Super Fan’s Incredible Story, The Grass is Always Greener, Now Available
Retired journalist chased impressive goal through years, miles, and many grass gridirons
(Dec. 9, 2021) – The Grass is Always Greener – One Football Fan’s Improbable Quest to Attend 500 NFL Games is now available from CG Sports Publishing. The book from retired newspaper copy editor Brian Gushue recounts his decades-long journey to achieve a dream many told him was impossible: attend 500 National Football League games played only on grass fields.
Gushue insists he has nothing against artificial turf. Grass is simply his preference, and choosing to attend grass-only games made his goal that much more challenging. Gushue is no stranger to challenges—he has cerebral palsy, and he was told many times that his quest was too much, too hard, and unlikely to come true. This made his 500-game achievement all the sweeter when he reached his goal at Lambeau Field in Green Bay in November 2017, watching the Lions defeat the Packers 30-17.
The Grass is Always Greener is Gushue’s account of his quest, with details, memories, opinions, and insights into the games, venues, teams, and experiences. The book contains photos and a list of every game that counted toward his goal, plus 50 additional games he's attended since hitting that mark. (Gushue has expanded the scope of his venture, as he now plans to see every NFL team play at least 25 times.) Gushue also offers a “halftime” chapter where he outlines in his opinions on how the game could be improved for both fans and players (shorter quarters and another bye week, to start).
His quest grew out of his love for the game of football. It was nurtured by family and friends and admiration for his childhood idol, Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese. His devotion to the team lasted through the Dan Marino era, right up to the legendary signal-caller's final game, which he attended, in January 2000.
Gushue is a longtime San Diegan who had a 16-year career at the North County Times newspaper. He is a season-ticket holder for the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. He’s seen the most games at home in San Diego, where he was a die-hard Chargers from 2000 until 2017, when the team left town to return to Los Angeles.
He donated his ticket-stub collection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
“The Grass is Always Greener is another way for me to express my love for the game of football and all that it means to me,” Gushue says. “It’s a football book, for sure, but it’s also a book about friends and family and the fan experience. It’s for anyone who has a passion that maybe not everyone understands, but that everyone can appreciate. I hope my story and accomplishments encourage and inspire others to chase their dreams, even the most unlikely ones.”
The Grass is Always Greener is available from Ingram or wherever books are sold.
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Order The Grass is Always Greener
Bulk orders are available by contacting publishing@cgsportsmanagement.com.
About CG Sports Publishing: CG Sports Publishing is in the storytelling business. Founded as part of the CG Sports Company in 2019, CG Sports Publishing brings athlete-focused titles to the marketplace. Follow on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
