Talking to GOATs: The Moments You Remember and the Stories You Never Heard

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 2,683 ratings

Price: 21.25

Last update: 01-31-2025


About this item

A star-studded, dynamic production performed by Jim Gray with a foreword written and read by Tom Brady. Talking to GOATs audio also features appearances by Bob Costas, Vin Scully, Carol Burnett, and Snoop Dogg.

“As a sportscaster and sports historian, Jim’s career genuinely stands the test of time.... This book is sports history about some of the greats by one of the greats, who was taking it all in on the sidelines, in the stands or the dugout, by the 18th green, courtside, or in the broadcast booth.” (Tom Brady, six-time NFL Super Bowl champion GOAT)

A riveting, insightful memoir of never-before-told stories from Jim Gray, 12-time Emmy Award-winner, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster, and renowned interviewer - that explores the author's career and the inside stories and memorable moments of the famous legends he has covered including, Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Mike Tyson.

In
Talking to GOATs, award-winning broadcaster Jim Gray looks back at his four decades of sports reporting from the unparalleled perspective of one of the world’s most respected and skilled interviewers. A journalist who many iconic athletes have trusted to tell their stories (of both triumph and disgrace), Jim has had unprecedented access to the people, places and extraordinary events in the world of sports. Asking tough but fair questions, he has broken numerous stories, and landed squarely in the middle of others, from the Ben Johnson and Barry Bonds steroid scandals, to Michael Jordan’s surprise retirement, to the off-the-court Kobe/Shaq feud which led to their on-the-court break up, to being part of the live broadcast for 22 Super Bowls. He’s climbed into the ring to interview Mike Tyson after he bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear, and stood next to Ron Artest when the “Malice at the Palace” melee erupted, and was on site at the bombing of the Atlanta Olympics.

Anyone who has watched Jim effortlessly engage his subjects at the precise moment of triumph or tragedy has little idea what it takes to secure the interview, or what actually happens when the camera cuts away. These are real, mesmerizing, and previously untold stories. Talking to GOATs features numerous world-class athletes, including Muhammad Ali, Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Floyd Mayweather, Michael Phelps, Mike Tyson, and Tiger Woods, and world leaders George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Mikhail Gorbachev, and many more. Jim gives the listener a coveted all-access pass as he reviews the best interviews, the best athletes, and the best games in modern sports history. It’s like a personal introduction to the characters and careers of these heroes and villains we’ve known since childhood. He examines how money, celebrity, the media, and power interact, and how sports, more than any other institution, has led to momentous transformations in American society.


Top reviews from the United States

  • BigSur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super Interesting!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2021
    I’ve honestly never cared for Jim Gray’s style. But when I saw this book and looked at all the people he’d interviewed or met, it sounded interesting—and it is! Some great insights and I must say I never knew so many athletes had close relationships with Jim Gray. If you like sports in general you will probably enjoy this book. I don’t care for boxing or golf much but even those parts were well-written and entertaining.
  • Nikki R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining & educational read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
    This book was awesome. It taught me a lot about sports history and important sporting events. Jim is truly a sports historian. It was written excellently. Whether you love sports, or wish you knew more about big moments in sports (since Jim has clearly and impressively been a part of them all)... this book is for you. It taught me a great deal about sportscasting as well. What an incredible collection of stories Jim has put together. A++
  • Deb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent gift
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2024
    Bought for 2 men age 50-60 and both loved the book. They don’t read a lot of books but this kept their interest
  • Scott W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great READ!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021
    I've known Jim since his days at Colorado U, over 40 years. His book is not just about interviewing GOATs, it's about the personal relationships Jim has developed over the decades with these athletes, and it's also about his hard work and professionalism over the past 40 years!. He calls it as he sees it. No fluff. A true professional reporter. But what really resonated with me was his relationship with his dad. Nothing more important in life. Thanks "Kid". Love the book! So proud of your success!!

    This book needs to be on your bookshelf! Happy to call Jim a friend.

    Lt. Col. Scott "Hurler" Weaver
  • C.A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Content
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
    Excellent book!
  • Lee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Enlightening
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2020
    Jim Gray has always been a great interviewer, because he genuinely likes people. He is interested in people. This book is a wonderful collection of candid anecdotes about his experiences with so many super successful people. The stories are fun. And Gray writes with the precision that he interviews with. Succinct and to the point. Great read.
  • James Raymond
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Very interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2021
    Very well done. So many new stories are revealed. The detail and insight is truly fascinating. The depth of knowledge from this up-close vantage point is unrivaled. Excellent writing and storytelling. Gray shares the experiences he had with all of these GOATs beyond what we saw on TV or heard on radio. Excellent book. I highly recommend it.
  • Steven Rider
    3.0 out of 5 stars Braggadocious!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021
    I suppose the purpose of the book lends itself to self-importance but it seemed he went overboard dropping names and claiming how close he is/was to many of the greatest sports figures. I also found the writing style fatiguing to read with numerous awkward phrases and jumping around. Within a chapter focusing on a specific "GOAT" he goes off on tangents and tells stories about other people. The overall sense I got while reading was the author was making sure the reader knew how important he was. That said, the stories are interesting and there is some keen insight into the subjects. I've heard Mr. Gray on talk shows discussing his book and found that far more entertaining than actually reading the book.

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