“Spain and McCullough captivatingly recount his journey, exploring the impact that love and self-knowledge can have on identity.” —Washington Post

“[Runs in the Family] is a book about trauma, family, and hope, threaded with moments of profound sadness and unbelievable joy throughout. Even non-sports fans will love this incredible story." —Booklist

“Poignant… a sensitive, observant reflection on trauma’s long tail and a veritable how-to on responding to unforeseeable events with exemplary grace.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The story of Deland McCullough is a break-your-brain/explode-your-heart story. Skillfully woven throughout, Runs in the Family is paradigm-shifting wisdom about mentorship, generational trauma, emotional DNA, and the transformational power of parenthood in all its forms. Like all our stories, Deland’s is one about family secrets, breaking cycles, and how the truth first hurts us and then heals us.” —Glennon Doyle, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Untamed

“The best sports stories have a beating heart you can feel, and the best sports reporters know just where to put the stethoscope. I didn’t know Deland McCullough had one of those stories, but I do know that I’ll always place my attention wherever Sarah Spain places her caring, craftsmanship, and compassion. In everything from her eye to her empathy, Sarah accompanies Deland with grace toward vulnerable discoveries that can sometimes be too much for even our toughest gladiators and conquerors. There’s real intimacy when a fighter and a writer team up to take us, like all the best stories in the arena do, to the roots of the human condition.” —Dan Le Batard, award-winning sportswriter, television personality, and podcast host

“Deland McCullough’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and family. In Runs in the Family, he mixes his personal growth with personal failures and poor choices. He persevered and matured to find his identity through it all. This story has football principles dealing with and overcoming the ups and downs of life and finding a way to be successful.” —Andy Reid, three-time Super Bowl champion and head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs

“Runs in the Family is one of the most remarkable sports stories I’ve ever read. It’s a tale that seems almost too unlikely to be true, but as Sarah Spain and her coauthor Deland McCullough describe in moving detail, the coincidence that drives the central mystery of this gripping narrative is only a small part of what makes this book so unforgettable. It’s about serendipity, to be sure, but it’s also about resilience, identity, and, above all, love.” —Mina Kimes, award-winning ESPN journalist

“Deland McCullough’s journey is a remarkable testament to the unexpected bonds that football can forge. Runs in the Family shows that football can be the catalyst to a miracle, and this book beautifully captures karma and good fortunes.” —Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Super Bowl champion, NCAA Football champion

“A beautiful playbook that illustrates the universal truths about grace and mercy.” —Dan Quinn, head coach of the Washington Commanders