You love football. I love football. We all love football.

Even those select few who do not (I’m talking to you, Gina) cannot deny the sport is central to American life itself.

How did we get here? Why is football so primal, so ingrained into the culture?

Where is all this heading?

I cannot recommend “Football” by Chuck Klosterman enough. The sensational essayist took on this phenomenon as only he can. His masterpiece will make you laugh, cry and — above all — stare deep into your football soul like never before. Here’s the Amazon link for Hardcover, Kindle and Audible options. (He narrates the audiobook himself.)

Always a joy to chat with authors on the pod.

This was fun.

Here’s an hour-plus with Klosterman on the intoxicating appeal of football, why football’s demise may be an inevitability and everything in-between. “Football” is neither a love letter to the sport, nor an extremist doomsday account. Rather, it’s deeply thought-provoking, personal, brilliant. Agree or disagree with his analysis, you won’t be able to put it down.

Video and audio of our chat is above. This episode is also available on our Apple and Spotify channels.

Past chats with authors:

* Michael Silver on “The Why is Everything”

* Ian O’Connor on “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers”

* Seth Wickersham on “American Kings”

* Gary Myers on “Once a Giant”

* Gary Myers on “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate”

* Erik Kramer on “The Ultimate Comeback”

Be sure to join our live free agency show with Real Football co-host Jim Monos Monday, starting a tick before noon (EST) inside the Substack app. This weekend, I wrote on the Buffalo Bills’ trade for DJ Moore.

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