- USA Today Best Seller & Publishers Weekly Best Seller
GOAT = Greatest of All Time
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 eighteenth green, courtside, or in the broadcast booth.
If I had one word to describe Jim Gray, I would say, honest. It’s very tough for
reporters to be honest in the media business. He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions, even if they’re uncomfortable ones. He’s transparent and direct about it. And that’s why I have always had respect for Jim and what he does and how he does it.
Jim will ask the questions, and he will calibrate your answers and they better not be silly or off the facts. That’s why I nicknamed him Scratchy a long time ago. He keeps that mic in people’s faces, as he’s always digging and scratching for the story. Jim dug them all out for this book, which I hope you’ll enjoy as much as I did.
The first interview Jim ever did was with me. From his first to my last (many years later), we have had a very special relationship. I’m The Greatest and he’s The Latest. Jim is the me of his profession. Just don’t tell Howard (Cosell).
Jim interviewed me after my prolific fights. We were a sensational duo. Out of the ring, Jim became my most trusted friend. He’s there no matter what and never afraid to give it to me straight, as he does in this book. He’s always coming from a place of love and compassion. You know where you stand. Jim talks to GOATs because it takes a GOAT to know a GOAT. I’m so proud he wrote this book to share his legacy and, as you will learn, Jim is the goat whisperer.
A good sports reporter conveys the story of the day; a great one senses stories that will unfold over time and has the conviction to share them with their audience, nonetheless. Jim Gray is one of the greats!
I know Jim Gray the man. He stood up for me with tremendous integrity and principle. He suffered the consequences for doing what was right on my behalf and for others for a just cause. Integrity is what matters, and I will never forget his honor and honesty. Jim tells our story in the book, and I appreciate it. I will always hold him in high regard with great respect and admiration.
Talking to GOATs captures so beautifully the stories that my husband, Muhammad,
shared with Jim. It brought back to life so many great memories and was very moving. I loved it, and I highly recommend this book.
I cherish the moments that I’m alone with a good book, and Talking to GOATs certainly qualifies. I love the great interviews that Jim has done throughout his career and the storytelling he captures on these pages. So please pull up a chair and enjoy this fascinating narrative that details his life with so many of the icons, just as I have.
Jim Gray is as good at his profession as the countless Hall of Famers he has interviewed were at theirs. Every time I did an interview or watched one with Jim, he was well prepared and wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions. That’s what made them so interesting and informative, leading his audience to remark, ‘I didn’t know that’ when the segment ended. And when people read Jim’s book, I’m sure they will be saying the same thing.
Forty-plus years of exchanging stories, creating memories, and experiencing moments of a lifetime together with Jim Gray—I would call that the very definition of ‘friends for life.’ Congratulations for successfully sharing your special story with the world. This book is a must read, and I’m looking forward to our next chapter together.
Jim Gray’s riveting and powerful Talking to GOATs is a rare and different masterpiece for the ages. It’s a poignant, personal, passionate, and purposeful reveal of what really happened everywhere in the world of sports in the past forty years. As a giant of the profession and the galaxy’s most connected human, Jim has delivered a staggering festival of light that is comprehensive in its breadth, depth, currency, and relevancy.
I got to meet my heroes growing up: Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams. We all shared the same dream: wanting to win titles. All of us have been interviewed many times by Jim Gray, as he has shared our stories. Now, he shares them with us, and it’s a compelling, riveting, and insightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In this fast-moving account, the big moments, big names, and occasional big controversies that have marked Jim Gray’s long and eventful career are revisited with insight and a dose of humor. Sports fans will recall many of these moments but may be surprised by the details and stories Jim provides on these pages.
Jim Gray, one of the greatest to ever do it. Since I was a little kid, I loved watching him do his thing in interviews with the greats like Ali and Jordan. Just keeping it 100, staying true, and giving us insight. It always made me think, why were all the GOATs so comfortable speaking to Jim Gray? Then, once I became a GOAT, I understood. Once you’re a GOAT and you are communicating with a GOAT, it’s all gravy, baby. So from the Dogg to the GOAT Jim Gray, you’re going to always be a GOAT, and you’re going to always be my dog! Read the book, you’ll see.
