"GUS DORAIS: Gridiron Innovator, All-American and Hall of Fame Coach"
A new book about the life of Charles E. "Gus" Dorais chronicles his football accomplishements and experiences from high school to pro football. Dorais is best known as the passing end of the "Dorais to Rockne" Notre Dame tandem that helped revolutionize the forward pass in football. Over the next four decades, Dorais gained prominence as a professional player in the pre-NFL days and college football coach—most notably at the University of Detroit. He finished as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
During his long tenure as a coach, Dorais was one of the foremost, respected minds of football innovation in the first half of the 20th century. He played with and coached against all the prominent football legends of the time. He was an innovator and pioneer in football and had a lasting influence on the game. Many untold stories and interesting facts make the story of Gus Dorais a fascinating read.
"... It is a story researched and told lovingly, one that helps provide immense context and understanding not just of Dorais' life and competitive fire but of Notre Dame's rise as a power and the foundation of American football itself. The game today, of course, is the forward pass. With his then-unique throwing style, Gus Dorais was the pioneer who pointed the way and thus defined the pass. His story is the game's story. With a timing that meant everything."
- Roland Lazenby - Most prolific sports author of our time - Latest book, Michael Jordan: The Life 2018
"This book tells the unknown story of one of football's early pioneers - Gus Dorais. From his humble beginnings, to his influence on the sport as a player, scout and coach, this well-researched and well written account of Dorais' life will fascinate readers. The combination of Joe Niese and Bob Dorais have told the story of a football lifer that is long overdue."
- Chris Willis, Head of Research Library, NFL Films
McFarland Publishing
JOE NIESE - Author and sports historian Joe Niese is a library director in Dorais’ hometown, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He has written two adult biographies on baseball players: Burleigh Grimes: Baseball's Last Legal Spitballer and Handy Andy: The Andy Pafko Story. The latter was awarded a bronze in Foreword Reviews’ 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award (Sports- Adult Non-Fiction). He was named 2015 Media Person of the Year by the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association.
BOB DORAIS - Bob has been researching his grandfather’s story for decades. He has visited several universities, libraries and hall of fames, compiling a wealth of material over the years. He is former military having served in the Navy and stays active in military communities and research. The father of four currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an engineer with business interests in Brazil where he frequently travels.
Authors Joe Niese and Bob Dorais are available for book lectures, signings and interviews. info@gusdorais.com
