Thomas Fuller On The Deaf Football Team That Inspired a Nation and Amazon’s Best of 2024
Join Michael Zeldin as he hosts an inspiring podcast conversation with Thomas Fuller, Page One Correspondent at The New York Times, about his book, The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory. This remarkable story, recently crowned Amazon’s No. 1 Best Book of 2024, celebrates the unwavering spirit of the California School for the Deaf football team in Riverside, California, and their remarkable journey to the state championship.
Fuller’s book brings to life the historic 2021 and 2022 seasons, following Coach Keith Adams—a deaf former athlete—and his team as they defied stereotypes and inspired their community. Fuller, who reported on the team’s progress from their unbeaten season to the playoffs, captures the players’ grit and the uplifting moments that define their pursuit of greatness. Through vivid storytelling, he introduces readers to a young player who spent nights sleeping in a car, a teammate who played through a broken leg, and the camaraderie that kept them united.
The Amazon Books Editors chose The Boys of Riverside as their top pick, calling it a “feel-good true story about an all-deaf high school football team, and their triumphant climb from underdogs to champions.” This podcast will delve into Fuller’s journey, from discovering this extraordinary story to witnessing firsthand the resilience and strength of a remarkable community.
Listen to the podcast and explore a narrative that offers a pause from the challenges of recent years and highlights a story of hope, unity, and perseverance that has captivated readers across the country.
About Our Guest
Thomas Fuller is a Page One Correspondent at The New York Times, dedicated to delivering breaking news stories for the front page. With a career spanning over four decades, he often covers major events such as wildfires in California, hurricanes in Florida, and protests across the United States. Beyond day-to-day news, Thomas delves into long-term stories, exploring unique themes from Sierra Nevada gold panners to Indigenous burning practices in Australia.
Raised in Tuckahoe, New York, Thomas has pursued his passion for storytelling around the world. He studied in Paris before reporting from more than 40 countries for The Times and The International Herald Tribune, primarily in Europe and Southeast Asia. In his early 20s, he circled the globe on a motorcycle, writing travel pieces along the way. His new book, The Boys of Riverside, tells the story of the California School for the Deaf’s varsity football team, a project inspired by an article he wrote for The Times.
Committed to The Times' standards of ethical journalism, Thomas values fairness, accuracy, and empathy in his reporting. His commitment to deep understanding drives his approach to journalism, ensuring his stories resonate and reveal human truths.
