What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart and Steel
A poignant, inspirational story about football, family, and love from Bill Cowher, the Super Bowl–winning, Hall-of-Fame Pittsburgh Steelers coach, and cohost of CBS's The NFL Today.
Long before the Lombardi Trophy, the Golden Hall of Fame jacket, and successful TV career, legendary head coach Bill Cowher was simply "Billy from Crafton."
Born and raised just fifteen minutes from old Three Rivers Stadium, it was in Crafton where the foundation of Cowher's irrepressible work ethic, passion for teaching, and love of football and the Pittsburgh Steelers were built. Now, for the first time, Cowher will shine a light on a life filled with success, achieved through will and resilience in situations which, often times, appeared to be hopeless.
In Heart and Steel, Cowher will take you on his journey from childhood to the undersized, mohawked, disco-dancing North Carolina State linebacker, to fighting for a spot as a "bubble player" with the Browns and Eagles, before injuries ended his playing career. Bill will discuss how that same drive led to his big coaching break, running Special Teams for Marty Schottenheimer and the Cleveland Browns at just twenty-seven-years-old, before taking over the Pittsburgh Steelers just seven years later. Cowher will reveal exclusive, never-before-told anecdotes and candid thoughts on the biggest games, players, and moments that defined his fifteen-year Steelers tenure.
But this is more than a "football story."
In 2010, Bill lost his beloved wife, Kaye, and father, Laird, within three months of one another. It forced him, yet again, to summon that resiliency to unearth a stronger version of himself—not only so he could march on, but to add a deeper level to the loving, supportive father his three daughters had always known.
Cowher's learned many lessons in his life; as a father, grandfather, husband, coach, and broadcaster. He will show you how you can continue to grow by embracing transition, personally and professionally, through renewed perspective and social consciousness.
"Billy from Crafton" has come a long way. Through love and conviction, Cowher's achieved more than he ever could have dreamed of. You can, too, with the same heart and steel.
Long before the Lombardi Trophy, the Golden Hall of Fame jacket, and successful TV career, legendary head coach Bill Cowher was simply "Billy from Crafton."
Born and raised just fifteen minutes from old Three Rivers Stadium, it was in Crafton where the foundation of Cowher's irrepressible work ethic, passion for teaching, and love of football and the Pittsburgh Steelers were built. Now, for the first time, Cowher will shine a light on a life filled with success, achieved through will and resilience in situations which, often times, appeared to be hopeless.
In Heart and Steel, Cowher will take you on his journey from childhood to the undersized, mohawked, disco-dancing North Carolina State linebacker, to fighting for a spot as a "bubble player" with the Browns and Eagles, before injuries ended his playing career. Bill will discuss how that same drive led to his big coaching break, running Special Teams for Marty Schottenheimer and the Cleveland Browns at just twenty-seven-years-old, before taking over the Pittsburgh Steelers just seven years later. Cowher will reveal exclusive, never-before-told anecdotes and candid thoughts on the biggest games, players, and moments that defined his fifteen-year Steelers tenure.
But this is more than a "football story."
In 2010, Bill lost his beloved wife, Kaye, and father, Laird, within three months of one another. It forced him, yet again, to summon that resiliency to unearth a stronger version of himself—not only so he could march on, but to add a deeper level to the loving, supportive father his three daughters had always known.
Cowher's learned many lessons in his life; as a father, grandfather, husband, coach, and broadcaster. He will show you how you can continue to grow by embracing transition, personally and professionally, through renewed perspective and social consciousness.
"Billy from Crafton" has come a long way. Through love and conviction, Cowher's achieved more than he ever could have dreamed of. You can, too, with the same heart and steel.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2021
61 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Bill Cowher
4 books6 followersBill Cowher coached the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1992 through 2006, winning Super Bowl XL. He's one of only two coaches in NFL history to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons and, at the time, was the youngest coach to ever a lead a team to the Super Bowl. Cowher currently serves as cohost of CBS's The NFL Today. In 2020, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cowher lives in New York with wife, Veronica.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 27, 2021
First off, I'm a Steelers fan because my dad has been a life-long Steelers fan. I bought him this book for father's day, and bought myself a copy so we could read it together.
