Playing Hurt
Playing Hurt: My Journey from Despair to Hope is a memoir authored by John Saunders in collaboration with bestselling writer John U. Bacon, released posthumously on August 8, 2017.
Overview
With a broadcasting career spanning more than three decades at ESPN and ABC, Saunders published Playing Hurt in 2017. The memoir chronicles his life beginning from his childhood in Canada to his later years, detailing his struggles with depression, several suicide attempts, recovery following a brain injury sustained on set in 2011, and a heart attack in 2012. Saunders and Bacon initiated the book project prior to Saunders’ passing in August 2016 at age 61. After his death, Bacon finalized the manuscript with contributions from Saunders’ relatives, close associates, and medical professionals, ensuring that the story remained true to Saunders’ own experiences.
The introduction to the book was penned by Mitch Albom.
Reception
Upon release, Playing Hurt entered the New York Times bestseller list. Critics responded favorably, highlighting Saunders’ candidness and sincerity. Awful Announcing described it as an "important, enlightening read," whereas The Washington Post characterized the memoir as "dark, edgy, revelatory and quite sad."