Steeler Nation: A Pittsburgh Team, an American Phenomenon

The author of Steeler Nation takes a trip across the country to document the lives of Steeler football players, fans and families. This book was written for Steeler football fans and contains unique facts about football players that have never been revealed before. This is a great book for anyone who loves football and loves the Steelers.

I live in Florida now, but in my heart I will always be a resident of the Steeler Nation so I was delighted to read the book of the same name by Jim Wexell. Since I haven't--yet--had the privilege of hobnobbing with Steeler players, living vicariously was the next best thing. Wexell chronicles the noteworthy 2007 season. It was the Steelers' 75th year and Coach Mike Tomlin's first. Logging 10,000 miles in 44 days, he interviews Steelers' family members, old coaches, and transplanted fans like me. It is an enlightening look behind the scenes. He even includes 16 pages of photos. If you own a Terrible Towel, this book's for you.

Jim Wexell gives us a well-written, inspired tale of the Steeler Nation. From the fans to the families to the players of the Pittsburgh Steelers, it is a fun yet poignant road trip in 2007 to attend some of the Steelers road games and to stop and reflect on who and what made the Steeler players past and present great. Jim reminds us all (Steeler fans and non Steeler fans) how important family is in our lives as he describes interviews and reflections from families and friends of such players as Hines Ward, "Fast" Willie Parker, "Big" Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Greg Lloyd and many more! This book personalizes the Steelers and pulls back the steel curtain to reveal the how and why of some of their greatest players and moments. I loved reading it. I could not put it down once I started the journey. It is a perfect gift for any Steeler fan and great for fans of football too! I have made this book a gift to two good friends already this Christmas. Two thumbs up! Sam Hendricks, author of Fantasy Football Guidebook (Named "One of Top 4 Fantasy Football Books of All Time" and a Finalist in Best Books of 2008 Awards by USABooks.com)

If you know someone that just can't get enough of the Steelers, then this book is for you. Jim Wexell travels the country during a stretch of last year's away games to experience and document what he refers to as "Steeler Nation," the phenomenon that Steelers fans are everywhere, are deeply passionate about their team, and share a fraternal connection with one another. Harley Davidson owners share this type of bond, but here you can buy a Terrible Towel for a ten spot as your cost of admission, and you're welcomed with open arms. Parlay that with the cost to attend an "away" game, and you'll feel the warmth of family as you and tens of thousands of your brothers frantically twirl them together. The greatest byproduct of the author's work is that Steeler Nation gives the reader something that's nearly impossible to get otherwise, and that's a friendly connection with the players themselves. Every player has an untold story, and the current roster, having an abundance of quality men that are humble and hard-working with a team-first mentality, has its fair share of them. You get to take the journey, right alongside the author, to the home towns of many current and past players and experience those stories as you gain insight from their families, coaches and friends. As a reader, you'll see these players, not so much as superstars, but as regular people like yourselves, and you will feel closer to them for it. You can't help it. And, you can't buy memorabilia for ten times the cost of this book that will give you what this entertaining and eye-opening read will give you. If anything, the reader will feel even more pride in being a part of Steeler Nation, even if that didn't seem possible. This book really is a must buy for all Steelers fans. Even if you have to buy it, wrap it and give it to yourself this Christmas, you won't spend your money more wisely. -BDM

An absolute must read for Steeler fans. Jim takes an RV and a cross county trip and turns it into a wonderful look into the lives of current and former Steelers, as well as some fan stories. From Greg Lloyd, to James Harrison to Troy Polomalu we find out (from their families and friends) what path each took to the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The book is at times funny, touching, revealing and informative. It was one of the most entertaining and insightful books I've read. As a Steeler fan, I already feel a very strong connection to not only the players and coaches, but the office, the city and everyone involved either as a fan or member of the organization. This book strengthens that connection. It is so easy as a fan to sit and criticize a player or coach but when you know a little more about them it tends to take the edge off the criticism. I grew up in a very stable, middle class environment. Some of the things that these players have gone through (in what I now consider a very short life given my age) are totally foreign to me. There is absolutely no way I could have survived growing up with drug dealers at the door of my home. I was not then, nor am I now strong enough. The respect I now have for these young men for not getting caught up and taken down has deepened. I want them to succeed not only because they are members of a team I love, I want them to succeed because they had the strength to overcome. And oh, by the way, don't forget to check out Men of Steel, another great Steeler book by Jim.