I missed the Bill Cowher Steelers era, I was too young and honestly, just didn't care about football back then. Cowher is my dad's favorite Steelers coach, so I was excited to get a glimpse of him and be able to talk about the book and Steelers memories with my dad.
I didn't expect to get so many laughs, tears, and heartfelt moments. A lot of what Cowher says in his book, what he said about coaching and motivating himself and his team, is something that can translate to all parts of life.
If you love football, especially the Steelers, this is an obvious recommendation. But if you want to read a book to learn how to be a good leader and motivator, this is a must-read.
Bill Cowher is a powerful example of what it means to never give up.
I missed the Bill Cowher Steelers era, I was too young and honestly, just didn't care about football back then. Cowher is my dad's favorite Steelers coach, so I was excited to get a glimpse of him and be able to talk about the book and Steelers memories with my dad.
I didn't expect to get so many laughs, tears, and heartfelt moments. A lot of what Cowher says in his book, what he said about coaching and motivating himself and his team, is something that can translate to all parts of life.
If you love football, especially the Steelers, this is an obvious recommendation. But if you want to read a book to learn how to be a good leader and motivator, this is a must-read.
Bill Cowher is a powerful example of what it means to never give up.
September 16, 2023
Bill Cowher’s autobiography offers remarkable insight into how he integrated his family, his football, and also his faith at the same time. It is certainly a biography of a football player and coach, and will be greatly enjoyed by Steelers fans (such as myself), but just as Cowher was more than just a football player, so is his biography.
August 18, 2021
Great book, perfect length and depth to keep your attention, as a lifelong Steelers fan I enjoyed it. It was hard reading about his first wife dying, I knew she had died but had no idea how bad it was and how quickly it happened.
July 28, 2021
After reading this I have even more respect for Bill Cowher. What an outstanding human being. I laughed, I cried, and I reminisced. Wonderful book.
March 20, 2024
Really enjoyed learning about the path Coach Cowher took from his playing days to coaching the Steelers and winning the Super Bowl in 2005. This book takes you on a journey of a man who lived life with an intense passion for his craft and for his family while always trying to find the balance along the way. Would recommend to any millennial Pittsburgh Steelers fan out there who grew up with Coach Cowher as your coach!
February 16, 2025
I’m not a huuuuuge football fan but his story is so freakin wholesome, I couldn’t help but like the book. I learned a lot about him, the team, the city, football in general, etc. I also have become ~10% more annoying watching NFL games now, touting my newly learned coaching phrases and insights. All that to say - it was honest, vulnerable, sweet, challenged, and inspiring. Great coach, an even better guy.
July 27, 2021
Bill Cower followers may enjoy this book. It's written from the heart.
January 31, 2022
What a great book! Not only is it a biography of Bill Cowher's life, it is a thoughtful reflection of what it is to be a professional coach in the National Football League and more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 'other side' of fifteen Steelers seasons as well as learning about Cowher's inspiring story.
April 2, 2023
As a lifelong Steelers fan and admirer of Bill Cowher, I couldn’t put this book down.
He definitely covered / relived a lot about his time as the head coach of the Steelers, which included tidbits about the various players, and some of the disappointing games lost. (which as a fan, was both fun and at times painful to revisit) This book goes deeper into his philosophies of life. What are the values that are important? How family, friends and mentors helped him along the way? What does it take to be successful in coaching as well as in life? What does it take to be an effective leader and person?
If you are a Steeler fan, there’s nothing to debate, this is a must read! But even if you are just a casual fan, or are looking for a good read, I would recommend this book. It’s not too heavy of a read. Entertaining and full of insights into life and living.
He definitely covered / relived a lot about his time as the head coach of the Steelers, which included tidbits about the various players, and some of the disappointing games lost. (which as a fan, was both fun and at times painful to revisit) This book goes deeper into his philosophies of life. What are the values that are important? How family, friends and mentors helped him along the way? What does it take to be successful in coaching as well as in life? What does it take to be an effective leader and person?
