Legendary

by Dick LeBeau, Scott Brown, George Von Benko

To most NFL fans, Dick LeBeau is known as a football lifer, Pro Football Hall of Fame member, and mastermind behind the revolutionary zone blitz defense. But to Pittsburgh Steelers fans, LeBeau is the beloved defensive coaching genius who helped lead the Steelers to their last two championships – Super Bowl XL in 2005 and Super Bowl XLIII in 2008 – crafting a devastating 3-4 defensive scheme that came to define a treasured era of football in Pittsburgh. In  A Legendary Defense , LeBeau along with veteran Steelers’ scribes Scott Brown and George Von Benko will revisit that unforgettably dominant 2008 defensive unit, one of the most feared and successful in the modern NFL landscape. A deep dive into each game of the 2007-2008 championship season, with added perspective of how that “Blitzburgh” defense stacks up against the other great contemporary defenses, LeBeau also intersperses revelations about the 2008 Steelers with anecdotes from his nearly 60 years in the NFL as both a star player and groundbreaking coach who spanned decades of football innovation. This fond look back at the latest golden era for the Steelers also includes recollections from the legends on defense who helped bring LeBeau’s ground-breaking vision to life, from Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu to 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison to unheralded but essential linebacker James Farrior, and many more who count LeBeau as one of the most admired and brilliant coaches in league history.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[David Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting, but still an excellent book from one of the best coaches in Steelers, and NFL, history

[Marcia Suppo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for every Steelers fan. We expect great defenses (Steel Curtain in the ‘70’s, Blitzburgh in the ‘90’s) Its what we do. It will be hard to match what the Steelers D did in the 2008 season. The star players along with their star coach. The career LeBeau had was amazing. He certainly was loved by his players, the fans and the ‘Burgh. As the book describes, he has had an amazing, career and life. But most importantly, he is a great human being!

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all…Legendary!!

[Susannah Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intersecting and kind of fun to read something different

[Paleoanthro · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and insightful look at the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers defense and its legendary coach, Dick LeBeau. We learn about the 2008 Super Bowl Champions and LeBeau's career in an a well written and choregraphed book that highlights an incredible coach and NFL player through the players and defense he loves. A must read for all Steeler fans!

[Melissa Salsgiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Steeler's groupie. Dick LeBeau was a favorite defensive coach of mine and I delighted in reading his account. I loved his ability to laugh at himself, respect for the players and inspiring leadership. I think this should be a required read for all new supervisors, no matter the profession.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick yet detailed read that tells the story of one of the most excellent minds and managers in NFL defensive history, as well as his exceptional playing career. The book's 2008 recounting of the team's 2008 season is insightful and player-focused. The game-by-game summaries offer a behind-the-scenes look at how NFL games are managed successfully (or not). Highly recommended!

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Stephen Plut]

A terrific stroll down memory lane. I hold Coach LeBeau in high regard and after reading this book find there are many others who feel the same.

[Drake McCrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming if somewhat typical sports biography.

[Lynn Ferber · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time truly flies. Seems like yesterday. Excellent read. Lots of memories

[Joe Dykta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a fun book about the great coach. The players and him had a special bond. Great memories of that year.

[Tami Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice review of Dick LeBeau’s career. He was an amazing coach and player. Down to earth, well-respected, and I am thankful to him for the memories of Steeler wins!

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read for die hard Steeler fans!

[Melissa Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any Steelers fan. Fun trip down memory lane focusing on the 2008 Super Bowl team.

[Matthew Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

pittsburgh blitzburgh baby - my only beef with this is that it was incredibly repetitive

[Sal Celis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would take a bullet to the crotch for this man