Tough Guy: My Life on the Edge

I've bega to write a review for this book a few times over the past year or so, but I've never been able to finish it. It's tough to put into words my feelings about this book. Let me start by saying that I loved watching Bob Probert during his career. I was a season ticket holder for the Chicago Blackhawks from 1999-2004, when I moved away. Those were some pretty lean years for the Hawks, and a lot of nights, the only real entertainment that Hawks fans saw was Bob doing his thing. During that time, I was fortunate enough to meet Bob, and I was blown away. Far too often, professional athletes don't have the time for their fans...but Bob was different. When I met him, he took about 15 minutes to talk to me, and he talked to me like he'd known me for 20 years. I always had a deep respect for Bob Probert, but I came away from that experience with an even better view of the guy. It truly was amazing. When most people think of Bob Probert, they think about things such as his legendary fights with Tie Domi, Marty McSorley, Scott Parker, Jim Coxe, and Link Gaetz to name a few. Maybe even think of him for scoring the last goal in the Maple Leaf Gardens. When I think back on Bob Probert, I think about those things, but also about how great of a guy he was to his fans.On to the book itself. I bought this book the day it came out, and finished it the next day. It's long, but it's very interesting. If you were following the NHL in the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's, you will definitely not be able to put this book down. Bob is candid about his life on and off the ice. It's great to read about some of the things that Bob did away from the rink, even those that are not written in a positive light. It's easy for a guy to reflect on all of the positive things that they've done, but it takes an even better man to reflect on the negative as well. In this book, he puts it all out there. For those of you who have read Theo Fleury's book, it will not be as crazy as that, but there are parts of the book that might remind you of that one. Everyone's heard the things about Bob Probert, but if you want the straight talk, straight from the horse's mouth, this is the book for you. I recommend this book for all fans of the game.I doubt that she will ever see this review, but I would also like to thank Dani Probert for allowing this book to print. It is a great lasting memory of Bob, and something that his fans had hoped to see.Rest in peace, #24. You may have been known as a Red Wing, but we miss you in Blackhawk nation as well. There will never be another Bob Probert.

This was a tough book to get through. A breezy, and for the most part interesting story, but painful to be a party to.Bob Probert lost his life in July of 2010 while in the company of his family. He was in the midst of writing this book. While from his own account, and those of his teammates, he had the qualities of a person one would want on their side, like loyalty, leadership, and respect, his self-destructive side made this reviewer often cringe.While he often professes in the book his undying love for his beautiful wife and five children, his openness about his alcoholism, drug use, pain killers, and infidelities leads to questions about his character and worthiness.The author, Kristie McKellan Day, who also collaborated with Theo Fleury in a similar tell-all, wide open autobiography featuring similar self-destructive, insane behavior seems to have a knack for wooing these types of athletes who push society's boundaries.Steve Yzerman, who seemed to keep Probert in balance as the Captain of the great Red Wing team, at once describes the good Probert and the bad Probert. It seems to be a war in which the two sides clash often.At the end of the book, there is a sense of foreboding in the writing of Probert, as if he knows his time is drawing near. He rues the hurt he has put on his wife and family, and one can readily see the truth.Frankly, after reading Fleury's story, and Probert's (the two were briefly teammates at the end of their playing careers), the life of a professional athlete seems terrifying. The physical sacrifices, the sycophants, the drugs, and the abuse that people put their bodies through tells a story that is far different from the one I always imagined when I had sports heroes as a youngster.As Probert put it, when he was high, he had permission to have fun any way he wanted to. It led to injuries, car and motorcycles accidents, breach of marital trust, letting his children down, among other things. The money was good, but the price to pay was astronomical.

Great book about the best enforcer of all time!

I like the book but shipping was insane, waited 16 days for them to get it here. Would not order from this seller again, ridiculously long shipping. I could have drove to New Jersey and picked it up faster!

Totally awesome book! Sad he died way too young.Would have really loved to watch more of him playing hockey

Ya know as a hockey fan I heard of Bob, but what I did not know is how much details was not provided back in the 80's-90's like now.I do not remember the press conferences. Maybe because I am from New England. However, I give Dani credit for staying with her husband through all those times. Drugs, sex and alcohol is enough to put any marriage over the edge.I did find the book boring at times for it spoke of the same again, and again (sex, drugs, ect) and skimmed over some words within the paragraphs.You know he loved the sport, and his "job" as an Enforcer. Hearing him talk about his teammates no matter who they were he respected them for their roles and individual. I disliked Chelos for a long time, but reading what he did for Bob now has another look at the hockey star. He took his job serious and knowing what he was going through he was not a "goon" as others had titled.However, to hear the words, details and story from his point, family and friends I wish more sport athletes would open up for us to understand them as individuals and not greedy sport players.Rest in Peace Bob!

Was well received as a present. Said was excellent read.

this book shows the guts and determination of this player who before his tragically and early death began to show of alzheimers probably brought on by his style of play a good read

Probably great but 6 weeks later the book still hasn’t arrived 🤷🏻‍♂️

This is such well written book. An absolute must for any sport/hockey fan, there truly will never be another quite like Bob Probert, The stories literally have every emotions running, you empathize and feel his pain then the next page laughing as hilarious stories...stories in abundance. May be the best book i have read, period.

Great book, sad he died so young