If you are a Steeler fan, there’s nothing to debate, this is a must read! But even if you are just a casual fan, or are looking for a good read, I would recommend this book. It’s not too heavy of a read. Entertaining and full of insights into life and living.
June 5, 2021
A must read for all Steeler fans!
June 2, 2021
Fantastic piece about very good football coach Bill Cowher.
August 2, 2021
Very motivating
I really enjoyed the story of Bill growing up in my hometown. He gives you insight about the football players objectively, without praising or undermining anyone. The rich history of the Steelers and the Rooney family is told honestly.
I really enjoyed the story of Bill growing up in my hometown. He gives you insight about the football players objectively, without praising or undermining anyone. The rich history of the Steelers and the Rooney family is told honestly.
April 15, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Simon & Schuster - Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
As a die hard Bills fan, we always rivaled the Pittsburgh Steelers due to the brilliant football mind of Bill Cowher. Now after reading his memoir Heart and Steel, I can see how he grew up and how he got his competitive spirit. Knowing also that he grew even stronger after the loss of his father and his wife Kaye made him a stronger man and I have a new found respect for him being resilient not only as a football coach but as the co host of NFL today.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
As a die hard Bills fan, we always rivaled the Pittsburgh Steelers due to the brilliant football mind of Bill Cowher. Now after reading his memoir Heart and Steel, I can see how he grew up and how he got his competitive spirit. Knowing also that he grew even stronger after the loss of his father and his wife Kaye made him a stronger man and I have a new found respect for him being resilient not only as a football coach but as the co host of NFL today.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
July 8, 2021
This book fully delivered on all the pre release talk that I read. As a Steelers fan, I spent many a Sunday watching Bill Cowher lead the team but never really knew who he was until now. Cowher is much more than a football coach, and he shares great insight into all aspects of his life in this book. Steelers fan will really enjoy the book but so will any football fan.
February 6, 2024
I suppose you need to be a Steelers fan to appreciate this biography.
January 18, 2023
Heart and Steel was an apt title for this book. People look at Bill Cowher and think he lived a charmed life as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers where he put together a Hall of Fame career, where he won a Super Bowl, he won two AFC Championships, he went to the playoffs in ten out of the fifteen years he was head coach of the Steelers, he coached many stars and key role players that helped him ascend the head coaching hierarchy in the 1992 to 2006 period, and where he compiled a 149-90 regular season record.
But on the other side of all that he accomplished as one of the best head coaches in NFL history, he dealt with the death of his wife/soulmate Kaye Cowher in 2010 from skin cancer. And before his wife's death, the countless hours that he and his daughters endured when they were seeing Kaye deteriorate as the cancer ravaged her body. Dealing with being alone in the house that house that he and his late wife designed and lived in for years and years.
Then on the football field, the devastation of losing a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXX in January 1996) and the long road it took (10 long years) to get back to the Super Bowl (winning Super Bowl XL). Enduring years and years of Steelers fans, the Pittsburgh media, and the media and fans outside of Pennsylvania harping on the fact that Cowher couldn't get to or win a Super Bowl for 13 years (1992-2004). Many of Cowher's up and downs on and off the football field were chronicled and discussed in this book, which is why this book is required reading for Steelers fans and football historians.
My favorite parts of this book were when he was discussing his Steelers team from 1992 to 2006 as well as the years in which talked about his marriage to the aforementioned Kaye Cowher. Mind you, those chapters where Cowher discussed his Steelers teams weren't in depth analysis of his teams, instead he gave you the highlights, some behind the scenes notes, and the season record of those teams and that was that.
Cowher's coaching career with the Steelers was the star of this book, but he was more than just being the head coach of that historic franchise, he also was a loving husband and father who took care of his wife till the end.
Quite honestly, my favorite chapter in this book was chapter 14 which began on page 199. In that chapter he discussed his finally breaking through with a Super Bowl ring after 13 years of playoffs exits, no playoffs at all (1998-2000, 2003), and of course the Super Bowl XXX loss.
In closing, Heart and Steel was about more than the author being a great coach for the Steelers, it was about a man who overcame obstacles on and off the football field to be the man he is today, which is that of a Hall of Fame coach, a proud father, and a recently remarried man.
