Words of Steele

What can football teach us about discernment, truth, and the decisions we make in life? Tom Steele looks at the surprising stories of NFL quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Tom Brady, along with Penn State’s coaching changes, to explore how even experienced experts can struggle to recognize the right person for the job. Sometimes, the results we’re looking for are right in front of us, but our expectations get in the way.

Turning to Scripture, Tom reflects on 2 Timothy and its warning about people who turn away from truth in favor of what they want to hear. In a world full of competing voices, difficult circumstances, and growing discontentment, how do we know we’re making the right choices? Join Tom for a thoughtful reminder to practice discernment, seek truth, and choose the right quarterback for you and your family.

Episode Highlights: 

• A closer look at Brock Purdy and Tom Brady.
• The challenge of being content.
• A look at truth through Scripture.
• Making wise choices in a noisy world.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele explores the age-old question: Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy? Through memorable sports moments, controversial officiating calls, and personal reflections, Tom considers how the pursuit of being technically right can sometimes come at the expense of relationships, peace, and the joy of the moment.

Tom brings the conversation back to Scripture, reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 and Romans 3:22 to explore what it truly means to be right with God. He reminds listeners that lasting joy isn't found in winning every argument or getting every call right, but in placing our faith in Jesus Christ.

Episode Highlights: 

• The question of being right or being happy.
• Controversial calls and the limits of instant replay.
• When the pursuit of perfection interrupts the game.
• Finding true joy through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Being right with God through faith in Christ.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele looks ahead to the 2026 West Virginia Mountaineers football season, reflecting on the changing landscape of college sports, roster turnover and the opportunities presented by this year’s schedule. As he considers the importance of making the most of each possession on the football field, Tom draws a deeper connection to the precious and limited opportunities we have in life.

Tom also explores the weight of eternity, God’s wrath, and the hope found through the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Drawing from Scripture and the parable of the ten virgins, he encourages listeners to be prepared, live intentionally and make the most of the time and opportunities they have—because none of us knows the day or the hour.

Episode Highlights: 

• Tom looks ahead to the Mountaineers’ 2026 season.
• College football is changing fast.
• Every possession and opportunity matters.
• Tom reflects on God’s wrath and grace.
• He encourages listeners to be ready for eternity.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

This episode of Words of Steele explores the idea of "jumping on the bandwagon" through the lens of West Virginia University baseball's historic run to the College World Series. Tom reflects on how success attracts new supporters, but also challenges listeners to consider whether popular movements align with enduring truth. Drawing parallels between America's founding principles, the United States Declaration of Independence, and biblical wisdom from Romans 12:2, he encourages listeners to carefully evaluate the causes they embrace, remaining rooted in God's truth rather than simply following the crowd.

Episode Highlights: 

• WVU Baseball’s historic rise.
• Popularity vs. true commitment.
• America's founding values.
• Following God, not the crowd.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on graduation season and what comes after the celebration ends. Drawing from experiences in college athletics and student life, he explores the shift from being guided and recognized to stepping into a world that expects independence, responsibility, and steady growth.

He also considers how life is a series of ongoing “graduations” into new seasons—career, family, aging, and more—and what foundation we rely on through those transitions. With reflections on faith, Memorial Day, and those often overlooked, Tom encourages listeners to live intentionally and stay grounded in what truly sustains them.

Episode Highlights: 

• Graduation Season Begins.
• From College to Career Paths.
• School vs. Real World Expectations.
• Life’s Ongoing Graduations & Foundation.
• Memorial Day, Faith, and Hope.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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• Learn More About Saints Prison Ministry Here!

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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 rehiring of Will Wade and North Carolina’s high-profile coaching moves as examples, Tom explores how universities are prioritizing financial success over tradition, loyalty, and sometimes even accountability. Through the lens of faith, grace, and scripture, he asks an important question: when the love of money begins to lead, what happens to the true mission of college sports and higher education?

Episode Highlights: 

• The transfer portal is changing college sports fast.
• Can athletes really succeed academically while constantly transferring?
• LSU rehiring Will Wade shows how winning often outweighs past mistakes.
• North Carolina is choosing money and success over tradition.
• When money leads, the mission of college sports changes.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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 Philippians 4:6–8 to explore how gratitude can bring peace and shape our mindset. Tom also contrasts life’s deeper meaning with the often overblown importance of sports, while touching on the growing influence of money and professionalism in college athletics.

Episode Highlights: 

• What you focus on matters.
• Reflecting on life’s brevity.
• Philippians 4:6–8 and the practice of gratitude.
• NCAA money, NIL, and the shift toward professionalized college sports.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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 athletics.

The episode also touches on the controversial firing of Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang and what it reveals about contracts, accountability, and money in sports. Drawing from Scripture, Tom closes by encouraging listeners to approach their work—whether in athletics or everyday life—with sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted effort.

Episode Highlights: 

• NBA Tanking and Efforts to Curb It.
• College Stars, Draft Dreams, and Darryn Peterson.
• Coaching Contracts, Integrity, and Finishing Strong.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
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This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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 Testament reference, he challenges listeners to consider accountability, perspective, and compassion, both in sports and in everyday life.

Episode Highlights: 

• Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
• A disappointing playoff exit.
• The Scapegoat.
• Personal reflection.

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
• Follow Tom on X

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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. 19) and shares why he admires Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s disciplined approach.

In basketball, Tom discusses Baylor’s addition of James Nnaji—a player with professional experience overseas—and what midseason additions can do to team chemistry. He also recaps WVU’s home win over Kansas (86–75), highlights freshman standout Darren Peterson, and closes with a pointed take on how college athletics is drifting away from the “student” part of student-athlete.

Episode Highlights: 

• WVU football recap and the transfer portal reality
• Title game talk: Indiana vs. Miami + Curt Cignetti praise
• Baylor’s James Nnaji: pro experience meets “college” hoops
• WVU vs. Kansas: warmups, Darren Peterson, and Tom’s NIL/student take

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom:

• Follow Tom on Facebook
• Follow Tom on X

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.