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. Your email address will not be published. He has been married to Jan Gyurina since April 13, 1996. A 1975 NFL man of the year plaque, a George Halas trophy and awards named after Whizzer White and Vince Lombardi. 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. He runs Bleier Zagula Financial with his business partner Matt Zagula. To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. 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. ``Rocky made $650,000 as a motivational speaker in 1995 and his income is going up, not . And maybe even a Hollywood mega-star eager to portray him. 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. Bleier talks about a 19-year-old who died in that ambush after taking two rounds. He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. More NFL coverage , "There's no one like him," said Hall of Famer Joe Greene, Bleier's teammate on the Steelers' famed 1970s teams. He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier 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. It is a cause that carries a special attachment for Bleier, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his military service. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. 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). Mostly, because he was too busy living his best life to ever wallow in it. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back ROCKY BLEIER has pawned his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. Steelers 1976. There was a sense of closure in Vietnam that Bleier found, even though he didn't know he needed. . According to Statista.com, the average NFL quarterbacks career is just 4.44 years. 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). To schedule a booking with Rocky Bleier, please contact your Speakers Bureau. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. Most Popular #101323. 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. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. While on patrol in Hiep Duc in August 1968, Bleier was shot in the left thigh by an enemy bullet. PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. I love you, Rocky. 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. Just a year ago, though, it was a different story for Bleier. Bismarck. This article about a biographical film is a stub. On a lazy Sunday in August 2019, Bleier is looking energized. He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. "I use what I do best -- talk to people," Bleier said. . These lessons are seen between the lines in the popular book on his life, "Fighting Back" and on stages of speaking appearances around the country. That approach has guided Bleier in a life that always seems to work out. 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. 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. He was as wrong as the doctors who told Rocky hed be lucky enough to walk again, let alone play football. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10? He was a National Football League (NFL) halfback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1970 to 1980. "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". He maintains a busy schedule of motivational speaking, has business interests with Jans family and is involved in several fund-raising activities. 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. I like everyone to like me, he has told me more than once through the years. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. After being attended to by ESPN producers, Bleier, as always, was quickly back on his feet. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. 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. 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. Who Is Rocky Bleier's 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. 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved Vietnam 1969. What Pittsburgh Steelers are in the Hall of Fame? Rocky is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. 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. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. Rocky Bleier Popularity . Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. 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. Bradys longevity as an NFL quarterback is rare. "He's special. 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. Steelers 1975. He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. Jan Gyurina is the wife of Rocky Bleier. I didnt think he could ever play again. Aleta Whitaker said in a. What the collection does not contain are the four Super Bowl rings Bleier earned with the Steelers. Heinz Hall Super Bowl Championship Trophies. It wasn't shown," Bleier recalled, before adding: "Terry was a big game player. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. 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. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. However, its 30 for 30 and other documentaries are often top notch journalism. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Sure, Bleier hustles for a financial cushion, but there's also that feeling of gratitude that continues to push him. 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. [1] References [ edit] A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. 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]. Tokyo Hospital 1969. I wanted to have some control over the memorabilia I had collected over the years. Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton on Tuesday, March 5, 1946 (Baby Boomers Generation). Lebanon High School grad awarded prestigious music prize. But home. He had just come back from Vietnam, and needed crutches and then a cane to get around.. 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. Chamber of Commerce Dinner 2015 Johnstown. 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 had 928 rushes and 3865 total yards along with 136 receptions for 1294 yards. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. 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. 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. 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?". This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. 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. Together, they have two children. He was the son of an African American soldier who served in World War II and an Italian war bride mother. |. In 1976, both Harris and Bleier rushed for over 1,000 yards, making this the second NFL team to accomplish this feat, after Mercury Morris and Larry Csonka of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. 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. 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