But on the other side of all that he accomplished as one of the best head coaches in NFL history, he dealt with the death of his wife/soulmate Kaye Cowher in 2010 from skin cancer. And before his wife's death, the countless hours that he and his daughters endured when they were seeing Kaye deteriorate as the cancer ravaged her body. Dealing with being alone in the house that house that he and his late wife designed and lived in for years and years.
Then on the football field, the devastation of losing a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXX in January 1996) and the long road it took (10 long years) to get back to the Super Bowl (winning Super Bowl XL). Enduring years and years of Steelers fans, the Pittsburgh media, and the media and fans outside of Pennsylvania harping on the fact that Cowher couldn't get to or win a Super Bowl for 13 years (1992-2004). Many of Cowher's up and downs on and off the football field were chronicled and discussed in this book, which is why this book is required reading for Steelers fans and football historians.
My favorite parts of this book were when he was discussing his Steelers team from 1992 to 2006 as well as the years in which talked about his marriage to the aforementioned Kaye Cowher. Mind you, those chapters where Cowher discussed his Steelers teams weren't in depth analysis of his teams, instead he gave you the highlights, some behind the scenes notes, and the season record of those teams and that was that.
Cowher's coaching career with the Steelers was the star of this book, but he was more than just being the head coach of that historic franchise, he also was a loving husband and father who took care of his wife till the end.
Quite honestly, my favorite chapter in this book was chapter 14 which began on page 199. In that chapter he discussed his finally breaking through with a Super Bowl ring after 13 years of playoffs exits, no playoffs at all (1998-2000, 2003), and of course the Super Bowl XXX loss.
In closing, Heart and Steel was about more than the author being a great coach for the Steelers, it was about a man who overcame obstacles on and off the football field to be the man he is today, which is that of a Hall of Fame coach, a proud father, and a recently remarried man.
August 10, 2024
As a Patriots fan, there's no question that the Steelers have been one of my teams chief rivals. They're the only two teams at the top of the championship mountain in the NFL, and they've squared off in a lot of huge games in my lifetime. Bill Cowher coached several of those games. For some reason, I never rooted against him, it was more a feeling of genuine respect. Then, when he became an analyst on CBS, I found he was one of the ones I enjoyed listening to the most.
This book follows his humble beginnings all the way to the pinnacle of his chosen profession, in both a Superbowl victory and eventually getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It's a quick and easy read, and you get a sense that there's genuine appreciation for the opportunities he's been given and the life he has led, and he explains about the hard work he put in to get where he is. He also talks about his family and how crucial they were/are to his success, and the end of the book is about how he processed a really heartbreaking time in his life. His strength and attitude are attributes to admire.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm glad I actually read it while I was on vacation in Pittsburgh, as it helped make it feel a little more real when I could actually see some of the places he was talking about. I actually stayed in Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of the city, where he actually bought his parents a condo at one point. For all I know, I drove right by it. I would definitely recommend this book to Steelers fans, as there's not much better in sports than a success story from a hometown guy (Cowher grew up in Pittsburgh) but I would also recommend it to any real football fan, as you have to appreciate his love for the game and what he was able to accomplish. The next time I watch his pregame analysis, I'll appreciate it even more now.
This book follows his humble beginnings all the way to the pinnacle of his chosen profession, in both a Superbowl victory and eventually getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It's a quick and easy read, and you get a sense that there's genuine appreciation for the opportunities he's been given and the life he has led, and he explains about the hard work he put in to get where he is. He also talks about his family and how crucial they were/are to his success, and the end of the book is about how he processed a really heartbreaking time in his life. His strength and attitude are attributes to admire.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm glad I actually read it while I was on vacation in Pittsburgh, as it helped make it feel a little more real when I could actually see some of the places he was talking about. I actually stayed in Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of the city, where he actually bought his parents a condo at one point. For all I know, I drove right by it. I would definitely recommend this book to Steelers fans, as there's not much better in sports than a success story from a hometown guy (Cowher grew up in Pittsburgh) but I would also recommend it to any real football fan, as you have to appreciate his love for the game and what he was able to accomplish. The next time I watch his pregame analysis, I'll appreciate it even more now.
