Words of Steele

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele takes a look at how the transfer portal, coaching changes, and massive contracts are reshaping college athletics. From unlimited transfers to the growing “five-in-five” eligibility model, he reflects on how college sports have shifted from student-athlete development toward what he calls a “culture of asset acquisition,” where money and winning often drive the decisions.

Using LSU’s reh...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele begins with a brief update on WVU baseball and the unpredictable nature of March weather before turning to a more reflective and personal topic: the finite nature of life. Drawing from recent losses within his community, Tom shares thoughts on living with purpose and perspective.

He highlights the powerful example of a close friend facing the end of life with faith and gratitude, using ...

In today’s episode, Tom examines the growing issue of “tanking” in professional and college sports, including new NBA efforts to discourage teams from intentionally losing and ongoing concerns about players sitting out for financial or draft-related reasons. He revisits the situation surrounding Kansas freshman standout Darryn Peterson and raises broader questions about motivation, loyalty, and the shifting priorities in modern ath...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steel reflects on a brutal West Virginia winter while turning his attention to the recent resignation of longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Using Tomlin’s tenure—and the Steelers’ subsequent hiring of Mike McCarthy—as a springboard, Tom explores the idea of leadership, expectations, and the human tendency to seek scapegoats for disappointment. Drawing on a biblical Old Testa...

Tom opens the first Words of Steele episode of 2026 with a quick update from north-central West Virginia and a recap of recent WVU sporting events. He also looks back at WVU football’s 4–8 finish, including the season-ending loss to Texas Tech.

He then returns to a familiar topic: how the transfer portal and NIL have reshaped college sports. Along the way, he previews the upcoming national championship game (Indiana vs. Miami on Jan...

As winter settles into West Virginia with early snow and single-digit temperatures, Tom reflects on the meaning of the “last days” through the lens of Scripture, sports, and modern culture. Beginning with a passage from 2 Timothy 3, this episode explores human tendencies toward self-interest, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of more—money, prestige, and pleasure.

Using the high-profile coaching career of Lane Kiffin as a contemp...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele reviews a notable week in West Virginia sports, including the Mountaineer men’s basketball team’s strong Backyard Brawl win and a halftime performance by Red Panda that continues to draw attention for its precision and consistency.

He also outlines the situation at LSU, where the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly has led to a major contract dispute and ongoing legal action, rais...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom takes a look at the ever-changing world of college football. He talks about the recent ups and downs of the West Virginia Mountaineers, coaching changes at Penn State and Florida, and what these shifts reveal about the state of the sport today. Blending personal reflection with thoughtful questions, Tom invites listeners to consider how success, loyalty, and perspective all play a part in the...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom takes listeners inside the thrilling Backyard Brawl as West Virginia pulled off a 31–24 overtime victory against Pitt. Sharing his firsthand experience from the game, Tom reflects on the highs, lows, and historic weight of the rivalry. Blending football memories, personal perspective, and a faith-filled reminder from Galatians 6:9, he reminds us of the rewards that come from perseverance—both...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on the arrival of football season and the cultural weight it carries in America. With humor and candor, he unpacks the many clichés that dominate football commentary—from “taking care of the football” to “giving 110%”—and considers how they mirror lessons in everyday life. He also looks at the upcoming season for West Virginia University under returning coach Rich Rodriguez, predicti...

After a short summer break, Words of Steele is back! 

In this episode, Tom reflects on changing seasons—both on the calendar and in life—and highlights the inspiring story of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler. More than his impressive athletic achievements, it’s Scheffler’s character and unshakable faith that take center stage. With humility and purpose, he offers a powerful reminder that true identity isn’t rooted in performanc...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the recent developments surrounding the participation of Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender athlete, in West Virginia’s high school track and field championships. From legal battles and bright-line rules to the broader implications of fairness in sports, Tom explores the complexities of this ongoing national conversation.

With personal reflections as a coach, parent, and believer, ...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele unpacks the drama and debate surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft. From the massive crowds at Lambeau Field to the surprise fifth-round pick of Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, Tom offers thoughtful commentary on fan outrage, media narratives, and deeper questions about race, character, and leadership in professional football. Whether you're an NFL diehard or just curious about th...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the rollercoaster world of sports fandom, with a special focus on West Virginia University athletics. With April Fool’s Day as the backdrop, he reflects on the recurring theme of disappointment and unfulfilled promises within the world of college sports.

He discusses the recent departure of WVU basketball coach Darian DeVries to Indiana, along with his star player son, Tucker DeVrie...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into March Madness. He explores the excitement of the NCAA tournament, the thrill of underdog victories, and the controversial selection process that determines which teams make the cut. Tom shares his thoughts on West Virginia University’s surprising exclusion from the tournament, the role of NCAA Selection Committee Chair Bubba Cunningham, and the eyebrow-raising financial incentives ...

As winter fades and spring approaches, Tom reflects on the comforting return of baseball. The game stirs nostalgia, bringing back childhood memories and the lessons learned along the way. This year, as he steps back into his role as the PA voice for the West Virginia Mountaineers, he welcomes another season filled with hope, fresh starts, and the timeless beauty of baseball.

In this episode, Tom shares a reading of Casey at the Bat,...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into America’s biggest spectacle—the Super Bowl. He explores its cultural influence, from record-breaking viewership to multimillion-dollar commercials, and considers if our devotion to sports has reached an unhealthy level. Tom contrasts the Super Bowl’s influence with the U.S. presidential inauguration, considers the impact of halftime entertainment, and reflects on what we truly valu...

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom dives into the theme of mediocrity, exploring how it surfaces in the sports world and in our personal lives. Reflecting on NFL leadership, team performance, and cultural attitudes, Tom challenges us to rethink how we measure success and how we perceive our own efforts. With biblical insights from 1 Corinthians 12 and reflections on sports history, this episode encourages listeners to find con...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025 on Words of Steele. In this reflective episode, Tom reflects on New Year's resolutions and the deeper motivations behind them. He shares personal experiences with past resolutions and emphasizes the importance of aligning goals with spiritual growth rather than driven by guilt or selfish ambition. 

Drawing from insights in Galatians 5, Tom explores the tension between the flesh and the ...