He graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1995, and his wife, the former Elizabeth Friday, graduated from there two years later. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website This article related to an American TV movie is a stub. Still, Rocky managed to do what doctors thought impossible. "He can always see the better part of any given situation. It is a cause that carries a special attachment for Bleier, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. Twice Bleier breaks down and cries in the film. I talked to my kids and wife. 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. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. 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. One woman stood and nearly genuflected in front of him, as if he were a religious icon. 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. PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968. But I really got to know them this past year and they really are good guys. Former NFL running back who won four Super Bowls, IX, X, XIII, and XIV, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. Full schedule: All 16 games He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. The Life And Career Of Mel Blount (Story), What Happened To Plaxico Burress? He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. 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? 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. About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. On the following day, the third day of the three-day event, city mayor Tim Hanna unveiled a street named in his honor. He runs Bleier Zagula Financial with his business partner Matt Zagula. I didnt think he could ever play again. I told him he could be a general manager someday. 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. Bleier considers his return to Vietnam important for the raw perspective of post-war trauma, but he has no desire to go back now. Together, they have two children. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star while serving in the Vietnam War. They have two children. The signature items in the collection are an autographed helmet worn by Bleier in Super Bowl XIII and an autographed jersey he wore the next season when the Steelers won Super Bowl XIV. Who Is Rocky Bleier's Wife? 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. Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. There's Bleier's deep desire to contribute, and his desire to laugh about how he did it. Ben Roethlisberger said then that Bleier was "obviously entitled" to his opinion. This was. 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. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. According to Statista.com, the average NFL quarterbacks career is just 4.44 years. I guess I was wrong.. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. Copyright 2012-2020 Stories People All rights reserved. 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. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. 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 Bowl champion with the Steelers in the 1970s. PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. Regarding his personal life, he is married twice. Bleier never had a passion bigger than football. Art Sr. wanted to keep Rocky around. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. He was the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher at that time. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. 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. At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. Jan Gyurina is the wife of Rocky Bleier. 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. "You know, Rocky worked for me one year in our scouting department," Rooney says. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. His rank was Specialist 4. Mostly, because he was too busy living his best life to ever wallow in it. 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. He first married Aleta Giacobine Whitaker whom he divorced in October 1996. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. Talking with veterans about their transitions appeals to Bleier, who wants them to know resources are available. "I'm done. PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Rocky Bleier isn't sure how his valiant story -- from Purple Heart honoree in the Vietnam War to four-time Super Bowl winner with the Pittsburgh Steelers -- would have played out had it happened this decade. Sports Illustrated Covers 1975 1979 1975. He was the son of an African American soldier who served in World War II and an Italian war bride mother. Aleta Whitaker said in a. Experts pick potential landing spots. Watch Now. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster, and was even waived on two occasions. Just a year ago, though, it was a different story for 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. There are some emotional ties.. Tokyo Hospital 1969. 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 . They are fine with it. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). 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. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact . Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. A nearby grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. 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. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. He was a National Football League (NFL) halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1970 to 1980. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. 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. 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 net worth of the supermodel turned entrepreneur is $400 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported. Most Popular #101323. 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. 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.. He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. He wasn't going to be a doctor or lawyer. It stuck.". On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. (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? Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. I still love you, she said in a prayer-like manner. How to shorten the preseason From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers starting lineup. He always captures your attention.". TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. 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 mean, they've ripped my heart out," Bleier said. Sure, Bleier hustles for a financial cushion, but there's also that feeling of gratitude that continues to push him. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. We need you. His former wife has little sympathy. (Story), What Happened To Greg Lloyd? Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 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. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. 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. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. You can contact Joe by email at jrutter@triblive.com or via Twitter . FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the information collection practices disclosed in our privacy policy. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone. [1] Contents 1 Origin of nickname 2 Early years 3 Military service 3.1 Vietnam 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 portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. 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). 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. 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. His zodiac sign is Pisces. His wallet with Army ID from 1970, plus photos from his tour in Vietnam. Also, the medals he received for his service in Vietnam are not part of the collection. As a 5-foot-10 16th-round pick, Bleier was hardly a lock to be a factor in Pittsburgh's offense. 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. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. 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. If something happens to you, where does it go, and do you want your kids or wife to deal with it?. This week, Lelands auction house unveiled the Rocky Bleier Collection as part of its 2019 fall classic edition of memorabilia. Vietnam 1969. Copy to clipboard. The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. "I'd be 6-3, 225 pounds with more speed. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. 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. This is an excerpt from the SC Featured documentary 'The Return' airing Tuesday August 20 on ESPN2. Also, the war was never something that Bleier kept from others, as we hear with so many other veterans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 710 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. He's supported veterans by spreading the word about non-profit programs such as Veterans Guardian Angels Inc., designed to aid post-traumatic transitioning. Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. He loved to be in the Super Bowl, he loved to be in championship games. |. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10? Coach Mike Tomlin said he respected and appreciated Bleier's criticisms despite the ex-Steeler taking aim at him. Bleier talks about a 19-year-old who died in that ambush after taking two rounds. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. He graduated from University of Notre Dame in 1968 with a degree in business management, in addition to starring in football. "I probably could have gotten Dwayne Johnson to play me in a real movie," Bleier joked. 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