He was a member of their 1966 National Championship team, captain of the 1967 squad, and was teammates & friends with quarterback Terry Hanratty, who would later be his teammate with the Steelers. He visited Vietnam with ESPN to honor the 50-year anniversary of his tour there, returning to the spot where he absorbed an enemy rifle shot to the left thigh and grenade injury to his right leg and foot in a 1969 platoon ambush. Franco Harris, who is second in playoff history with 1,556 rushing yards, and Rocky Bleier won four Super Bowl rings apiece in the same backfield for the 1970s Steelers. Copyright 2012-2020 Stories People All rights reserved. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. Stick with me and youll be a general manager, I told him more than once. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. He had 928 rushes and 3865 total yards along with 136 receptions for 1294 yards. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. Even if he had a collection of memorabilia that would make most 73-year-old men envious, from Super Bowl apparel to college recruitment letters to Vietnam War honors, Bleier had no more room in his attic or space in his storage unit. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. Wounded by a hand grenade overseas, Bleier returns to the U.S., and told he will never walk again. But Bleier never gave up, and said that he worked hard so that "some time in the future you didnt have to ask yourself what if?". To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. He runs Bleier Zagula Financial with his business partner Matt Zagula. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. |. . He always captures your attention.". Talking with veterans about their transitions appeals to Bleier, who wants them to know resources are available. Experts pick potential landing spots. Associated With. One of Rocky Bleier's biggest boosters is Art Rooney Jr., the second of five sons of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. and his wife, Kathleen. How coach Andy Reid saved the Kansas City Chiefs, Meet DeMeco Ryans, leader of 49ers' top-ranked defense and prime head coaching candidate, How Eagles RB Miles Sanders made his breakout season a reality -- just in time for a payday, Respect for Giants QB Daniel Jones is 'going up' around the NFL, What's next for Tom Brady and the Bucs? But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. Siden 1994 har han vrt ekspert og vert for Fox NFL Sunday.Bradshaw er ogs en skuespiller med flere roller i TV-serier og filmer, mest merkbart i filmen Failure to Launch. (Story), The Life And Career Of Franco Harris (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of "Mean" Joe Greene (Story), The Life And Career Of Terry Long (Story), The Life And Career Of Mike Webster (Story), The Life And Career Of Hines Ward (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Donnie Shell (Story), What Happened To Antwaan Randle El? He is a writer, known for Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), The NFL on CBS (1956) and Backstreet Justice (1994). His parents owned a bar called Belier's Bar and it was there that Bleier got his permanent nickname. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century.With the same optimism, sense of humor and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier takes audiences from his early years through his professional career and talks about the lessons he learned along the waylessons from which we can all benefit. However, its 30 for 30 and other documentaries are often top notch journalism. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier (born March 5, 1946) is a former National Football League halfback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1971 to 1980. . He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Bismarck. Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Bleier later said "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didnt have to do, you have a special place for those kind of people". Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began For more than two years, he drove himself. PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. Rocky Bleier Net Worth: $4 million Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. He decided decades ago he would openly discuss his experiences as therapy, and he turned that openness into a successful nationwide speaking engagement business. ProFootballHistory.com. He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He genuinely enjoys people. Who Is Rocky Bleier's Wife? A 1975 NFL man of the year plaque, a George Halas trophy and awards named after Whizzer White and Vince Lombardi. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. He has been married to Jan Gyurina since April 13, 1996. One woman stood and nearly genuflected in front of him, as if he were a religious icon. This is an excerpt from the SC Featured documentary 'The Return' airing Tuesday August 20 on ESPN2. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. If something happens to you, where does it go, and do you want your kids or wife to deal with it?. Franco Dok Harris, the 29-year-old son of Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris, plans to run for mayor of Pittsburgh later this year. Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. It is a cause that carries a special attachment for Bleier, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, A 1979 game-worn helmet worn by Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier is among the items he is auctioning at Lelands.com, A bronzed football trophy given to Rocky Bleier after the 1974 season is among the items he is auctioning at Lelands.com, An autographed Rocky Bleier game-worn jersey from the 1980 Super Bowl is among the items he is auctioning at Lelands.com, Tim Benz: A lesson for Steelers and the growth of Kenny Pickett after Week 1 of NFL playoffs, First Call: Kenny Pickett endorses keeping Matt Canada, drafting Jordan Addison; Titans tackle may be eyeing up Steelers, DL Montravius Adams took circuitous route to Steelers, is glad for it, A sleeper for Steelers 2023 WR corps, former 2nd-round pick Anthony Miller re-signs, CBS rules expert says NFL needs to address officiating trend that's gotten out of hand, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". Jan Gyurina is the wife of Rocky Bleier. He first married Aleta Giacobine Whitaker whom he divorced in October 1996. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Twice Bleier breaks down and cries in the film. On August 20, while on patrol in Heip Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by a rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 710 Washington Road, It stuck.". They can take care of so many needs.. . He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. SCOTT C. WISE is excited to be working on his first production at Pittsburgh Public Theater. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. More opinions about the merits of war, thanks to social media. Tokyo Hospital 1969. You get to that point in your life, and I dont care who you are, with all the stuff collected and stashed over the years, you face the question of what are you going to do with it, Bleier said Tuesday. His ex-wife, who now lives in San Diego, agreed to cut $300,000 from the debt, but no more; Bleier offered a flat payment of $250,000. It wasn't shown," Bleier recalled, before adding: "Terry was a big game player. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. Terry Paxton Bradshaw (fdt 2. september 1948 i Shreveport i Louisiana) er en amerikansk tidligere amerikansk fotballspiller som spilte quarterback i National Football League (NFL). There have been zero suicides and less than a 1% divorce rate, he said. His Notre Dame 1966 national championship watch and class ring. "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are. Most Popular #101323. His ex-wife, who now lives in San Diego, agreed to cut $300,000 from the debt, but no more; Bleier offered a flat payment of $250,000. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which just read "Rock the teams not doing well. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. His wallet with Army ID from 1970, plus photos from his tour in Vietnam. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. 2023 Mt Lebanon Magazine. Bleier considers his return to Vietnam important for the raw perspective of post-war trauma, but he has no desire to go back now. More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier In 1976, both Harris and Bleier rushed for over 1,000 yards, making this the second NFL team to accomplish this feat, after Mercury Morris and Larry Csonka of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. His odds worsened after being wounded in Vietnam, which required diligent rehab to both legs. FAX 412.343.7841. "I use what I do best -- talk to people," Bleier said. I wanted to have some control over the memorabilia I had collected over the years. His former wife, ALETA WHITAKER, said in a countersuit that Bleier just. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . Art Rooney". He has done a one-person show, The Play, about his engaging life story, at Heinz Hall and the OReilly Theatre. His former wife has little sympathy. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. Hes got all these muscles. So theyd come back in the bar and theyd say Hey Bob, hows that little rock of yours? So after that, thats how I got it. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? Bleier said "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are." Everyone seemed to recognize Rocky and offer a greeting, a handshake, a sentence that started with Sorry to bother you, Rocky, but For the record, no one bothered Rocky Bleier. Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. You have to at least explore them.". Scott directed the premiere of Rocky Bleier in The Play at Heinz Hall, and has directed for Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre (James Joyce's The Dead, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre), Opera Theater of Pittsburgh (A Little Night Music, Candide), and his own adaptation of Peer Gynt with composer . The 73-year-old is wearing a tan Hawaiian shirt and black sunglasses, sipping wheat ale in a downtown Pittsburgh restaurant and generously chatting up random fans who approach him. I like everyone to like me, he has told me more than once through the years. "I probably could have gotten Dwayne Johnson to play me in a real movie," Bleier joked. Known as one of the leading football players with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Franco Harris was born in Fort Dix, New Jersey on March 7, 1950. