Heart and Steel

By: Bill Cowher, Michael Holley

Narrated by: Fred Sanders, Bill Cowher

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 shines 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 takes 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 explores 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 seven years later.

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 shows you how you can continue to grow by embracing change, personally and professionally, through renewed perspective and social consciousness. You can, too, with the same heart and steel.

Couldn’t stop listening…

I’ve always loved the Steelers and Bill Cowher. This book contained everything I wanted to know. The ins and outs of coaching. The mention of old coaches and players from all around the NFL. Stories about his parents and the pride they had for their son. The beautiful love story between he and Kay and then V. The relationships with his daughters is so touching. I love and admire the guy even more. Thanks Coach!

Good story

Very good story but not so good on the reader very bland and not very exciting

very engaging

This was much better written than I expected (football coaches aren't exactly known for their writing ability). It was not overly detailed or wordy, and in fact the parts describing games and seasons were extremely engaging. But it is most valuable as a study in leadership, and I think that's what the reader will take most from this, Bill cowher's lessons as a leader

Cowher Power

Great listen that brought me back to the mid 90s days of the Steelers. highly recommend!

Great story and a stand up guy

But I wish u would’ve explained why u rang the bell/siren for the Carolina hockey team against or hometown pens