As of 2011, he lives in Mt. 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. I dont want to be a general manager! . 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. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. 710 Washington Rd "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". Tokyo Hospital 1969. 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. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. Jump into the holiday spirit with Rockys delightful new audiobook. It stuck.". He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. The 73-year-old is wearing a tan Hawaiian shirt and black sunglasses, sipping wheat ale in a downtown Pittsburgh restaurant and generously chatting up random fans who approach him. When we left the restaurant, I heard people calling out to him in the parking lot as he went to his car. 1996: Relatives. Family Life. This week, Lelands auction house unveiled the Rocky Bleier Collection as part of its 2019 fall classic edition of memorabilia. He loved to be in the Super Bowl, he loved to be in championship games. Upon his return, he couldnt walk without being in pain, and weighed only 180 pounds (82 kg). It came to that time of my life, Bleier said. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website I still love you, she said in a prayer-like manner. That approach has guided Bleier in a life that always seems to work out. . Art Jr. has lived in Mt. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. 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 decided decades ago he would openly discuss his experiences as therapy, and he turned that openness into a successful nationwide speaking engagement business. 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. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? Rocky was upset and he said, I dont want to be a scout! He went back to Vietnam this year to film a TV show about his experience that will be aired this fall. Sports Illustrated Covers 1975 1979 1975. 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. I wanted him to stay with me. He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. (Story), What Happened To Greg Lloyd? Despite his $40 million salary from his NFL team, Patrick Mahomes net worth at the moment is a cool $30 million. 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. We have no records of past relationships for Rocky Bleier. 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. Buy the Book Impact Topics Rocky's Journey That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. "He said, 'I think we need to get you your own podcast,'" Bleier said with a smile. Steelers 1976. He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. 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. Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. 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, 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 . 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. 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. An even better episode, especially for my generation, was the show when Rocky Bleier returned to the field in Vietnam where he was shot. 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. And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. 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. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 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?". While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him that he would not play football again. 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". About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. 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). 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. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232 Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. 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. . After Pearson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1975, Bleier kept the number 20, with which he had become associated. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. Lebanon for many years. 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 . Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. 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. They have two children. Experts pick potential landing spots. 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. Bleier said "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are." I wanted to have some control over the memorabilia I had collected over the 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. Relation: Name: Birth: Husband: Rocky Bleier: Mar 5 1946: Spotted an error? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. The former Oneida Court was renamed Rocky Bleier Run. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. His wallet with Army ID from 1970, plus photos from his tour in Vietnam. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. 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. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. Bismarck. At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. It can be found at lelands.com. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10? Wounded by a hand grenade overseas, Bleier returns to the U.S., and told he will never walk again. ", 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. They are trained to take care of emotional needs, nightmares, Bleier said. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from that war, he is the NFLs poster boy for all things relating to veterans. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . Art Sr. wanted to keep Rocky around. I wanted to have a say-so in what happened to my possessions. 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. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. Franco Harris was not alone in rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1976 so, too, did Rocky Bleier, and together, they were only the second pair of NFL players at that time to have done so, . 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 awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star while serving in the Vietnam War. 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. A nearby grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg. 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. SCOTT C. WISE is excited to be working on his first production at Pittsburgh Public Theater. He genuinely enjoys people. The auction began Sunday and concludes at 10 p.m. Dec. 6. After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968. ProFootballHistory.com. He has been married to Jan Gyurina since April 13, 1996. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 710 Washington Road, Also, the medals he received for his service in Vietnam are not part of the collection. Steelers 1975. Mt. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. All rights reserved. Pittsburgh, PA 15228, PHONE 412.343.3407 I never learned to say no.. Mostly, because he was too busy living his best life to ever wallow in it. You have to at least explore them.". There was a sense of closure in Vietnam that Bleier found, even though he didn't know he needed. 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. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone. There's Bleier's deep desire to contribute, and his desire to laugh about how he did it. 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. Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. 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. And he can hold your attention.". When he did without complaint, "that set the tone for our football team," Greene said. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. Everything you need this week: They can be trained to pick up keys, open doors. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. He always captures your attention.". Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. [1] References [ edit] The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. Regarding his personal life, he is married twice. Your email address will not be published. This is an excerpt from the SC Featured documentary 'The Return' airing Tuesday August 20 on ESPN2. 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. 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 also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. Bleier has become a notable author and speaker on retirement and financial management. Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine. I guess I was wrong.. 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. Presents for Patients 2014 Pittsburgh. Rocky Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. Who Is Rocky Bleier's Wife? More media coverage, he figures. 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. 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. Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Lebanon for many years. I mean, they've ripped my heart out," Bleier said. But he wasn't done. 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. His rank was Specialist 4. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers starting lineup. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. Heinz Hall Super Bowl Championship Trophies. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. 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. He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. Together, they have two children. However, after a lengthy, grueling rehabilitation, Bleier ultimately walks again. 5 1946: Spotted an error they can be trained to pick up keys, open doors off. Very rocky bleier wife player in all four Superbowl victories a lengthy, grueling rehabilitation, Rocky to! 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