The Ultimate Arena

About the Book

This novel is a cautionary tale of life and death in the G. W. Bush era. It’s a true story of a brave young man who believed in putting his life on the line to defend his country. He saw himself as a defender. He was, after all, an all-pro defensive back for the Arizona Cardinals. He gave up a multimillion-dollar career and a beautiful new wife to deal with Osama bin Laden after the attacks of 9/11. Because I didn’t ask for or receive permission from his family to write this book, it should be considered historical fiction, but anyone who has seen the outstanding documentary The Tillman Story by Amir Bar-Lev will know who it is about. It’s a tragic story of an American gladiator sacrificed by his own government. It is a story that should never be forgotten.  

About the Author

Dan Ireland was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent over thirty years teaching in the St. Paul public schools and coached football and hockey as well. Like most English teachers, he felt he had at least one book in him. The Ultimate Arena is the first of what Dan intends to be many more. He hopes that this book reintroduces the unforgiveable injustices suffered by a fine American family and a reminder of how important the truth has to be in our lives.