I'm very hard to please when it comes to books. If someone can get me to sit down and read an actual book, they have accomplished quite a lot. I've probably read two or three books in the past year that weren't required by my school. And I don't even remember what they were about.
Needless to say, when I find a book, it has to be good. I was on my way to the AFC Championship game (Steelers vs. Ravens) and I was in dire need of some reading material on the plane. I thought I should mentally prep for the game, so I borrowed Dan Rooney: My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL.
Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, grew up with the Steelers. He was born about the time that his father, Art Rooney, acquired the Steelers. So, as a result, Dan Rooney grew up when the league was evolving. This book goes through the entire formation of the league with special emphasis on the Pittsburgh Steelers. In it, you'll hear about John Unitas, the Golden Era of the Steelers, Rooney's opinions on the NFL commissioners, and more.
Including Rooney's take on the Immaculate Reception. "The Immaculate Reception," Rooney contends within the 330 pages of this engrossing and informative memoir, "is one of the greatest touchdowns in the history of football ... chang[ing] not only the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the NFL itself."
Current NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says in the preface of My 75 Years, "The story of Dan Rooney is the story of the NFL." This is so true. I've only been a football fan for seven years. I've missed a lot of history. This book taught me so much history and I feel now understand it. Andrew E. Masich and David F. Halaas do a great job presenting the history of the league. However, the book is told in Dan Rooney's POV.
Dan Rooney: My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL is a must for all Steeler fans. It also features exclusive interviews with Bill Nunn, Joe Greene, Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. Learn more about your team. Dan Rooney really provides good insight and enhances your knowledge.
Article comments
1 - timmons
Rooney's a snoozer. You should've read Steeler Nation instead.