The Pittsburgh Steelers have not had the first overall pick in the draft since they selected Terry Bradshaw in the 1970 draft. Since they selected Bradshaw, they have only had seven losing seasons and have won six Lombardi trophies. It has not always been a perfect relationship between them, but it is a strong bond that will not be broken.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
Last football season on Fox NFL Sunday, Bradshaw reluctantly revealed that he had been dealing with cancer. He announced he was cancer free after being diagnosed with bladder and skin cancer as part of the explanation and was in full recovery. Despite the announcement, the long-time fixture of the program came under increasing criticism throughout the season for his performance.
Bradshaw wanted people not to be concerned with his health. After the NFC championship game when he enthusiastically celebrated with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jalen Hurts, social media critics of his performance granted his request. Many were calling for Fox to move on from the former league MVP.
Terry Bradshaw started Fox’s post-game interviews by leading the crowd in “Fly, Eagles Fly,” then interrupting it https://t.co/fD2QhJ7GVp pic.twitter.com/i7gUow9oT7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 22, 2018
Fox hosted the Super Bowl last season between the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. In the run-up to the Super Bowl Bradshaw had to endure an absolute disgrace of an interview with Chris Wallace. Wallace asked an incredulous Bradshaw about his reputation for being less than intelligent. Bradshaw handled it with aplomb, but he was clearly offended by the line of questioning.
Ric Tapia | Credit: AP
Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw
Bradshaw angered social media again after the Chiefs defeated the Eagles in the Super Bowl. He was on the podium and called Andy Reid over to be interviewed. Bradshaw made a critical faux pas in the process.
Terry Bradshaw fat shaming Andy Reid after winning the Super Bowl like it's a middle school cafeteria.pic.twitter.com/zDENMDiNM8
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) February 13, 2023
It is 2023 and the four-time Super Bowl champion is not leaving Fox. He is more than thriving this offseason if you have been following his frequent Facebook live posts. Bradshaw announced on Monday that he and his wife Tammy Bradshaw were officially settled into their new home in Saint Jo, Tx. Bradshaw also announced that he would be returning to the Clay Cooper Theatre to perform his live stage show. Bradshaw's limited engagement runs from the end of July through August.
Bradshaw had to cancel his live performances last year due to his cancer diagnosis. The return to the stage is a wonderful sign that he is indeed back to full health. He has even added additional songs to the show, upping the previous six to a total of nine. It is very encouraging that Bradshaw will be back to full strength to silence his very vocal critics in the fall.
Steelers Legend Terry Bradshaw Flexes His Social Media Muscle By Attacking Wal-Mart
New York Post
Steelers Terry Bradshaw
The Bradshaw's were inducted into the Palomino Hall of Fame earlier this year according to his Facebook post. Unfortunately, they could not attend the Palomino World Horse Show this year due to the move to their new home. It looks like the local Wal-Mart will have to wait until next year to redeem itself.
Bradshaw shares his thoughts for almost 15 minutes on Facebook Live and you can watch the entire segment below or on his official Facebook page. Aside from a wildly long mop of unkempt hair, Bradshaw appears to be in good health and humor.
Bradshaw's return to health is an inspiration to people struggling with health issues. Older fans who watched Bradshaw play live can draw on his example to push through and perform despite daunting obstacles. It may not be your absolute best, but it is important to keep putting on the uniform and showing up to fight.
The Steelers have only retired three numbers officially in their history. Ernie Stautner, Joe Greene, and Franco Harris. Bradshaw's number 12 has not been worn since he retired and is one of the unofficially off-limits numbers that has not been reissued. Bradshaw is 74 years old and has already had a health scare. It would be nice for Art Rooney II to consider retiring Bradshaw's number 12 while both he and the fans who watched him play can enjoy it.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Will Rooney announce another ceremony to retire the number 12 this season? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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