Paul Dietzel coached the LSU Tigers for just seven seasons (leaving after 1961 for his dream job at Army), but during that time he set the program on a path to success from which it has rarely deviated. Dietzel's 1958 team won the school's first national championship. During the half-century that followed, LSU added two more national titles, seven SEC titles, and 33 trips to various bowl games. As of the 2008 season, 253 former Tigers had played in the NFL and an amazing 41 players were active in the pro ranks.

Describing LSU as a "good football school" would be an understatement. In fact, some fans might argue that Louisiana State is the football school. Even in the hypercompetitive Southeastern Conference, LSU has a special aura about it. Though the school often has smaller players than its rivals, few can match the toughness they display on the field and the pride they have for their school. And then there are the fans...few are as passionate about their team. When 92,000-plus people pack Tiger Stadium for a Saturday night game, there may be no place in the country more intimidating for a visiting team--hence the nickname "Death Valley."

In What It Means to Be a Tiger, this amazing tradition comes to life. Some of the greatest players and coaches in LSU history share their memories of being part of one of the top college football programs in the country. Their stories are fascinating--and many are being told for the first time. Learn how they made their way to Baton Rouge, read about the challenges they faced while at the school, relive some of the greatest games in LSU history, and appreciate the important life lessons they gained by being part of the team.

Author Ray Glier was able to track down some of the top Tigers of all time, including Y.A. Tittle, Jim Taylor, Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Bert Jones, Charles Alexander, Dalton Hilliard, Alan Faneca, and Corey Webster. While not every LSU player enjoyed football success in the professional ranks, all learned important lessons from their experiences playing for the Tigers. Louisiana State instills in its players a spirit of hard work and pride that has served many of them well in their postcollegiate careers. The former players' stories will remind readers of the value of persevering in the face of challenges and working as a team to achieve goals, themes that truly speak to what it means to be a Tiger.