Religion of Sports - by Gotham Chopra & Joe Levin (Paperback)

About the Book

"A memoir-meets-manifesto about the role of sports as its own religion that gives readers an inside look into the athletes, teams, and fans that inspire worldwide devotion"--

Book Synopsis

From the sports documentarian and executive producer of the docuseries The Religion of Sports, a memoir-meets-manifesto about the overwhelming power of sports and how they provide meaning and purpose in people's lives all over the world. Featuring never-before-heard stories about Tom Brady, Simone Biles, Kobe Bryant, Serena Williams, and many more.

Sports is a religion.

No, really. From pilgrimages and cathedrals, gods and fallen angels, holy wars and holy ghosts, organized sports has every aspect of an organized faith. In fact, it might be even better: all it takes to believe is to stand and cheer.

Nobody knows this better than the preeminent sports documentarian Gotham Chopra, who just so happens to be the son of world-renowned spiritualist Deepak Chopra. While his father taught him to find faith through prayer, Gotham felt pulled towards the Boston Garden and Larry Bird instead. Tracing his unique path from being a diehard fan to witnessing miracles alongside the gods of sport, Gotham makes a compelling case for sports as a modern-day faith. And like any worthy religious text, he also doles out wisdom, which comes in the form of never-before-heard stories about some of the biggest names in sports.

Rarely has anyone had such an up-close view of greatness as Chopra, and now, he lets you come with him behind the scenes to learn how legendary quarterback Tom Brady managed the end of his career, gold medal gymnast Simone Biles struggled with the pressure of the Tokyo Olympics, Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry developed the greatest three-point shot of all time, and much more. Chopra weaves together stories from Kobe Bryant, Alex Morgan, LeBron James, Michael Strahan, Shaun White, and more into modern-day parables that unlock secrets of competition--and of life.

"A thought-provoking pleasure for spiritually minded sports fan" (Kirkus Reviews), The Religion of Sports is also for anyone who's ever believed in something greater than themselves.

Review Quotes

"[Chopra] delivers exactly what his numerous fans have come to expect: in-depth, knowledgeable coverage and analysis of all kinds of professional athletic endeavors. . . . This is an entertaining and thought-provoking offering sure to have wide audience appeal."
--Booklist, starred review

"A celebration of sports as a vehicle for enlightenment, moral education, and spiritual satisfaction. . . . A thought-provoking pleasure for spiritually minded sports fans."
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Gotham Chopra is the country's preeminent chronicler of legendary athletes. A filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur, he is the cofounder of the media company Religion of Sports, along with NFL icons Tom Brady and Michael Strahan. He has directed and produced numerous Emmy Award-winning documentaries, including In the Arena, Tom vs Time, Greatness Code, Kobe Bryant's Muse, and many more.

Joe Levin is a writer based in Austin, Texas, via the bleachers of Wrigley Field. His work has appeared in Texas Monthly, Wildsam, and more.