November 8, 2021
Coach Cowher put everything in this open letter book about life from childhood to adulthood along with the ups and downs of a hall of fame coaching career. I am a native of Pittsburgh, PA and grew up knowing him as the coach for my beloved Steelers. Being a fan I never knew his entire personal story shared in this book. I liked him as a coach, but reading more about his story he shines as an even better person. It would be easy to call him an overachiever given all he has accomplished. As you read this book you really get a glimpse in how his upbringing, experiences, and faith has shaped him to have the right mindset and principles that breed success. My favorite lesson shared in this book was about the approach he took with his teams and in life of just trusting the process of each step (day by day) could produced a desired outcome. This was strongly reflected during challenging times with his team underperforming, but also shown in personal triumphs including the loss of his wife. He showed a level of resilience and grit grounded in principle and eventually led to SuperBowl windows and leading his family through the tragic loss of its wife/mother. There is something for every kind of reader in this book including the sports fan or business professional.
June 1, 2024
Amazing Man, Husband, and Leader
This book, for me, was an attempt to get to know Bill Cowher, the person. I've never been a Steelers fan, but I've always been a Bill Cowher fan. This book did not disappoint! What an amazing and caring individual whose words provide both a lesson in leadership as well as humility and conviction. I was overwhelmed with sadness as he discussed the passing of his wife and father but had a smile as he shared the details of the strength of his mother in her final moments. He represents his flaws without apology, and his vulnerability is endearing. The true aspects of a leader are embodied in his actions, and he's a clear representation of the man his parents raised him to be, and his wife [Kaye] helped him perfect. How fortunate for him to have found a second soulmate and how impressive it was the way he introduced Queen V into the life he already had, albeit with a large void. I could go on and on but will close by saying that Bill Cowher is a man of integrity, dignity, and gratitude and suspect anyone lucky enough to have crossed his path is a better human being as a result! This book ranks very high on my "must-read" list, and if you don't like the Steelers...prepare to have your views changed!
This book, for me, was an attempt to get to know Bill Cowher, the person. I've never been a Steelers fan, but I've always been a Bill Cowher fan. This book did not disappoint! What an amazing and caring individual whose words provide both a lesson in leadership as well as humility and conviction. I was overwhelmed with sadness as he discussed the passing of his wife and father but had a smile as he shared the details of the strength of his mother in her final moments. He represents his flaws without apology, and his vulnerability is endearing. The true aspects of a leader are embodied in his actions, and he's a clear representation of the man his parents raised him to be, and his wife [Kaye] helped him perfect. How fortunate for him to have found a second soulmate and how impressive it was the way he introduced Queen V into the life he already had, albeit with a large void. I could go on and on but will close by saying that Bill Cowher is a man of integrity, dignity, and gratitude and suspect anyone lucky enough to have crossed his path is a better human being as a result! This book ranks very high on my "must-read" list, and if you don't like the Steelers...prepare to have your views changed!
September 3, 2021
Fantastic book and practically an autobiography as I am just a year older than Coach Cowher and grew up in the town next to Crafton, PA. I also played in the same baseball league growing up as Bill and suspect we faced each other a handful of times and potentially played on the same team (obviously, he was the athlete and I was destined for other things). Suspect I walked by his house during my years there.
Very well written and thoroughly enjoyable for any Pittsburgh Steeler Fan. It was amazing reliving my many decades as a Steeler Fan from the early days in the 60s, through the Steel Curtain days (Greene, Greenwood, Holmes, and White); Bradshaw, Lambert, Russell, & Hamm; Franco; Swan & Stallworth; Troy; The Bus; and many dozens of other extraordinary players committed to the Steeler fanatics and their Terrible Towels.
It was extremely challenging to put this book down and could hardly hold it together as I finished the last chapter. I would definitely recommend this book for football fans and especially any diehard Steeler fan across the country.
