Tracing a journey of commitment, challenge, and growth, a former professional football player reflects on his time at Ohio State under the tutelage of Coach Woody Hayes, his years in the NFL, and his unexpected decision to become an expert gardener.

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Chuck Hutchison grew up in rural Ohio and was a member of The Ohio State University’s national collegiate football championship team in 1968. His success in football took him to the National Football League, where he played for seven seasons. Hutchison lives and gardens in Asheville, North Carolina.

Reviews for Getting My Hands Dirty

  • “Chuck Hutchison embodies all that Coach Woody Hayes sought to teach to his Buckeye team at The Ohio State University. Chuck is a terrific model of what it takes to reach your full potential in all that you do. Mastering his fundamentals of curiosity, confidence, and conviction, Chuck excelled in every endeavor. Dig in and learn from a winner!”

    —Jim Tressel, Ohio lieutenant governor; president emeritus of Youngstown State University; and former head football coach at The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University

  • “A memoir about transformation. It's not just about football, or gardening, or even family—it’s about the courage to begin again, no matter how many times life knocks you down.”

    —Manhattan Book Review

  • “A heartfelt memoir from an ex-football player, GETTING MY HANDS DIRTY is about sports, business, and the healing, meditative power of gardening. Earnest and entertaining.”

    —Foreword Clarion Reviews

  • “A powerful memoir that will appeal to more than just football fans. An inspirational read that is attractive, enlightening, and a beacon of hope for personal change and those envisioning a better future.”

    —Midwest Book Review

  • “Hutchinson’s wry observations and laugh-out-loud humor contain powerful lessons about the simple (but not always easy) rules that lead to success, despite hurdles and heartbreak. Yes, you have to do the work, and yes, you may have to get your hands dirty along the way. As Hutchinson’s account makes clear, however, the rewards can be immense.”

    —Gail Harris, creator and host of the PBS series Body & Soul; author of Body & Soul: Your Guide to Health, Happiness, and Total Well-Being, and Finders Seekers

  • “GETTING MY HANDS DIRTY helped me understand Woody Hayes as a person, not just a legend.”

    —Noah Weiskopf, writer for 247/CBS Sports and former editor of The Lantern at The Ohio State University