A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, played, heard, observed, worn, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here.

If I had a job that required people to sit in waiting rooms just to speak with me--perhaps the best measure of either the triumph of money or ego in your life--I would have “Super Bowl: The Game of Their Lives” on the coffee table.

The personal stories of participants in the Super Bowl does give keen insight to the players’ mentalities and preparation for what was truly the game of their lives.

Contributing players are not necessarily Super Bowl winners, or star players, which makes it all the better.

And the ability of players such as Mark Van Eeghen--an important part of the Oakland Raider teams of the 1970s but curiously not among the best remembered--to articulate his preparation, hopes and fears is quite enjoyable.

So are the insights in regard to player relationships. The intra-team rivalries or the rough relationships between coaches and players offer a view we usually don’t get.

Undoubtedly, most of the players were stars on their teams. Unfortunately, a few come off as being less swift between the ears than between the hash marks. But Danny Peary’s efforts smooth many of the bumps.

Although it’s not a great book on many levels, I have to say I’m glad I waited.

Not for the book, but with the book.