To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. 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. His former wife, ALETA WHITAKER, said in a countersuit that Bleier just. He was the oldest of four children to Bob and Ellen Bleier. They are trained to take care of emotional needs, nightmares, Bleier said. You have to at least explore them.". Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers top NFL quotes of the week, Dak Prescott rebounds with 'statement game' in Cowboys' wild-card win, 2023 NFL draft order: Top 23 picks set with Bears, Texans, Cardinals at the top, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Previously a college football reporter for CBSSports.com. Steelers 1975. With the sympathy and support of his wife Aleta (Bonnie Bedelia), Steelers owner Art Rooney (Art Carney), and coach Chuck Noll (Richard Herd), Rocky makes the team again, and helps them become Super Bowl champions.[1]. Mt. Jump into the holiday spirit with Rockys delightful new audiobook. ProFootballHistory.com. 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. Chamber of Commerce Dinner 2015 Johnstown. This was. This article about a biographical film is a stub. 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. Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. 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. "They come across your path. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 710 Washington Road, He has been married to Jan Gyurina since April 13, 1996. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. Aleta Whitaker said in a. He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. 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 . That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. His zodiac sign is Pisces. "He said, 'I think we need to get you your own podcast,'" Bleier said with a smile. More opinions about the merits of war, thanks to social media. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. 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 Net Worth: $4 million Presents for Patients 2014 Pittsburgh. 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. Cite this record . 2023 Mt Lebanon Magazine. Guest Speaker US Chamber. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. "You know, Rocky worked for me one year in our scouting department," Rooney says. And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. He was the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher at that time. Has anyone ever sold their Super Bowl ring? Recently, Bleier started a series of Facebook videos to increase his social media platform, and last fall he ripped the Steelers organization for losing too many close games. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which just read "Rock the teams not doing well. 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. He decided decades ago he would openly discuss his experiences as therapy, and he turned that openness into a successful nationwide speaking engagement business. RB VetCo. 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. The Life And Career Of Mel Blount (Story), What Happened To Plaxico Burress? 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 genuinely enjoys people. His Notre Dame 1966 national championship watch and class ring. He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. However, its 30 for 30 and other documentaries are often top notch journalism. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. Pittsburgh, PA 15228, PHONE 412.343.3407 The first 1000 purchases will receive an autographed copy of Rockys Christmas photo. Born Robert Patrick Bleier on 5th March, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he is famous for 4 Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. Former NFL running back who won four Super Bowls, IX, X, XIII, and XIV, with the Pittsburgh Steelers. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. I have known these guys since I came on the Steelers beat for the Pittsburgh Press 40 years ago. You know, Rocky worked for me one year in our scouting department, Rooney says. Sports Illustrated Covers 1975 1979 1975. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . 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. Family Life. But he wasn't done. I like everyone to like me, he has told me more than once through the years. About Rocky Bleier is a 76 year old American Football (American) Player. When no settlement was reached, Bleier filed for. 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. Crossing Guard Supervisor awarded for going that extra mile. . 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.. 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. 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. He went back to Vietnam this year to film a TV show about his experience that will be aired this fall. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. 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. 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. Associated With. They can be trained to pick up keys, open doors. More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. 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. Relation: Name: Birth: Husband: Rocky Bleier: Mar 5 1946: Spotted an error? His wallet with Army ID from 1970, plus photos from his tour in Vietnam. Bleier considers his return to Vietnam important for the raw perspective of post-war trauma, but he has no desire to go back now. He graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1995, and his wife, the former Elizabeth Friday, graduated from there two years later. 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. 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, . While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him that he would not play football again. 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. 1996: Relatives. 50 years ago Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier was shot and wounded in the war. 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. 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 played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. RBVetCo is a service-disabled, veteran-owned company. Despite his $40 million salary from his NFL team, Patrick Mahomes net worth at the moment is a cool $30 million. "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. Now a special edition of the book that contains two additional chapters is available. ", 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. We have no records of past relationships for Rocky Bleier. Vietnam 1969. If something happens to you, where does it go, and do you want your kids or wife to deal with it?. Heinz Hall Super Bowl Championship Trophies. Copy to clipboard. Our final NFL rookie rankings: Gardner vs. Hutchinson for No. Upon his return, he couldnt walk without being in pain, and weighed only 180 pounds (82 kg). Talking with veterans about their transitions appeals to Bleier, who wants them to know resources are available. He wasn't going to be a doctor or lawyer. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. He was nicknamed "Rocky" as a baby. 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 also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. 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. When he was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform list, I told him not to do it. 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. Family (1) Spouse 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. 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. 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. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. We need you. The football stadium at Xavier High School was renamed Rocky Bleier Stadium on October 12, 2007. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers starting lineup. On the following day, the third day of the three-day event, city mayor Tim Hanna unveiled a street named in his honor. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone. He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. (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? 