Very well written and thoroughly enjoyable for any Pittsburgh Steeler Fan. It was amazing reliving my many decades as a Steeler Fan from the early days in the 60s, through the Steel Curtain days (Greene, Greenwood, Holmes, and White); Bradshaw, Lambert, Russell, & Hamm; Franco; Swan & Stallworth; Troy; The Bus; and many dozens of other extraordinary players committed to the Steeler fanatics and their Terrible Towels.
It was extremely challenging to put this book down and could hardly hold it together as I finished the last chapter. I would definitely recommend this book for football fans and especially any diehard Steeler fan across the country.
June 16, 2021
If you are a fan of professional football more than likely you know who Bill Cowher is. This book covers his history coming up through high school and his playing days at North Carolina State in College and his career playing in the NFL. The main focus of course his time as an assistant and eventual head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is great when you have a Hall of Fame head coach who writes a book and gives you a look behind the curtain on what it takes to maintain a professional team. There are parts were I wish he would have been just a little more in depth but overall this a good book. Not only do you get a look at his life in football but you also get a peek into his devoted family life. I thought it was humorous of the story at a gathering that Dan Marino attended who was asked by someone who must have not been sports fan when he mention that he was an NFL Quarterback if he was any good.
September 2, 2024
The story of the youngest coach in pro football and how he became a successful leader of leaders.
The transition from one great coach to another is part of the story. He was allowed to form his own team and methods that built on those that came before him. It is about the organizational leadership that made sure he understood his role and that he would have their support and allowed to meet his responsibilities his way.
The key to leadership is not only being a good teacher but allowing those you lead to use the talents and skills they have. It also is about taking responsibility for the failures he had and those he gave the opportunity to lead others.
There is not a lot of details about individual games or even season unless they are a good illustration of the point he is making. Makes it an excellent book on leadership not just for football coaches to other leaders as well.
Well worth reading.
The transition from one great coach to another is part of the story. He was allowed to form his own team and methods that built on those that came before him. It is about the organizational leadership that made sure he understood his role and that he would have their support and allowed to meet his responsibilities his way.
The key to leadership is not only being a good teacher but allowing those you lead to use the talents and skills they have. It also is about taking responsibility for the failures he had and those he gave the opportunity to lead others.
There is not a lot of details about individual games or even season unless they are a good illustration of the point he is making. Makes it an excellent book on leadership not just for football coaches to other leaders as well.
Well worth reading.
March 14, 2022
This book is the story of "Billy from Crafton," a Pittsburgh kid who grew up to be a Pittsburgh legend. If you're a fan of the Steelers, you already know Bill Cowher's story. What I really enjoyed about this book was getting a bit more detail about Cowher's life before being the Steelers' head coach and a bit about his life after.
The book has an approachable, accessible style that would certainly work with readers of any level. I would not hesitate to have a high school aged student read this for a biography project. I would not recommend it for a sports history class as it is a bit too myopic on Cowher's life. While there are aspects about life beyond, it's more classed (appropriately) an autobiography complete with life advice from a career coach more than a historically rooted biography.
The book has an approachable, accessible style that would certainly work with readers of any level. I would not hesitate to have a high school aged student read this for a biography project. I would not recommend it for a sports history class as it is a bit too myopic on Cowher's life. While there are aspects about life beyond, it's more classed (appropriately) an autobiography complete with life advice from a career coach more than a historically rooted biography.
September 1, 2023
Burgh Proud
I’m completely biased as a Pittsburgh native and diehard Steelers fanatic. I knew I would love every bit of this book. Coach Cowher means so much to my hometown and my beloved Steelers. I really enjoyed learning more about his journey as a football player. I was too young to recall him playing for our division rivals, so this was all new information for me. I loved the anecdotes he shared about well known players and coaches. He reminded me of the electric mood in my city when my team brought home another Lombardi trophy. This was such a nice trip down memory lane. It was also a touching glimpse into his family life. Heart and Steel was the perfect title for this reflection on an amazing career.
