TAKING FLAK: LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

The story of a glorious, uninhibited era and an NFL legend and drag racing icon who lived on the brink.

It was like Camelot. And Dante “Giuseppe” Antonio Pastorini was King. He was royalty, even to his teammates. He could throw a football 80 yards. When he walked into a room, women fell at his feet. He raced cars. He raced boats. He had a big heart. And he was one tough S.O.B. We were complete opposites, the Playboy and the Hayseed. I never knew a man like Dante Pastorini. And there never will be another like him. 

Carl Mauck, Oilers teammate 

Jimmy Page once told me, “It’s better to live one day as a lion than a thousand years as a mouse.” Dan Pastorini lived everyday as a lion. He was a Renaissance man. He was James Bond. He was a rock star. 

Mark Bowman, Photographer/Friend 

Dan Pastorini had a larger than life personality. I was around the Oilers locker-room as a 20-year-old kid at the University of Houston, rounding up quotes. I got to know him a lot more after his playing days and really saw how much he impacted peoples’ lives. He had the persona of a swashbuckling Hollywood leading man. He had that kind of swagger and was that kind of character. Dan had a special aura at a special time for football and in the City of Houston. I always thought it was appropriate that Dan became an accomplished race car driver after his playing career, because he did everything at warp speed. His story is a study in coping with stardom and celebrity in that era, and dealing with all the adversities and difficulties that go with it.

Jim Nantz, Voice of CBS Sports

Dan Pastorini was an iconic 13-year NFL quarterback, drag racing champion and coverboy, who charmed Hollywood starlets and legions of fans. His hard-driving life wowed millions, but not always the man in the mirror. Battling and overcoming multiple obstacles and inner-demons, Pastorini has become a sought-after speaker and idol, while his philanthropy has raised millions for charitable causes.