PDF Their Life's Work: The Brotherhood of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers by Gary M. Pomerantz in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Best NFL book ever?By PeterI am a fan of the NFL; think it is a great sport filled with wonderful athletes who provide viewers like myself with countless hours of entertainment and memories. It is very easy to look at these stars as untouchable men who are impervious to pain and on the occasion when they get hurt; they can miraculously overcome the injuries and play on (Ben Roethlisberger is a prime example).The reality is that they may be extraordinary athletic specimens but they are human and do get injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives.In this book; Gary M. Pomerantz gives us a view of the 1970's Steelers and how they became perhaps the greatest team in NFL history. It is stirring stuff to read about these legends but it is also very sobering as the author gives us a real glimpse into their lives; warts and all.The stars of yesteryear paid a tough price for the fame and the 4 SuperBowl rings; their bodies were sacrificed and some have paid the ultimate penalty for this abuse.This is a brilliant book; along with America's Game by Michael McCambridge; one is shown the NFL and it's players in a very clear and objective light.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. One of the finest works of football history I've ever read!By Paul E. HoilandHands down one of the very best books on football I've ever had the privilege of reading! As a child of the 70s; I too was drawn to this team of the decade. With the innocence of believing that this team of champions were all friends and cared deeply for each other; I expected to learn of locker room rivalries; racial tensions and other discord that reveal themselves in most adult environments. Imagine my surprise to learn that indeed; the players on this great team truly did love and care for each other; and still do so to this day. Sure; Bradshaw had his challenges finding his comfort zone with the fans and Coach Noll; something that continues to distance him from the team and his teammates to this day; but his story and circumstance prove to be the exception rather than the rule. Yes; we examine the full scope of Mike Webster's career; from his sensational rookie year in 1974 all the way up until the day Chuck Noll advised him to get on 'with his life's work'; and then through his heartbreaking decline; eventual death and post-mortem finding of CTE. It's all here: The good; the bad and the tragic; based upon extensive interviews with the players; the Rooney family and the wives; ex-wives; children and widows of those who were blessed to be Steelers during a time when Pittsburgh became the city of champions. Like Roger Kahn's 'The Boys of Summer'; Gary Pomerantz's work here is a labor of love; an in-depth account of life on the Steelers teams of this era and superior sports non-fiction. A must-read for any Steelers fan; NFL fan; football fan; or those longing to reconnect with that wild and crazy decade of the 70s; this book will take you back!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I have to give this book it’s due. As ...By boulangerI have to give this book it’s due. As a kid who grew up in Pittsburgh during the Steelers’ dismal existence of the 60’s; I remember when the “Stillers” were synonymous with losing. Pomerantz pulls no punches about the dark days while delivering the goods on the turnaround of what is now one of the most respected organizations in the NFL. While I have read quite a few books about the glories of the 70’s Steelers; there is much fresh material here. Just as noteworthy are the specific chapters on some of the leading figures in creating and sustaining the dynasty. A definite “thumbs up”; particularly for Steeler fans.