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.

In conversation with KDKA Sports Anchor Bob Pompeani

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 the 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 us 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 explains how that same drive led to his big coaching break, running Special Teams for the Cleveland Browns at the age of twenty-seven, before taking over the Pittsburgh Steelers seven years later. Cowher reveals exclusive, never-before-told anecdotes and candid thoughts on the biggest games, players, and moments that defined his fifteen-year Steelers tenure.

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 to again summon his resiliency and, despite his grief, be the loving, supportive father his three daughters had always known. Cowher candidly shares the many lessons learned in his full life as a father, grandfather, husband, coach, and broadcaster.