Having helped Larry with the editing of his autobiography, Dancing in the Shadows, I can say that it is a most enjoyable story of a boy who grows up in Florida during the Eisenhower era, goes to the University of Florida, studies art, becomes an All-American football player, spends a few years in the pros, and then adjusts to his post-playing days. The sports junkie will find here a number of memorable anecdotes, previously unknown and untold, but also including the time Larry was on the field of play to witness Mean Joe Green spit in Dick Butkus's face during a game--and live to tell about it.

But more important than his athletic career is the reality, found between the lines on every page, that what really matters to Larry Gagner is people: Doris, his wife, his family, teammates, coaches, and friends. And of all the people who matter to Larry, Jesus Christ matters most.

Dancing in the Shadows, then, is per-eminently a record of one man's journey that will inspire and encourage all who read it, for Larry's conclusion about life--written in his own inimitable way--boils down to this: fear God and keep His commands, for this is the whole duty of man.

Tack Chumbley

Minister, author, publisher; BS from the University of Illinois, and two masters degrees from Trinity Theological Seminary.

Larry Gagner doesn't hold back. In a rarity for modern "tell-all" books, however, he only seems to tell it all about his own youthful indiscretions and his gratitude for surviving it all. And instead of making excuses or looking for an avenue of self-pity, he blows through it in a wistful manner that makes "Dancing in the Shadows" a breezy and enjoyable read.

Coming out of Seabreeze High in Daytona Beach, then the University of Florida in Gainesville, he seemed destined for a long and successful career. That didn't happen. But he's had a long and successful life, thanks to another passion that seems to fit snugly atop his enjoyable personality.

Ken Willis

Daytona Beach News Journal sports writer.