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. 2015 Rocky Bleier, Inc. | 711 Filbert Street Pittsburgh, PA 15232Rocky Bleier does not endorse any political candidates. However, after a lengthy, grueling rehabilitation, Bleier ultimately walks again. Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton on Tuesday, March 5, 1946 (Baby Boomers Generation). Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. A nearby grenade sent shrapnel into his lower right leg. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10? 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. I guess I was wrong.. Together, they have two children. "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are. How to shorten the preseason Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. Marriage: Spouse: Rocky Bleier. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. Most are familiar with the Catholics vs Convicts episode and the price some of the ND students paid for involvement with the shirt. Adri, 39, was born and raised on Squaw Run East. 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? Bundchen first got her modeling start back in 1996 during New York Fashion Week. All rights reserved. With the sympathy and support of his wife Aleta ( Bonnie Bedelia ), Steelers owner Art Rooney ( Art Carney ), and coach Chuck Noll ( Richard Herd ), Rocky makes the team again, and helps them become Super Bowl champions. Rocky was upset and he said, I dont want to be a scout! He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. The net worth of the supermodel turned entrepreneur is $400 million, Celebrity Net Worth reported. Also, the medals he received for his service in Vietnam are not part of the collection. Suggest an alternative. Everything you need this week: He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. 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. 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. His former wife has little sympathy. And he can hold your attention.". Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. 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. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. While on patrol in Hiep Duc in August 1968, Bleier was shot in the left thigh by an enemy bullet. At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. Ben Roethlisberger said then that Bleier was "obviously entitled" to his opinion. [1] Contents 1 Origin of nickname 2 Early years 3 Military service 3.1 Vietnam He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. [1] References [ edit] Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. 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). When we left the restaurant, I heard people calling out to him in the parking lot as he went to his car. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. 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 talks about a 19-year-old who died in that ambush after taking two rounds. Full schedule: All 16 games There have been zero suicides and less than a 1% divorce rate, he said. Just a year ago, though, it was a different story for Bleier. "I wouldn't be me," Bleier said. There was a sense of closure in Vietnam that Bleier found, even though he didn't know he needed. They have two children. Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. According to Statista.com, the average NFL quarterbacks career is just 4.44 years. "I'm done. 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 height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. . More media coverage, he figures. It stuck.". Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day. Sure, Bleier hustles for a financial cushion, but there's also that feeling of gratitude that continues to push him. As a 5-foot-10 16th-round pick, Bleier was hardly a lock to be a factor in Pittsburgh's offense. They can take care of so many needs.. I wanted to have a say-so in what happened to my possessions. It can be found at lelands.com. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier is a former National Football League halfback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1971 to 1980. 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 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. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. 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. Rocky Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He first married Aleta Giacobine Whitaker whom he divorced in October 1996. That approach has guided Bleier in a life that always seems to work out. 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. He is a writer, known for Fighting Back: The Story of Rocky Bleier (1980), The NFL on CBS (1956) and Backstreet Justice (1994). It came to that time of my life, Bleier said. On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. He always captures your attention.". So he has decided to sell some of the cherished possessions accumulated over the past 50-plus years. "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. Regarding his personal life, he is married twice. A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient from that war, he is the NFLs poster boy for all things relating to veterans. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact . This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. A 1975 NFL man of the year plaque, a George Halas trophy and awards named after Whizzer White and Vince Lombardi. Your email address will not be published. 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. How involved will new Bears president Kevin Warren be with football operations? The entire student body wore t-shirts with his number 23, the only number retired in the schools history. 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. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. The auction began Sunday and concludes at 10 p.m. Dec. 6. The former Oneida Court was renamed Rocky Bleier Run. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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?". First Name Rocky #15. He runs Bleier Zagula Financial with his business partner Matt Zagula. Rocky Bleier has been beating the odds his entire adult life. More NFL coverage , "There's no one like him," said Hall of Famer Joe Greene, Bleier's teammate on the Steelers' famed 1970s teams. Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. What the collection does not contain are the four Super Bowl rings Bleier earned with the Steelers. For more than two years, he drove himself. Football jock Rocky Bleier makes it all the way to the pros with the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be drafted in the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star while serving in the Vietnam War. 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. But I really got to know them this past year and they really are good guys. . FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the information collection practices disclosed in our privacy policy. Bleier said "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are." Lebanon for many years. This week, Lelands auction house unveiled the Rocky Bleier Collection as part of its 2019 fall classic edition of memorabilia. "He can always see the better part of any given situation. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. Art Rooney". Bleier spoke earlier in the day to students at an all school assembly. In fact, he now admits today's game would probably phase him out, with increasingly little need for a blocking back without 4.4 speed. Buy the Book Impact Topics Rocky's Journey There's Bleier's deep desire to contribute, and his desire to laugh about how he did it. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster, and was even waived on two occasions. After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. He authored the autobiographical work, Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story. First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier! 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.
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