The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller In this inspiring work of narrative nonfiction, New York Times journalist Thomas Fuller chronicles the remarkable rise of the football team at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside (CSDR) — a group of young athletes who defied odds, stereotypes, and a decades-long losing streak to chase championship glory.

For 51 seasons, CSDR’s team had never experienced a winning season. But under the leadership of Coach Keith Adams, a Deaf former athlete, and with the help of a tight-knit community, the team transformed into an unstoppable force. In 2021 and 2022, they shocked the football world by going undefeated and earning a place in the state playoffs.

Fuller follows the players’ personal journeys — many of whom had struggled on hearing teams — as they found pride, unity, and power in their Deaf identity. The book also highlights how American Sign Language became a strategic advantage on the field, allowing for seamless, silent communication in the heat of competition.

More than just a sports story, The Boys of Riverside is a moving testament to perseverance, belonging, and the power of community. It celebrates how a group of young men redefined what it means to win — not only for themselves, but for the entire Deaf community.