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In Talking to GOATs, Emmy award-winning Hall of Fame 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 twenty-two 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.
Get a sneak peek at the interviews, speeches, and more that Jim has done with GOATs over the course of his career.
Kirkus Reviews
"Gray knows how to tell a story… Abounds with fascinating tales… Demonstrates his combination of knowledge, longevity, talent, and likability, with just a little pit bull thrown in for good measure. Gray has been there, done that, and taken excellent notes."
The Washington Post
"Gray, who chronicles his friendship with Brady and other champions in an engaging new memoir titled 'Talking to GOATs.'"
Good Morning America
“This book has never before told stories about all the biggest interviews he’s done with some of the greatest athletes of all time. I love getting behind the scenes and understanding the thought process that goes into these interviews.” – Michael Strahan, Good Morning America “Our Favorite Books of 2020”
Sports Illustrated
“Man of the Moments: How Jim Gray Got His Start in Sports”
Parade Magazine
TOP HOLIDAY MUST READ: “Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Jim Gray knows how to tell a story, and his memoirTalking to GOATs: The Moments You Remember and the Stories You Never Heard (November 10, William Morrow) is full of them—fascinating tales of golf rounds with Michael Jordan, backgammon with Lucille Ball, late-night sports conversations with Richard Nixon and his meaningful friendships with Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady (he wrote the foreword), Jack Nicholson and Bill Walton, who credits Gray with saving his life.”
Los Angeles Times
"Talking to GOATs: The Day A Young Tiger Woods Revealed He Would Be A Champion"
GQ
“Grilling Jim Gray, Who Grilled Everyone From Mike Tyson to LeBron James”
Peter King's Football Morning in America
"Fun new book out this week, by Jim Gray, on his life knowing every sports person of note on the planet. (Richard Nixon, too.) “Talking To GOATs: The Moments You Remember And The Stories You Never Heard,” with Greg Bishop, has so many great tales. Like this one, with the late Al Davis—and I had no idea how close Gray was to Davis—regaling Gray and his wife Frann over dinner."
The Dan Patrick Show
“Jim Gray discusses book, tells Pete Rose, Kobe stories”
The Herd with Colin Cowherd
“Jim Gray on why it was wrong to villainize LeBron for ‘The Decision,’ talks MJ & Ali”
The Athletic
"In his new book 'Talking to GOATs,' journalist Jim Gray delves into his interviews and life experiences with some of the most fascinating and successful athletes of our time.You said you won’t write another book......I just wanted to say thank you for being the blueprint for how a journalist is supposed to work. I’ve always admired your ability to go in there and ask the questions that need to be asked, because it’s not about whether our subjects or all of the viewers like us, it’s all because we have a job to do. And you’ve done it." - Lance Pugmire
The Big Lead
"Gray, the everyman who stood and still stands next to those who appeared to be more than mortal, does it by finding that collective humanity and shared conversation. One greatest of all time at a time."
iHeartRadio
"Talking to GOATs is an amazing and fantastic inside look to sports superstars of the past 50 years. Get this book!"
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Purchase the Talking to GOATs audiobook version and enjoy narration by Jim, including guest appearances by Vin Scully, Bob Costas, Tom Brady, Snoop Dogg, and Carol Burnett.
Vin Scully
Bob Costas
Tom Brady
Snoop Dogg
Carol Burnett
Vin Scully
Bob Costas
Tom Brady
Snoop Dogg
Carol Burnett
About the Author
Jim Gray
Twelve-time Emmy Award-winner Jim Gray is a legendary figure in sports broadcasting. He has been trusted by countless iconic athletes to tell their stories—of both triumph and disgrace— and Gray has had unprecedented access to the biggest names, events, and moments in the last four decades of sports.
Gray was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2018.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Class of 2020, honored Gray with the Curt Gowdy Media Award.
With
Greg Bishop
Greg Bishop is an Emmy Award-winning author whose work has been featured in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and on Showtime. He has been honored for his excellence in writing by the Associated Press Sports Editors and the Pro Football Writers Association.
Contact Us
For book signings, digital or live events, signed copies, and more information, please contact us.