Former NFL Running Back and Dancing with the Stars Champion Rashad Jennings Motivates and Inspires Others in Debut Book
Grand Rapids, MI – February 9, 2018 – In his debut book, The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self, former NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars Season 24 champion, Rashad Jennings, shares his inspiring story, imparts practical advice, and encourages readers to follow their dreams.
Growing up, Jennings was overweight, had poor vision, suffered from debilitating asthma, and held a 0.6 GPA—yet he still hoped to one day play in the NFL as a running back. To say the odds were stacked against him is an understatement. Through hard work and determination, encouragement and tough love from his brothers and coaches, and the support of mentors too numerous to count, Jennings became a record-setting NFL running back. During his eight-year NFL career, he played with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants. And now, through the Rashad Jennings Foundation, Jennings is focused on inspiring youth by making education an enjoyable experience, providing mentorship, and encouraging an overall healthy lifestyle. In 2017, he helped more than 30,000 students through his foundation read over 167,655 books.
“Whether you realize it or not, certain moments in life, no matter how significant or small they seem, can change your path and have a positive impact on where you go and how successful you become,” said Jennings. “The IF in Life is about those “IF” moments that have shaped the man I’ve become and brought about the realization of my dreams. My hope for this book is that it brings motivation and inspires young people to become their best self.”
In The IF in Life, Jennings writes about the decisions that shaped his destiny, both on and off the field. From overcoming injuries and setbacks, to setting goals and dreaming big, his transparency about his journey will encourage readers to hold on to faith during uncertainty and remind them that greater things are waiting if you stay focused and believe.
“Rashad’s contagious spirit will inspire countless people to take notice of the ‘IF’ moments in their lives that can help lead them down a path to becoming the best they can possibly be,” said Annette Bourland, senior vice president and group publisher at Zondervan. “We are honored to be working with Rashad to share his message.”
Featuring photos from Rashad’s childhood, college years, and professional career, The IF in Life will be available online and in stores on May 8, 2018. The book is available for pre-orders now.
About the Author:
Rashad Jennings is a national personality. Throughout his successful eight-year career in the NFL, as well as his championship performance on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Jennings has gained the love and support of fans across the country. Today, Jennings is driven to make a national impact and lasting legacy. The Rashad Jennings Foundation is dedicated to inspiring youth by making education fun, providing mentorship for individual success and promoting health and fitness. Follow Rashad on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, @rashadjennings.
Zondervan, part of HarperCollins, is a world-leading provider of Christian communications and delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Uhrichsville, OH—February 4, 2018 marks what would have been the 100th birthday of beloved author, poet, songwriter, and Moody Bible Institute alumni, Frances J. Roberts (1918–2009). Born on February 4, 1918, Roberts is best known for her classic devotional, Come Away My Beloved (Barbour Publishing). Roberts also authored eight other books, selling over 1.5 million copies, and published 88 hymns during her lifetime.
Orlando, Fla. (January 31, 2018): In God’s providence, Dr. R.C. Sproul’s last monthly letter to friends of Ligonier Ministries was an encouragement to pray earnestly for awakening: “It’s easy to be afraid these days. We’re living in a land which has turned its back on God and His law. We can feel as if we’re in a shrinking minority of truth-tellers who love Christ and His Word. We can feel like there’s nothing we can do. As I have studied the Scriptures and the work of God’s Spirit throughout history, I know there is something we can do– we can pray for awakening.”
Minneapolis (January 30, 2018) – Children’s book publisher Sparkhouse Family has rebranded as Beaming Books. A business unit of 1517 Media, Sparkhouse Family was launched in 2014 as a publisher of Bibles and religious books for children. Under the new name, Beaming Books will publish high-quality books for children in both religious and non-religious categories.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) February 1, 2018 – Jerry B. Jenkins’ books have sold more than 70 million copies, including the phenomenal Left Behind series, minting him as one of the best-selling novelists of his generation. Now, Worthy Publishing is pleased to announce he will be releasing a new fiction series slated for this fall.
CAROL STREAM, ILL. (February 1, 2018) – Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) announced today that Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy), who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, will publish his first leadership fable, The Soul of a Team (ISBN 978-1-4964-1376-5, $26.99, HC), with Tyndale Momentum. The book’s release, scheduled for early 2019, will include a significant marketing budget as well as a national book-signing and media tour.
February 5, 2018
Carol Stream, Ill.—February 2, 2018—Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance Carla Laureano releases the first novel in the Supper Club series, a deliciously enticing romance with a foodie twist that reminds readers that nothing is wasted—not with God. 
(Nashville, TN) February 1, 2018—Today HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) announced a few key promotions within the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Bible publishing groups that reflect the company’s continued focus on the Bible.
For Zondervan Bibles, Melinda Bouma is being promoted to publisher. During her 10-plus year tenure with Zondervan Bibles, Bouma’s innovation, industry knowledge, and leadership have been essential to the success of the Zondervan Bible business. As publisher, she will build on her proven success of award winning product develop, acquisition, and publishing leadership by expanding the publishing portfolio of the NIV, the New American Standard Version (NASB), the Amplified Version (AMP) and other translations.
Beginning in January 2018, the Nazarene Publishing House commenced doing business in North America as The Foundry Publishing. The rebranding, which was introduced in phases beginning in June 2017, will allow NPH to expand its market reach in order to impact a broader audience with the Wesleyan-Holiness message, according to CEO Mark D. Brown. Internationally, the Nazarene Publishing House brand will remain in place.




