden Touch
Secretarial Services, Jackie MacMullan, Dr. Katharine Henderson and Point Park
University, and Amanda Abreu. I’m sure there are some names missing. All I can
say is that I most likely love you and will include you in the acknowledgments
of book number two.

A former
columnist for the
Boston Globe
,
MICHAEL HOLLEY
is one of the
most respected voices in sports media. Holley gained national exposure on
ESPN’s
Around the Horn
and recently became a co-host of
I, Max
on Fox Sports.
He divides his time between Boston and New York.

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