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. The former Oneida Court was renamed Rocky Bleier Run. 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). PITTSBURGH Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier has hocked his Super Bowl rings and filed for bankruptcy. 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. Steelers 1975. How to shorten the preseason His odds worsened after being wounded in Vietnam, which required diligent rehab to both legs. [1] References [ edit] ``Rocky made $650,000 as a motivational speaker in 1995 and his income is going up, not . Pittsburgh, PA 15228. Shaquille ONeals net worth 2021 (estimate): $400 million. Guest Speaker US Chamber. It specializes in the construction of commercial buildings, additions and renovations including planning, design, scheduling, value engineering and sub-contracting. This week, Lelands auction house unveiled the Rocky Bleier Collection as part of its 2019 fall classic edition of memorabilia. 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. 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 said "As the first born of the family, my dad was proud, as all parents are." At the time of his retirement he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. Lebanon for many years. Joe Rutter is a Tribune-Review staff writer. He had just come back from Vietnam, and needed crutches and then a cane to get around.. Coach Mike Tomlin said he respected and appreciated Bleier's criticisms despite the ex-Steeler taking aim at him. 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. There are 22 suicides by veterans a day. 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. |. He wasn't going to be a doctor or lawyer. 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. His parents owned a bar called Belier's Bar and it was there that Bleier got his permanent nickname. 2023 Caniry - All Rights Reserved 2023 Mt Lebanon Magazine. Watch Now. He didn't want to run the family's bar business back in Appleton. "I'd be 6-3, 225 pounds with more speed. More NFL coverage , "There's no one like him," said Hall of Famer Joe Greene, Bleier's teammate on the Steelers' famed 1970s teams. His former wife has little sympathy. Adri, 39, was born and raised on Squaw Run East. We need you. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. Who Is Rocky Bleier's Wife? 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. 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. His former wife, ALETA WHITAKER, said in a countersuit that Bleier just. His rank was Specialist 4. Copy to clipboard. More media coverage, he figures. Also, the war was never something that Bleier kept from others, as we hear with so many other veterans. "I wouldn't be me," Bleier said. 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. Art Jr. has lived in Mt. Ben Roethlisberger said then that Bleier was "obviously entitled" to his opinion. He was nicknamed "Rocky" as a baby. I dont want to be a general manager! Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century. He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. . Our final NFL rookie rankings: Gardner vs. Hutchinson for No. 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. Bleier has four children. One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. Family (1) Spouse Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. An offseason training regimen brought Bleier back to 212 pounds in the summer of 1974. Regarding his personal life, he is married twice. 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. I want to play in the NFL! And he ran down the hall, hollering at me like that. He was the son of an African American soldier who served in World War II and an Italian war bride mother. ProFootballHistory.com. 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. He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. Upon his return, he couldnt walk without being in pain, and weighed only 180 pounds (82 kg). That approach has guided Bleier in a life that always seems to work out. Most Popular #101323. There was a sense of closure in Vietnam that Bleier found, even though he didn't know he needed. 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. All rights reserved. Jump into the holiday spirit with Rockys delightful new audiobook. The Life And Career Of Mel Blount (Story), What Happened To Plaxico Burress? 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 . They can take care of so many needs.. He also passed out at one point from heat exhaustion and is. He wasn't the kind of guy to be . Copyright 2012-2020 Stories People All rights reserved. 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. 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. He caught an important touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw during Super Bowl XIII. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. 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His Notre Dame 1966 national championship watch and class ring. The audiobook is now available for purchase on Care for a Cures website. Has anyone ever sold their Super Bowl ring? Part of the proceeds will go to funding Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, an organization that places service canines with veterans. Game balls, including one from the 1980 AFC championship game, and his Steelers playbook from Super Bowl XIV. You know, Rocky worked for me one year in our scouting department, Rooney says. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. 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. This is one method that has proven to be able to not only reduce, but eliminate that rate.. He always loved the way a locker room united, and he's been trying to draw people together ever since. 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. Rocky Bleier Net Worth: $4 million 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. I guess I was wrong.. He was the oldest of four children to Bob and Ellen Bleier. 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. 