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. RBVetCo is a service-disabled, veteran-owned company. Save a few knee surgeries and wiry gray hair, Bleier moves and acts like a 50-year-old, telling stories with the pace of a dive play up the middle for a quick 10 yards. Bleier also held onto a football commemorating his 1,000-yard rushing season in 1976 and a statue presented to him by backfield mate Franco Harris. The former Oneida Court was renamed Rocky Bleier Run. Franco Harris was not alone in rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1976 so, too, did Rocky Bleier, and together, they were only the second pair of NFL players at that time to have done so, . The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. He's supported veterans by spreading the word about non-profit programs such as Veterans Guardian Angels Inc., designed to aid post-traumatic transitioning. Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day. He sold his Super Bowl rings for $10,000 apiece to pay federal income taxes, but still owes $72,000 to the IRS and $8,750 in state income taxes. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. There's Bleier's deep desire to contribute, and his desire to laugh about how he did it. They are trained to take care of emotional needs, nightmares, Bleier said. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers top NFL quotes of the week, Dak Prescott rebounds with 'statement game' in Cowboys' wild-card win, 2023 NFL draft order: Top 23 picks set with Bears, Texans, Cardinals at the top, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Previously a college football reporter for CBSSports.com. Relation: Name: Birth: Husband: Rocky Bleier: Mar 5 1946: Spotted an error? Bleier never had a passion bigger than football. Has anyone ever sold their Super Bowl ring? They have two children. FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the information collection practices disclosed in our privacy policy. This was. 50 years ago Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier was shot and wounded in the war. That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. (7:26). He mostly asks himself what the point of the war really was. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. He loved to be in the Super Bowl, he loved to be in championship games. With the sympathy and support of his wife Aleta (Bonnie Bedelia), Steelers owner Art Rooney (Art Carney), and coach Chuck Noll (Richard Herd), Rocky makes the team again, and helps them become Super Bowl champions.[1]. This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. How long was He sold his Super Bowl rings for $10,000 apiece to pay federal income taxes, but still owes $72,000 to the IRS and $8,750 in state income taxes. About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. There are some emotional ties.. On August 20, 1969, Bleier was on a routine patrol in Heip Duic when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy, wounding his left thigh. He was a National Football League (NFL) halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1970 to 1980. I told him he could be a general manager someday. ]]Bleier wrote a book of his struggle to recover from his war wounds called Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story, and it was made into a television movie in 1980, with Robert Urich starring as Bleier, Richard Herd as Steelers coach Chuck Noll, Art Carney as team owner Art Rooney, and many of Bleiers teammates (including Matt Bahr and Mean Joe Greene) as themselves. The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. All rights reserved. His zodiac sign is Pisces. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter . He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Bleier might take 30 minutes recalling a play that took 9-10 seconds, and his story might include a generous 36-inch leap on a reception (the vertical was more like 2 inches, Greene says, but that's not the point). A nearby grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg. In football, he was a three time All-State pick as running back, and also won All-Conference honors at both linebacker and defensive back. In addition to being a great lead blocker, Bleier was the second of the Steelers rushing weapons (Franco Harris was the primary back), but was effective nonetheless at both blocking and rushing. "He said, 'I think we need to get you your own podcast,'" Bleier said with a smile. An offseason training regimen brought Bleier back to 212 pounds in the summer of 1974. Michael Lewis Webster (March 18, 1952 - September 24, 2002) was an American professional football player who was a center in the National Football League (NFL) from 1974 to 1990 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs.He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, class of 1997.Nicknamed "Iron Mike", Webster anchored the Steelers' offensive line during much of their run of four . Former NFL running back who won four Super Bowls, IX, X, XIII, and XIV, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. I wanted him to stay with me. In fact, he now admits today's game would probably phase him out, with increasingly little need for a blocking back without 4.4 speed. He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. He had just come back from Vietnam, and needed crutches and then a cane to get around.. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. 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