Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. He went back to Vietnam this year to film a TV show about his experience that will be aired this fall. He is 76 years old and is a Pisces. RB VetCo. Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story is a 1980 made-for-television movie about the life of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, portrayed by Robert Urich. Experts pick potential landing spots. He decided decades ago he would openly discuss his experiences as therapy, and he turned that openness into a successful nationwide speaking engagement business. More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier One of Rocky Bleiers biggest boosters is Art Rooney Jr., the second of five sons of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr. and his wife, Kathleen. FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the information collection practices disclosed in our privacy policy. Football jock Rocky Bleier makes it all the way to the pros with the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be drafted in the Vietnam War. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl IX at Tulane Stadium on January 12, 1975. 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 nicknamed "Rocky" as a baby. Bleier played in the first four Steeler Super Bowl victories, and caught the touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw that gave Pittsburgh a lead it would never surrender in Super Bowl XIII. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. For more than two years, he drove himself. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website But his former wife has little sympathy. Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton on Tuesday, March 5, 1946 (Baby Boomers Generation). A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. Rocky Bleier, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient who has actively supported causes related to military veterans for many years, will donate a portion of the proceeds to Guardian Angel Service Dogs. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. It stuck.". On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. (7:26). The former Oneida Court was renamed Rocky Bleier Run. About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Bleier retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Most Popular #101323. They are fine with it. We need you. Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. 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. 1996: Relatives. Everything you need this week: Rocky Bleier's story - a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam - has held audiences in rapt attention for years. The entire student body wore t-shirts with his number 23, the only number retired in the schools history. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. When Bleier dies, he is bequeathing a ring to each of his four children. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. He first married Aleta Giacobine Whitaker whom he divorced in October 1996. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. Pittsburgh, PA 15228. 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. An even better episode, especially for my generation, was the show when Rocky Bleier returned to the field in Vietnam where he was shot. 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 has authored the book "Dont fumble your retirement" and is the co-host of a weekly radio show "The Rock on Retirement" on Pittsburgh radio station 104.7 FM WPGB. Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). 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 . There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. The auction began Sunday and concludes at 10 p.m. Dec. 6. 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. This article about a biographical film is a stub. Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. Full schedule: All 16 games This is an excerpt from the SC Featured documentary 'The Return' airing Tuesday August 20 on ESPN2. 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. Presents for Patients 2014 Pittsburgh. 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). . 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. Jan Gyurina is the wife of Rocky Bleier. Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. 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. "I probably could have gotten Dwayne Johnson to play me in a real movie," Bleier joked. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. Bleier never had a passion bigger than football. Bleier considers his return to Vietnam important for the raw perspective of post-war trauma, but he has no desire to go back now. Like anyone in their golden years with a lifetime of memories and boxes filled with mementos to show for it Rocky Bleier got tired of the clutter. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. 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. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. Those who know him wouldn't expect any less tenacity from a modest athlete who ascended from special-teams contributor to Franco Harris' lead blocker to owner of a 1,000-yard season with Pittsburgh. Art Sr. wanted to keep Rocky around. The Life And Career Of Mel Blount (Story), What Happened To Plaxico Burress? As a 5-foot-10 16th-round pick, Bleier was hardly a lock to be a factor in Pittsburgh's offense. The next show is in his hometown of Appleton, Wisc., in September. He didn't eat much on the day of his return, so low blood sugar coupled with the raw emotion from the site dropped his blood pressure and he briefly passed out. 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. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. 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. Messages of encouragement, hope, and impact. "I'm done. However, after a lengthy, grueling rehabilitation, Bleier ultimately walks again. Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Coach Mike Tomlin said he respected and appreciated Bleier's criticisms despite the ex-Steeler taking aim at him. (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Eric Green (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Gabe Rivera (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Kordell Stewart (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Troy Polamalu (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Hardy Nickerson (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Barry Foster (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Alan Faneca (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of Jack Lambert (Complete Story), The Life And Career Of RB Jerome Bettis (Complete Story). Greene sees the duality in Bleier, who was once so purple from head to toe after a game that teammates swore he wouldn't practice. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. FAX 412.343.7841. 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. This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. Since Preston Pearson was wearing number 26 (the number Bleier wore his rookie season before he went to Vietnam), Bleier switched to number 20 when he returned to the team from Vietnam. Running back Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs behind the blocking of offensive linemen Sam Davis, Jon Kolb, Jim Clack and Mike Webster as. 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". He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. I didnt think he could ever play again. Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. Rocky Bleier's story - a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam - has held audiences in rapt attention for years. 2023 Mt Lebanon Magazine. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier ( / blar / BLY-r, born March 5, 1946) is a former professional American football player and a veteran of the United States Army. . "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. Tokyo Hospital 1969. They have two children. Upon his return, he couldnt walk without being in pain, and weighed only 180 pounds (82 kg). I have known these guys since I came on the Steelers beat for the Pittsburgh Press 40 years ago. I mean, they've ripped my heart out," Bleier said. Copy to clipboard. He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. He had 928 rushes and 3865 total yards along with 136 receptions for 1294 yards. Watch Now. 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