"Paper Lion" is a non-fiction book written by George Plimpton in 1966. It chronicles his experiences as a novice quarterback trying out for the Detroit Lions, a professional American football team. Plimpton, known for his immersive journalism, provides a unique perspective on the sport and the challenges faced by athletes. The book details the training camp, practices, and interactions with players, including Milt Plum and Alex Karras. Plimpton's humorous and insightful writing captures the intensity of football while highlighting the camaraderie among players. "Paper Lion" has since become a classic in sports literature.