In a quintessentially American game, for an organization often called 
America's Team, Dat Nguyen stands as the first player of 
Vietnamese descent ever to play in the NFL. Yet if asked for his job 
description, he would probably answer simply, "I tackle."

    He tackled so well at Rockport-Fulton (Texas) High School that 
he earned a scholarship to Texas A&M University, becoming the 
first Vietnamese American football player in school history. As part 
of the storied "Wrecking Crew," Nguyen's tackling earned him All-
American honors and led the Aggies to their first Big 12 title. And, 
even though he was once deemed too small to play middle 
linebacker in the NFL, he has earned All-Pro recognition with the 
Dallas Cowboys.

    For Dat Nguyen, though, tackling the various obstacles of life—
not just running backs—gives him the most pride. He learned how to 
tackle life from his parents, who narrowly escaped from the North 
Vietnamese Army in 1975.

    Nguyen offers the story of his faith, his family, and his career, a 
true story of the American dream lived out, as an inspiration to 
others. He recounts his father's decision to flee Vietnam; the boat 
trip that took his family to freedom; and their eventual settling in 
Rockport, Texas, where a community of Vietnamese shrimpers 
established an economic livelihood using skills brought from the old 
country. He describes the racism his family encountered while he 
was growing up and how the friendship of one young Caucasian boy 
and his family overcame prejudice through an invitation to 
participate in sports.

    Nguyen's insightful look into the life of a big-time football player 
offers first-hand glimpses of the personalities and playing (or 
coaching) styles of many celebrated stars of college football and the 
NFL. His stories offer excitement, romance (as he pursues his 
college sweetheart, now his wife), faith, fatherhood, and humor.

    Dat is a lively, engaging story of growing up in a refugee family, of 
big-time football, and of human struggle and success.

_________________________________________________________

DAT NGUYEN, the leading tackler in the history of Texas A&M 
University, is now the starting middle linebacker for the Dallas 
Cowboys. Born in a refugee camp in Arkansas, he grew up in 
Rockport, Texas, and has played his entire football career in the Lone 
Star State. RUSTY BURSON is a sports writer for 12th Man Magazine 
at Texas A&M. He and his wife, Vannessa, are co-authors of Reveille: 
First Lady of Texas A&M, and he has also written Texas A&M: Where 
Have You Gone?



What people are saying about this book

"This book, Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL, is worth it for its love story 
alone."—Texas Living, Summer 2006

"It is a compelling story of survival, both on and off the football 
field . . . For fans of stories in which the human spirit and a deep 
religious faith triumph over obstacles and adversity, the book is an 
inspiration . . . takes you behind the locker room door into the 
workings of the franchise over the past six years . . . For Aggies, 
the book is a must-read."—MySA.com

"Dat's worth watching. And, from my standpoint, he's required reading."
—Darren Woodson, from the foreword

"He's a football playing dude, that guy. . . . You bet he could have 
played for any of my teams."—Bill Parcells

". . . I root for the real good guys, and Dat is definitely one of those 
people."—Zach Thomas, All-Pro linebacker, Miami Dolphins

"His life's story epitomizes what the American dream is all about."
—Phil Bennett, head football coach, SMU

". . .  a compelling read. . . . The sports story is well told, lively, and 
interesting."—Mickey Herskowitz, Houston Chronicle