Once in awhile being a blogger of “all things Steelers” affords us the chance to do some things other fans might not get to do.
Recently I was asked to read and review a new book by former Steeler Tunch Ilkin which I was more than happy to do.
Many of you know Ilkin as Bill Hillgrove’s color man on radio broadcasts of Steelers’ games but Ilkin was also fine offensive lineman for the Steelers.
He started 143 games in his career and twice made the Pro Bowl in 1988 and 1989.
Forged in Steel is a must-read for not only fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers but also for anyone looking to become a better leader and better person. The beauty of Tunch Ilkin’s book is that it offers three different leadership styles of coaches Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin and it also includes tremendous lessons from ‘The Chief’ and Mr. Rooney.
It is crystal clear how Mr. Ilkin made himself into a better player and better man and he is gracious in passing those life-lessons on to others. He does not shy away from discussing failures for himself, The Rooney’s or the team. This allows the reader to better understand the leadership concepts of many great leaders who have been part of the Black ‘N Gold.
I highly recommend taking the time to read Forged in Steel. There are some great stories of Steelers’ football but many important lessons in leadership and life as well.
Marc Uhlmann writes for and co-owns www.steelcityblitz.com. Follow him on Twitter @steeldad and follow the website at @SCBlitz. He can be heard Mondays on Trib-Live Radio at 630pm ET talking Steelers and is a blogger for ESPN 970 in Pittsburgh.
