About The Author

Jim Wallgren is the author of The Last Tackle, a retired network engineer, speaker, and sports enthusiast. He has appeared on ABC “Good Morning America” and featured in numerous news articles and TV segments in the Dallas/Ft. Worth media market.

Today, Jim has proudly lived as a C5/6 complete quadriplegic for over 40 years. He has advocated for the rights and full participation of People with Disabilities, with his proudest moment giving a personal plea before a congressional delegation in Dallas, Texas, to passage the Americans with Disability Act in the early ’90s. He currently lives near the Austin, Texas, area with his wife and is the proud father of twins. Jim and his wife enjoy traveling and have visited many foreign countries and regions of the United States. He is also an Amateur Radio operator, licensed by the FCC.

Jim is the son of dynamic parents who taught him, his brother, and his sister that generosity, respect, and hard work are the most necessary tools to succeed. He hopes he has made them proud and wishes to inspire others with his story.

The Last Tackle: Finding Courage In The Face of Adversity

Where do you find hope when all hope is lost?

Jimbo Wallgren’s life changed in an instant when he made his last tackle on the gridiron. His dream of playing at a prestigious college shattered, and all that remained for him now were memories from before-the days when everything seemed so promising. Some people can’t handle the pressure and give up, dreaming about what could’ve been rather than fighting to victory with everything they had left. For those like Jimbo who refuse to give up even when faced against impossible odds time after again without ever seeing victory, there may still be hope!

Resiliency is defined as the ability to recover or spring back into shape after something has happened. The resiliency of one young man is about to be tested in ways he couldn’t even imagine. The lessons learned on the football field may help him face his greatest obstacle yet, not on the field of play but in real life.

The Last Tackle Book, overcoming adversity — The Last Tackle

Testimonials

What People Are Saying About

The Last Tackle

Buy it, read it, and be forever changed. The writing is so powerful and packed with reality, it is difficult to imagine. I had to read with one eye closed, the other squinted and closed the book to get relief. Jim Wallgren shows he is a very brave and humble man. An amazing story told so openly, revealing deep emotional states. It is a book that will change the reader.

Richard

It’s a powerful read of overcoming trauma and disability, trudging through each day to live life to the fullest. I recommend if you enjoy both sports memoirs and stories of succeeding against adversity

Rhonda

Rollin with Ray

From The Author

At first glance at the book cover, one might assume it’s primarily a book regarding football, and you would be partially right. A goal of mine in writing my story is the reader comes away knowing how meaningful human connections shape our lives. Forty years is a long time to revisit such a profound time in my life. The accident and subsequent years were not exactly how I planned it. Nevertheless, it’s brought many beautiful surprises along the way. I hope you, the reader, will come away inspired to be the best you, follow your dreams, and foster those human connections that enrich our lives.

“What makes a person resilient is precisely the ability to exist in uncertainty and discomfort, with a firm acceptance of reality, a strong belief, often coupled with profound life-affirming values, and the unique gift of improvisation.”

Author

James G. Wallgren

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