Today the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of pro football’s most successful and prestigious franchises, but that wasn’t always the case. As America was emerging from the turbulent decade of the 1960s the Steelers’ front office had their sites squarely focused on the future.
Relive the on the field and back room moments that shaped Steelers’ history and led the Steel City to four Super Bowl victories. The Color of Sundays tells the story of how Bill Nunn Jr., Art Rooney, and the Steelers’ front office reshaped the franchise. Bill Nunn Jr.’s strategy was simple; scout talent where many other teams had failed and bring in players from the historically black colleges and universities.
This period in Steelers history was instrumental in the building of the “Steel Curtain” defense with future Pro Football Hall of Fame picks such as Charles Edward “Mean Joe” Greene, L.C. Greenwood and Mel Blount. There were important picks on offensive as well including the future Hall of Famer John Stallworth.
The Color of Sundays: The Secret Strategy that Built the Steelers Dynasty is set in the broader context of the time when a nation for set for change, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were poised to embrace that change.
Reviews:
As a young reporter, I learned a lot of football from Bill Nunn Jr. His story, the Color Of Sundays, is a must-read history lesson on how sports can overcome racism. Bill was ahead of his time in getting great players of color into the NFL. John Clayton ESPN and NFL Sports
It would be hard to put into words what Bill Nunn meant to so many players, coaches, scouts and other members of the Steelers organization. Having known Bill Nunn, Jr. for literally decades, I was blessed that he shared many stories about his remarkable life experience. I am extremely pleased that Andrew Conte has captured some of the stores about Bill Nunn, as well as stories that Bill himself was fond of sharing with others. Art Rooney II, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Color of Sundays reveals that sports was not separate from the struggle for equal rights. Nunn was a victim of racism and a triumph for humanity. ... His quiet journalism and eye on society helped to integrate much of professional sports and paved the way for open opportunities for players, coaches, and front office staff. Samuel W. Black, Director of African American Programs/ Senator John Heinz History Center in association with the Smithsonian Institution
