Larry Cole's journey to the NFL was unusual. After growing up on a farm in Minnesota, he played three years of football for the Air Force Academy and one year at the University of Hawaii. In 1968, he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, quickly becoming a starting defensive end. When he retired in 1981, he had played in an astounding 26 playoff games.

But football wasn't Cole's only focus. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and went on to start a construction company, even serving as the president of the Fort Worth and Tarrant County Builders Association from 1993-1994.

If you're intrigued by Cole's football career and determination to build a great life for his family, it's all in his new memoir. Go to the Shop button on top of the page and order your copy of the book. Also autograph pictures, jerseys, mini-helmets and some collectibles are available for purchase.