Just Tackle, Baby!

By Todd Schmidt and Phil Villapiano

A captivating memoir of Raiders football under John Madden

From the Immaculate Reception to the Sea of Hands to his game-changing, fumble-forcing tackle in Super Bowl XI, Phil Villapiano lived at the heart of football history. One of the fastest and fiercest linebackers of his era, Villapiano was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro who built his reputation on big plays and bigger rivalries--especially his legendary battles and enduring friendship with Franco Harris.

Just Tackle, Baby captures Villapiano's grit, humor, and passion, bringing to life the heights of the Silver and Black and the unrestrained spirit of the NFL in the 1970s.

More than a traditional memoir, this is a front-row seat to football's Wild West, told by a player who lived the highs and lows of the era as he helped define it.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1637279647
• ISBN13: 9781637279649
• Release Date: August 2026
• Publisher: Triumph Books (IL)
• Length: 256 Pages