Chapter 9, Birth of a Star Summary and Analysis

In this chapter, the author describes the evolution of the left tackle position and why it is now one of the most valuable positions in professional football. Lewis presents the story of Steve Wallace, a left tackle for Bill Walsh's San Francisco 49ers. Wallace is not the starter, but gets the job when another player named Bubba Paris fails to perform. The 49ers are successful during the regular season, but cannot seem to get through the playoffs, mainly because that is where they usually run into Lawrence Taylor. Another defensive star, Chris Doleman, is also presenting a problem.

Doleman is such a nightmare that even superstar Joe Montana cannot hold his own against him. Wallace watches from the bench during the playoffs as Montana struggles. He explains, "He never let Joe get his...