This is an excerpt from the SC Featured documentary 'The Return' airing Tuesday August 20 on ESPN2. Family (1) Spouse Rocky Bleier recalls Vietnam War, 40 years after it ended January 9, 2017 Sam Gardner Forty years ago Thursday, the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese, and for. Bleier graduated from Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1964; while in high school, Bleier starred in football and basketball. 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. I dont want to be a general manager! 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. More media coverage, he figures. He is a writer, known for Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), The NFL on CBS (1956) and Backstreet Justice (1994). Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. Crossing Guard Supervisor awarded for going that extra mile. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day. He had 928 rushes and 3865 total yards along with 136 receptions for 1294 yards. 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. And the guys would come into the bar and say Bob, hows that new kid of yours? And my dad would go Aw, you should see him, guys, looks like a little rock sitting in that crib. 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. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. "He can always see the better part of any given situation. His former wife has little sympathy. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. 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. Mt. When we left the restaurant, I heard people calling out to him in the parking lot as he went to his car. What the collection does not contain are the four Super Bowl rings Bleier earned with the Steelers. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. He first married Aleta Giacobine Whitaker whom he divorced in October 1996. 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. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. I wanted to have some control over the memorabilia I had collected over the years. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. We have no records of past relationships for Rocky Bleier. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter . His zodiac sign is Pisces. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. He was the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher at that time. 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. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He was the oldest of four children to Bob and Ellen Bleier. Sure, Bleier hustles for a financial cushion, but there's also that feeling of gratitude that continues to push him. [1] Contents 1 Origin of nickname 2 Early years 3 Military service 3.1 Vietnam When he was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list, I told him not to do it. Sports Illustrated Covers 1975 1979 1975. 50 years ago Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier was shot and wounded in the war. After Pearson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1975, Bleier kept the number 20, with which he had become associated. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. Coach Mike Tomlin said he respected and appreciated Bleier's criticisms despite the ex-Steeler taking aim at him. (7:26). More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. 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. These lessons are seen between the lines in the popular book on his life, "Fighting Back" and on stages of speaking appearances around the country. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. ProFootballHistory.com. I never learned to say no.. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier is a former National Football League halfback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1971 to 1980. Ben Roethlisberger said then that Bleier was "obviously entitled" to his opinion. Still, Rocky managed to do what doctors thought impossible. I have known these guys since I came on the Steelers beat for the Pittsburgh Press 40 years ago. "I'd be 6-3, 225 pounds with more speed. Bleier spoke earlier in the day to students at an all school assembly. But home. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. Based on Bleier's 1975 autobiography of the same name, it tells the story of how, after becoming a running back for the Steelers in 1968, he was then drafted by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. I figured there is a fan base of Steelers fans or collectors who would appreciate these items more than the junk man later on after Im gone.. (Story), What Happened To Greg Lloyd? But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. Bleier said it costs $25,000 to train a dog before it is placed into service. Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. 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. On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. As a 16th round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968, he was a long shot to make the team. I like everyone to like me, he has told me more than once through the years. Jump into the holiday spirit with Rockys delightful new audiobook. Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. 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. But his former wife has little sympathy. Nowadays, Bleier would rather adapt to his current surroundings, just like he says he would if he tried to make it onto a team in today's game, channeling his "Boulder Bleier" nickname from teammates for his penchant for weightlifting. Rocky Bleier has been beating the odds his entire adult life. The entire student body wore t-shirts with his number 23, the only number retired in the schools history. Rocky Bleier Popularity . He loved to be in the Super Bowl, he loved to be in championship games. They are trained to take care of emotional needs, nightmares, Bleier said. It came to that time of my life, Bleier said. The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. After being attended to by ESPN producers, Bleier, as always, was quickly back on his feet. When he did without complaint, "that set the tone for our football team," Greene said. Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. 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. On July 8, he will be a guest speaker at the John Heinz History Centers exhibit, The Vietnam War: 1945-1975. On the following day, the third day of the three-day event, city mayor Tim Hanna unveiled a street named in his honor. When he's not at a speaking engagement or running his Pittsburgh-based construction company, he might be starring in his one-man play, "Rocky Bleier's The Play," which he calls an intimate portrait of his multifaceted life as Super Bowl champion, wounded warrior, family man and community activist. The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. Yet Bleier's toughness and production earned a Steelers Hall of Honor nod, and despite countless collisions in the open field, he says he never suffered a concussion during his 11-year career. (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). 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. 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. First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier! 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. It contains about 70 items that Bleier donated, spanning his days at Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisc., to his years at Notre Dame to his tour of Vietnam to his tenure as a four-time Super. He has done a one-person show, The Play, about his engaging life story, at Heinz Hall and the OReilly Theatre. 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. 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. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier!For decades, Fighting Back served as a shining example of courage and determination for people in all walks of life. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. He not only made the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? According to Statista.com, the average NFL quarterbacks career is just 4.44 years. However, after a lengthy, grueling rehabilitation, Bleier ultimately walks again. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. 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? 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved Aleta Whitaker said in a counter-suit that Bleier just wants to avoid paying her $837,948 from the sale of their suburban Pittsburgh home. Transaction tracker: Top news "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are. 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