That approach has guided Bleier in a life that always seems to work out. 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. 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. 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. There's Bleier's deep desire to contribute, and his desire to laugh about how he did it. He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. I have known these guys since I came on the Steelers beat for the Pittsburgh Press 40 years ago. Sure, Bleier hustles for a financial cushion, but there's also that feeling of gratitude that continues to push him. The net worth of the supermodel turned entrepreneur is $400 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fighting_Back:_The_Rocky_Bleier_Story&oldid=1107018387, This page was last edited on 27 August 2022, at 18:03. He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. If something happens to you, where does it go, and do you want your kids or wife to deal with it?. More NFL coverage , "There's no one like him," said Hall of Famer Joe Greene, Bleier's teammate on the Steelers' famed 1970s teams. The auction began Sunday and concludes at 10 p.m. Dec. 6. I told him he could be a general manager someday. It came to that time of my life, Bleier said. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? Mostly, because he was too busy living his best life to ever wallow in it. His parents owned a bar called Belier's Bar and it was there that Bleier got his permanent nickname. He is a writer, known for Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), The NFL on CBS (1956) and Backstreet Justice (1994). Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. 50 years ago Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier was shot and wounded in the war. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. Sports Illustrated Covers 1975 1979 1975. Most Popular #101323. He shipped out to Vietnam after five months and served with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He had 928 rushes and 3865 total yards along with 136 receptions for 1294 yards. He had just come back from Vietnam, and needed crutches and then a cane to get around.. First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier! A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which just read "Rock the teams not doing well. 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. At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. Bleier talks about a 19-year-old who died in that ambush after taking two rounds. His odds worsened after being wounded in Vietnam, which required diligent rehab to both legs. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. SCOTT C. WISE is excited to be working on his first production at Pittsburgh Public Theater. 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved 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. 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. (Story), What Happened To Greg Lloyd? Bismarck. 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). RB VetCo. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. Rocky Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. It can be found at lelands.com. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. But I really got to know them this past year and they really are good guys. Guest Speaker US Chamber. 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. Heinz Hall Super Bowl Championship Trophies. 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. Bleier graduated from Xavier High School in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1964; while in high school, Bleier starred in football and basketball. His wife is Jan Gyurina (13 April 1996 - present) ( 2 children), Aleta Giacobine Whitaker (7 September 1975 - 2 October 1996) ( divorced) ( 2 children) Rocky Bleier Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. 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. 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. Steelers 1976. Talking with veterans about their transitions appeals to Bleier, who wants them to know resources are available. Bleier has become a notable author and speaker on retirement and financial management. Pittsburgh, PA 15228. (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). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. An even better episode, especially for my generation, was the show when Rocky Bleier returned to the field in Vietnam where he was shot. When Bleier dies, he is bequeathing a ring to each of his four children. As a 5-foot-10 16th-round pick, Bleier was hardly a lock to be a factor in Pittsburgh's offense. On the following day, the third day of the three-day event, city mayor Tim Hanna unveiled a street named in his honor. "I'm done. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. 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.. 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. Despite his $40 million salary from his NFL team, Patrick Mahomes net worth at the moment is a cool $30 million. 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. As a 16th round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968, he was a long shot to make the team. Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Family (1) Spouse "I use what I do best -- talk to people," Bleier said. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Former NFL running back who won four Super Bowls, IX, X, XIII, and XIV, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The football stadium at Xavier High School was renamed Rocky Bleier Stadium on October 12, 2007. His rank was Specialist 4. Jan Gyurina is the wife of Rocky Bleier. And he can hold your attention.". Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. There was a sense of closure in Vietnam that Bleier found, even though he didn't know he needed. Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. 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. 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 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. He was the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher at that time. Tokyo Hospital 1969. Stick with me and youll be a general manager, I told him more than once. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website While on patrol in Hiep Duc in August 1968, Bleier was shot in the left thigh by an enemy bullet. Still, Rocky managed to do what doctors thought impossible. 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. Together, they have two children. 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 . All rights reserved. Jump into the holiday spirit with Rockys delightful new audiobook. He graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1995, and his wife, the former Elizabeth Friday, graduated from there two years later. ``Rocky made $650,000 as a motivational speaker in 1995 and his income is going up, not . To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. You know, Rocky worked for me one year in our scouting department, Rooney says. 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. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. Cite this record . The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. 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. PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. I never learned to say no.. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. 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?". When he was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list, I told him not to do it. I wanted him to stay with me. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. FAX 412.343.7841. Most are familiar with the Catholics vs Convicts episode and the price some of the ND students paid for involvement with the shirt. One woman stood and nearly genuflected in front of him, as if he were a religious icon. His former wife has little sympathy. 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 wasn't going to be a doctor or lawyer. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier is a former National Football League halfback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1971 to 1980. I still love you, she said in a prayer-like manner. He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. More media coverage, he figures. 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 also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. 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. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. Bleier said "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are." RBVetCo is a service-disabled, veteran-owned company. "He can always see the better part of any given situation. But his former wife has little sympathy. He genuinely enjoys people. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. NaVOBA (National Owned Veterans Business Association). Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. Marriage: Spouse: Rocky Bleier. They have two children. About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. He tells the story of appearing at Heinz Field for pregame autographs when team president Art Rooney II approached him. Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day. The Life And Career Of Mel Blount (Story), What Happened To Plaxico Burress? So he has decided to sell some of the cherished possessions accumulated over the past 50-plus years. However, its 30 for 30 and other documentaries are often top notch journalism. 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. 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 . Injured by a bullet to the thigh and a hand grenade to the lower right leg, Rocky is told that he will never walk again. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. 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. 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. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. I wanted to have some control over the memorabilia I had collected over the years. This was. 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. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. 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. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from that war, he is the NFLs poster boy for all things relating to veterans. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star while serving in the Vietnam War. Regarding his personal life, he is married twice. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. Suggest an alternative. 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. Bleier has four children. Rocky Bleier Popularity . For more than two years, he drove himself. A 1975 NFL man of the year plaque, a George Halas trophy and awards named after Whizzer White and Vince Lombardi. 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. Rocky Bleier has been beating the odds his entire adult life. 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. "I'd be 6-3, 225 pounds with more speed. Chamber of Commerce Dinner 2015 Johnstown. His Notre Dame 1966 national championship watch and class ring. . He was the son of an African American soldier who served in World War II and an Italian war bride mother. It wasn't shown," Bleier recalled, before adding: "Terry was a big game player. Associated With. Everything you need this week: Ben Roethlisberger said then that Bleier was "obviously entitled" to his opinion. 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. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. ", 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. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. 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. 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. Pittsburgh, PA 15228, PHONE 412.343.3407 Just a year ago, though, it was a different story for Bleier. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. 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. PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 710 Washington Road, Full schedule: All 16 games He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. We have no records of past relationships for Rocky Bleier. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. Buy the Book Impact Topics Rocky's Journey He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. This article about a biographical film is a stub. Transaction tracker: Top news 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 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 adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. It is a cause that carries a special attachment for Bleier, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. Also, the medals he received for his service in Vietnam are not part of the collection. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Rocky was upset and he said, I dont want to be a scout! The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. 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 was a National Football League (NFL) halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1970 to 1980. 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. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 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. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10?
Cutwater Mango Margarita Nutrition, Seeing Naga Sadhu In Dream, Is Misty Croslin Still In Jail,