What effect does altitude have on the flight of a kicked ball? How do Newton's laws of motion apply to blocking and tackling? In this entertaining book, physics professor Dr. Timothy Gay makes science comprehensible and fun while deepening our appreciation for the strategic nuances of this deceptively simple game.

The success of such well-received titles as The Physics of Baseball and The Physics of Golf has already demonstrated fans' fascination with the science underlying their favorite sport. Readers will relive the game's enthralling moments and legendary feats - Franco Harris's Immaculate Reception; Joe Montana's scrambling pass for The Catch; Dick Butkus's bone-crunching, game-saving tackles; and many more - as they gain new insight into the dynamics of blocking and tackling, open field running, kicking, passing, the line of scrimmage, and the role played by equipment, turf, and the decibles of sound in stadiums.