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. Bleier said Guardian Angels has placed over 300 dogs with veterans. If something happens to you, where does it go, and do you want your kids or wife to deal with it?. He graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1995, and his wife, the former Elizabeth Friday, graduated from there two years later. From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers starting lineup. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. He wanted to give him time to recover so he could play again. Art Sr. wanted to keep Rocky around. 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. The rings fetched $96,000 in an online auction. 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. Aleta Whitaker said in a. For more than two years, he drove himself. He genuinely enjoys people. That doesnt mean Brady is slowing down, however. Talking with veterans about their transitions appeals to Bleier, who wants them to know resources are available. So, how much is Rocky Bleier worth at the age of 76 years old? But Bleier wouldn't change a thing about a script he's still writing. He went back to Vietnam this year to film a TV show about his experience that will be aired this fall. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. Bismarck. Messages of encouragement, hope, and impact. Rocky was upset and he said, I dont want to be a scout! A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. 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. As of 2011, he lives in Mt. After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968. 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. So he has decided to sell some of the cherished possessions accumulated over the past 50-plus years. Bleier has become a notable author and speaker on retirement and financial management. Steelers 1976. When we left the restaurant, I heard people calling out to him in the parking lot as he went to his car. It wasn't shown," Bleier recalled, before adding: "Terry was a big game player. On the following day, the third day of the three-day event, city mayor Tim Hanna unveiled a street named in his honor. 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. Rocky was good at scouting, says Rooney. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. 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 1975 NFL man of the year plaque, a George Halas trophy and awards named after Whizzer White and Vince Lombardi. 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. 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. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. More about Rocky Bleier Photo Gallery Rocky Bleier "Opportunities exist in life," Bleier said. Still, Rocky managed to do what doctors thought impossible. "With the talent they have, how can they lose three out of their last four games, and in the manner they did?". 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. . Bleier said it costs $25,000 to train a dog before it is placed into service. First Name Rocky #15. I love you, Rocky. "He said, 'I think we need to get you your own podcast,'" Bleier said with a smile. 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. When Bleier dies, he is bequeathing a ring to each of his four 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 . 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. 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. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster, and was even waived on two occasions. 1 -- and a QB in the top 10? First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier! I didnt think he could ever play again. I have known these guys since I came on the Steelers beat for the Pittsburgh Press 40 years ago. Together, they have two children. Also, the medals he received for his service in Vietnam are not part of the collection. He has been married to Jan Gyurina since April 13, 1996. 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. 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. I talked to my kids and wife. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 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 was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. Bleier spoke earlier in the day to students at an all school assembly. For further information on Rocky, you may contact us directly with any questions. After Pearson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1975, Bleier kept the number 20, with which he had become associated. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. First 20,000 copies will be autographed by Rocky Bleier!For decades, Fighting Back served as a shining example of courage and determination for people in all walks of life. I wanted him to stay with me. Not only does he walk again after a long rehabilitation, Rocky returns to train with the Steelers. "Rocky had the ability to smile and laugh at himself, but he had the greatest admiration for other people," Greene said. Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier ( / blar / BLY-r, born March 5, 1946) is a former professional American football player and a veteran of the United States Army. This was. Everything you need this week: Rocky Bleier, who shares a home with his wife, Jan, in Virginia Manor, remains a Pittsburgh treasure. 50 years ago Tuesday, Vietnam Veteran and 4-time Super Bowl champion Rocky Bleier was shot and wounded in the war. According to Statista.com, the average NFL quarterbacks career is just 4.44 years. He adopted two children with his wife Jan Gyurina. 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 is one of the owners and managing members of RBVetCo. 'He's not afraid' to shake things up: How new president/CEO Kevin Warren could impact the Bears, First look at the divisional round: Previewing all four matchups, every team's reason for optimism, NFL divisional round betting notes: Jaguars, Giants NFL's best underdogs, They said it! 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