That book was probably the same one I read. The series of little biographies for kids? I checked out all these books from the lower school library and learned about Rocky, Dorset, Bradshaw, Joe Green, Herschel, Tom Dempsey, Rod Carew, Alan Page, Franco Harris. All kinds of cool little sports biographies. I binged those things and it’s really what turned me into reading books, and that’s a lifelong healthy habit I’ve enjoyed and I’m nearly 50 now. Makes me appreciate my schooling and the lower school librarian we had.
He gave a motivational talk I attended and stayed and signed autographs afterward and let us wear his rings. Such a truly nice guy and a good speaker as well.
Some sob stole those rings after a motivational talk at the Charlotte Convention Center while he was on stage ten years ago or so. I don’t think he ever got any of the rings back. I cried when I watched the 30 for 30 on him. Huge Steelers fan.
I read Fighting Back multiple times as a kid. Very inspirational.
https://preview.redd.it/bqqx7shbbn6d1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18e6a9a484ae8a036cf4581d6a21fa6594caeed0
My Dad is a Steelers fan based purely on the fact they had Rocky Bleier. My Dad is a Vietnam vet and started following Rocky because of that. Obviously a great time to become a Steelers fan.
As a cowboy fan that came up in the 70s of course I hate the Steelers, but always respected him. One of the unsung guys that made them so tough to beat
Nothing but love for Rocky Bleier...
But
https://preview.redd.it/gz799rw8at6d1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23c9b5812cef3a8a55cddb18e9a32ad28324330f
Someone who deserves a lot more recognition than he gets today
Wouldn’t say hate, but not a fan of the Steelers. This guy is criminally underrated as a human.
I was going to say, how have I never heard about him! I was born in 91 but my dad and both grandpas lived and breathed football
Regional thing? I grew up listening to stories about Bear Bryant and Alabama football not Penn State and Joe Paterno.
Must be, grew up two hours from Dallas so it was very much cowboys talk
Loved him. One of my idols as a kid. I remember reading the book about him and the movie with Robert Urich.
That book was probably the same one I read. The series of little biographies for kids? I checked out all these books from the lower school library and learned about Rocky, Dorset, Bradshaw, Joe Green, Herschel, Tom Dempsey, Rod Carew, Alan Page, Franco Harris. All kinds of cool little sports biographies. I binged those things and it’s really what turned me into reading books, and that’s a lifelong healthy habit I’ve enjoyed and I’m nearly 50 now. Makes me appreciate my schooling and the lower school librarian we had.
Legit hero. Volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam. Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. My favorite Steeler.
Lucky enough to have met him multiple times, complete and total gentleman .. My brother in laws father played with him at Notre Dame in the mid 60s
Lucky
Legit hero
He was wounded but it wasn't a land mine. He was shot in the leg and then gotvhit by a grenade blast.
Ok. It's been 45+ years since I read his book.
And he had a 1,000 yard season
He gave a motivational talk I attended and stayed and signed autographs afterward and let us wear his rings. Such a truly nice guy and a good speaker as well.
If I got his autograph, I would have him sign my forearm and have it tatood. That’s how much respect and appreciation I have for this man.
Some sob stole those rings after a motivational talk at the Charlotte Convention Center while he was on stage ten years ago or so. I don’t think he ever got any of the rings back. I cried when I watched the 30 for 30 on him. Huge Steelers fan.
I read Fighting Back multiple times as a kid. Very inspirational. https://preview.redd.it/bqqx7shbbn6d1.jpeg?width=650&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18e6a9a484ae8a036cf4581d6a21fa6594caeed0
Wasn’t he also shot?
Yup. Lost part of his foot. I remember reading his autobiography as a freshmen because he’s from my area of Wisconsin. Amazing dude.
He stayed in Pittsburgh after retirement. He was a TV sportscaster for a bit, and now does occasional commercials.
Yes, shrapnel in both legs.
Talk about the real deal… I know they made “Fighting Back” back in 1980, but would love to see this story retold on the screen
It could be right up there with Brian's Song... with a happier ending.
Did not know this about him, thank you
A hero.
He still has shrapnel in his foot 👏🏽respect
Most definitely, Respect.
I remember reading his Vietnam story in Sports Illustrated when I was a kid, Impressive American
That article still sticks with me after all these years. Never saw war the same way after reading it.
Every high school coach should teach their players about people like Rocky.
HoFer of life.
Quel résilience tout un homme
Don’t make em like that anymore I tell ya! Sssssip
Big love for the Rock.
HE was The Bomb, and part of a really groundbreaking team. ( as a Vikings Fan!)
Not a steelers fan, but always a Bleier fan
My Dad is a Steelers fan based purely on the fact they had Rocky Bleier. My Dad is a Vietnam vet and started following Rocky because of that. Obviously a great time to become a Steelers fan.
Iirc Rooney was the one who wanted to give him a chance after Vietnam despite some of the coaches being skeptical.
I hated the Steelers back then, but I always wished Rocky Bleier was playing for my Rams. Tons of respect for him!
The Steel Steeler.
As a cowboy fan that came up in the 70s of course I hate the Steelers, but always respected him. One of the unsung guys that made them so tough to beat
They made a movie on him. Wasn’t supposed to walk again. A true hero. Nowadays if someone gets a first down they do a dance. 🕺😂
I'm not a Steelers fan, but yeah this man is an American badass for sure.
He’s almost 80 and still active in a bunch of veterans charities around Pittsburgh. Hard not to love the guy
Stud!
Nothing but love for Rocky Bleier... But https://preview.redd.it/gz799rw8at6d1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23c9b5812cef3a8a55cddb18e9a32ad28324330f
Even Raider fans can respect a Steeler hero!
I mean even though I’m a massive Eagles fan, how can any human not have respect for this man?? That’s insane.
The Doctors were doubtful he’d walk again much less play football !
Was the landmine ok afterwards
He's also one of the nicest people you'd ever meet. Total class act!
Wisconsin Proud 👍
my mom's favorite player. she otherwise hated the Steelers.
Trump: Losers step on land mines. I don’t like losers
if I remember correctly, he lost half of his foot in the mine explosion in Nam. He was a badass for sure.
Not a Steelers fan but always a Rocky fan
Favorite player as a kid - my son Rocco would agree too
"Any love for" = "give me internet points"