I’m completely biased as a Pittsburgh native and diehard Steelers fanatic. I knew I would love every bit of this book. Coach Cowher means so much to my hometown and my beloved Steelers. I really enjoyed learning more about his journey as a football player. I was too young to recall him playing for our division rivals, so this was all new information for me. I loved the anecdotes he shared about well known players and coaches. He reminded me of the electric mood in my city when my team brought home another Lombardi trophy. This was such a nice trip down memory lane. It was also a touching glimpse into his family life. Heart and Steel was the perfect title for this reflection on an amazing career.
June 15, 2021
I hesitated reading this book because I thought he could go very technical. He did but it was totally understandable. I love football. I had to read this book since he graduated from my high school just a few years ahead of me and I love his story. It is incredible to think of what he has accomplished coming from a small suburb of Pittsburgh. The story of his first wife was heartbreaking. He had me on the edge of my seat as the Steelers finally won a Super Bowl under him. I loved reading his logic as he coached and why he made the decisions he did. It made me love the Rooney's all the more to see that how they are perceived is how they are.
August 28, 2021
Great read. Bill Cowher has always seemed a genuinely good person and this book substiatiates that perception. Extremely well written which is no surprise considering Michael Holley is the co-author and an outstanding sportswriter. Coach Cowher takes the reader through his childhood, college and professional football player, his 15 years of coaching his hometown Pittsburg Steelers including a Super Bowl victory, along with his CBS analyst role. He takes the reader through the heartbreak of losing his wife to cancer in her early 50s and his love for his 3 daughters. Overall, an outstanding book.
August 13, 2022
Not Your Everyday Sports Bio
I am Steeler fan. And I expected the normal play-by-play and "then we won" kind of autobiography. What I got was a great read on management, leadership and personal introspection that goes far beyond the norm of sports writing. In fact if you're looking for insight on how Steelers prevailed in a game breakdown format, you'll be disappointed. There is surprising little of that stuff. Instead you'll leave with a greater understanding of all the involvement---professionally and personally---it takes to manage and coach a professional sports team. I found the book surprisingly frank and moving.
I am Steeler fan. And I expected the normal play-by-play and "then we won" kind of autobiography. What I got was a great read on management, leadership and personal introspection that goes far beyond the norm of sports writing. In fact if you're looking for insight on how Steelers prevailed in a game breakdown format, you'll be disappointed. There is surprising little of that stuff. Instead you'll leave with a greater understanding of all the involvement---professionally and personally---it takes to manage and coach a professional sports team. I found the book surprisingly frank and moving.
August 4, 2021
Not my typical book choice. I bought it after hearing Cowher speak (virtually, of course) through the Pittsburgh Arts and Lecture series. Though I enjoyed hearing Cowher speak about the book and his life, my initial thought was to give the book to my son or my brother, which I will probably still do. However, I am happy to have read the book. Told in first person, Cowher relates his life story from childhood to the present. I found the writing style more than adequate; the book was easy to read and flowed logically. I could relate to or remember many of the anecdotes.
September 4, 2021
I have been a Steeler fan for over 50 years…yes I’m showing my age! I have to say Cowher was a great coach, but I found his story interesting that he only played ball for a couple years. I felt horrible about his wife when I found out. It made me think about the saying, when people retire they die. Instead his wife passed away. She worked so hard raising their family and what should have been their time, was taken away. There were interesting things to learn in the book, so it’s definitely worth reading if your a Steeler fan!
September 8, 2021
Bill Tells Most
Even covering people you really don't get to see the whole picture. You get glimpses here and there. You're left to find books like this to tie all of the parts together.
Bill Cowher is not a spell binding story teller but rather uses the book to tie together some loose ends to make a complete story for those who have been paying attention all along. There are some stories he left out and there are some private moments respected as the book unfolds.
Yes, if you are Steelers fan this is a must read book. Just don't wait for the bombshells.
Even covering people you really don't get to see the whole picture. You get glimpses here and there. You're left to find books like this to tie all of the parts together.
Bill Cowher is not a spell binding story teller but rather uses the book to tie together some loose ends to make a complete story for those who have been paying attention all along. There are some stories he left out and there are some private moments respected as the book unfolds.
Yes, if you are Steelers fan this is a must read book. Just don't wait for the bombshells.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews