Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. It stuck.". So he has decided to sell some of the cherished possessions accumulated over the past 50-plus years. |. He graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1995, and his wife, the former Elizabeth Friday, graduated from there two years later. The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. Bleier talks about a 19-year-old who died in that ambush after taking two rounds. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact . More media coverage, he figures. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. And he can hold your attention.". Relation: Name: Birth: Husband: Rocky Bleier: Mar 5 1946: Spotted an error? It wasn't shown," Bleier recalled, before adding: "Terry was a big game player. 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. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. He runs Bleier Zagula Financial with his business partner Matt Zagula. The football stadium at Xavier High School was renamed Rocky Bleier Stadium on October 12, 2007. "He said, 'I think we need to get you your own podcast,'" Bleier said with a smile. He wasn't going to be a doctor or lawyer. I wanted to have a say-so in what happened to my possessions. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster, and was even waived on two occasions. He was nicknamed "Rocky" as a baby. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. 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. 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. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. While on patrol in Hiep Duc in August 1968, Bleier was shot in the left thigh by an enemy bullet. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from that war, he is the NFLs poster boy for all things relating to veterans. He is 76 years old and is a Pisces. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. He loved to be in the Super Bowl, he loved to be in championship games. 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. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. Framed through parallels to football and Rocky Bleiers personal journey as a war veteran, national collegiate football champion, and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleiers story explores both structural and emotional aspects for individuals and organizations to reach their greatest potential. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. Bundchens net worth comes from her successful modeling career, according to the website, her annual salary is $40 million and it is unknown how much her new contract with The Lions Management will bring in. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star while serving in the Vietnam War. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. When we left the restaurant, I heard people calling out to him in the parking lot as he went to his car. (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). 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. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. I didnt think he could ever play again. "I probably could have gotten Dwayne Johnson to play me in a real movie," Bleier joked. He shipped out to Vietnam after five months and served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. One woman stood and nearly genuflected in front of him, as if he were a religious icon. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. When he was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list, I told him not to do it. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. "I'm done. Marriage: Spouse: Rocky Bleier. 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 for many years. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. A nearby grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg. I spoke with him over breakfast as I was putting the finishing touches on my book, Franco, Rocky & FriendsIt Pays to be a Good Guy. Also, the war was never something that Bleier kept from others, as we hear with so many other veterans. That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. Messages of encouragement, hope, and impact. 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. Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. I never learned to say no.. He tells the story of appearing at Heinz Field for pregame autographs when team president Art Rooney II approached him. In tradition, the NFL is responsible for about 150 championship team rings that are given to the players, coaches, and staff members of the winning team. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. They are fine with it. Bleier retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton on Tuesday, March 5, 1946 (Baby Boomers Generation). Former NFL running back who won four Super Bowls, IX, X, XIII, and XIV, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Copy to clipboard. What the collection does not contain are the four Super Bowl rings Bleier earned with the Steelers. 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 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. An offseason training regimen brought Bleier back to 212 pounds in the summer of 1974. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter . ]]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. Art Sr. wanted to keep Rocky around. I love you, Rocky. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. This was. 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 also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. 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. He's supported veterans by spreading the word about non-profit programs such as Veterans Guardian Angels Inc., designed to aid post-traumatic transitioning. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. Twice Bleier breaks down and cries in the film. Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. . This article related to an American TV movie is a stub. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. 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. We have no records of past relationships for Rocky Bleier. 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. (7:26). To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. lives with his wife, Aleta, and two children and runs Bleier & Bleier, his marketing company, and Rocky Bleier Enterprises, which handles his speaking and advertising endeavors. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. Still, Rocky managed to do what doctors thought impossible. Bleier considers his return to Vietnam important for the raw perspective of post-war trauma, but he has no desire to go back now. Who Is Rocky Bleier's Wife? 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. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. 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. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Rocky was upset and he said, I dont want to be a scout! ", Steelers legend makes emotional return to Vietnam (7:26), Steelers' Rocky Bleier continues to live his American dream, Tracing the rise of Josh Allen: Behind-the-scenes stories of how he got here, Recovering Hamlin at Bills facility almost daily, Titans name top Niners exec Carthon as new GM, Rodgers mulling future with Packers or elsewhere, Source: Johnson tells Lions he'll return as OC, Cowboys stick with kicker Maher, expect rebound, Eagles' Hurts: 'Got a bounty on me every week', Chargers fire OC Lombardi after playoff collapse, Browns hire Schwartz as defensive coordinator. He mostly asks himself what the point of the war really was. . 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. Watch Now. I dont want to be a general manager! Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). 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. I like everyone to like me, he has told me more than once through the years. There are some emotional ties.. 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? . 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. 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. RBVetCo is a service-disabled, veteran-owned company. Bleier said it costs $25,000 to train a dog before it is placed into service. RB VetCo. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. However, its 30 for 30 and other documentaries are often top notch journalism. Approximately, it takes $5000 to make a single Super Bowl ring, however, the requirements for the teams final costs are preferred by the team only. 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. They have two children. The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. He always captures your attention.". "I wouldn't be me," Bleier said. Rocky Bleier remains a Popular Guy wherever he goes in Pittsburgh by Jim O'Brien This Awful-Awesome Life Celebrate the events we choose to embrace and those we let define us. Transaction tracker: Top news Rocky Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Stick with me and youll be a general manager, I told him more than once. 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?". Buy the Book Impact Topics Rocky's Journey 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. Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. 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. More opinions about the merits of war, thanks to social media. Now a special edition of the book that contains two additional chapters is available. 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. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Rocky Bleier is proud to announce his new audiobook, in partnership with the charity Care for A Cure, titled A Rocky Bleier Christmas. In the audiobook, Rocky Bleier narrates five classic Christmas stories for you and the entire family to enjoy. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Copyright 2012-2020 Stories People All rights reserved. Chamber of Commerce Dinner 2015 Johnstown. Rocky Bleier Popularity . But home. An even better episode, especially for my generation, was the show when Rocky Bleier returned to the field in Vietnam where he was shot. Art Rooney". "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Suggest an alternative. He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. "I'd be 6-3, 225 pounds with more speed. Rocky Bleier has been beating the odds his entire adult life. 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. Steelers 1976. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. First Name Rocky #15. 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. Associated With. The entire student body wore t-shirts with his number 23, the only number retired in the schools history. He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. When Bleier dies, he is bequeathing a ring to each of his four children. Most Popular #101323. 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. Mt. Most are familiar with the Catholics vs Convicts episode and the price some of the ND students paid for involvement with the shirt. They can be trained to pick up keys, open doors. Together, they have two children. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. But his former wife has little sympathy. How involved will new Bears president Kevin Warren be with football operations? (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? PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. 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. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. FAX 412.343.7841. Football jock Rocky Bleier makes it all the way to the pros with the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be drafted in the Vietnam War.

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