The Pittsburgh Steelers spent Week 6 of the NFL regular season enjoying an early bye week. The Steelers watched the entire AFC North emerge victorious on Sunday and fall half a game behind in the division. Steeler Nation also endured speculation about another potential health scare for Terry Bradshaw after he struggled with the halftime highlights during the early window of games on Fox NFL Sunday. It wasn’t a great weekend on or off the gridiron for the black and gold.
NFL On Fox Sports
Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw's appearance on NFL on Fox.
Bradshaw, who fought and won his battle with cancer during the 2022 season, had what appeared to be a coughing fit while reading the halftime highlights on Sunday. The Hall of Fame quarterback has appeared to be in good health during the 2023 season and could have just had something caught in his throat. Bradshaw fans are extremely sensitive to any possible health issues, especially with the former MVP’s claim last season about intending to stay in front of the camera until the bitter end.
Is Terry Bradshaw having a medical issue live on air?
— Papa (@PapaSeamus30) October 15, 2023
A very verbal segment of social media uses any on-air incident involving Bradshaw for a very different reason. Many younger fans who never saw him play don’t understand how an old quarterback who talks funny is so popular. They can’t comprehend why most of America loves Bradshaw. They took to Twitter/X to voice a very different sentiment regarding Bradshaw. Darrelle Lincoln of Total Pro Sports reported on the speculation on Sunday.
Is there a reason Fox let’s Terry Bradshaw do the daily highlights? #gamblingtwitter
— Kutt - The Social Betting App (@KuttBet) October 15, 2023
With all the articulate men at the table why does @FOXSports insist on having Terry Bradshaw read the highlights? Bizzare🤷🏽♂️
— Drake (@scorpiock8) October 15, 2023
I hardly watch pre-or-post game coverage, or anything other than Ravens games. But I just watched Fox after the Jets @ Eagles game & the postgame coverage & it is time for Terry Bradshaw to retire. I don't think he got through a single highlight w/out messing something up.
— Atlas Smugged (@arrpeebee) October 15, 2023
Since its inception, Bradshaw has been reading the rapid-fire highlights during the Fox halftime and postgame segments. Bradshaw shines as an analyst, and his recent criticism of Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley shows he is as incisive as ever. Even the biggest Bradshaw fan has to admit the quick delivery highlight segment, at this point, seems to only continue out of tradition. He is still the most entertaining option based on the talent available at the desk, whether social media likes it or not. Maybe Fox could slow it down a tick for him.
Steelers' Terry Bradshaw Addresses Fans Concerned About His Health On Fox Pregame Show
The sincere concern for Bradshaw is based on the genuine fears that another health issue has arisen. Bradshaw is 75 years old and a cancer survivor. He has battled depression and is fighting the perception that he is in crisis whenever any stumble occurs. Things can change rapidly at his advanced age, but based on his performance thus far in 2023, it is hopefully a poorly timed cough on live television and just that. He indeed appeared better during the postgame show.
Wally Fong / ap photo
Steelers legends Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, and Gerry "Moon" Mullins share a light moment while traveling.
The passing of Franco Harris last year just before his jersey retirement ceremony, coupled with Bradshaw's health scare, has a lot of fans of the 1970s Steelers facing their own very real mortality issues. Older fans who grew up without ESPN and in the infancy of the sports talk radio explosion relied on Howard Cosell, Brent Musburger, and Bryant Gumbel to deliver any out-of-market highlights. The Steelers' national following has much to do with that trio emphasizing their exploits during this time frame.
Before the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers were the lovable losers of the NFL. They had never scored a postseason touchdown before Bradshaw and Harris connected for the greatest play in NFL history. When the Steelers started winning Super Bowl titles, it was a great story, and the networks milked it for all it was worth. It helped grow the game to emphasize the bitter rivalries with the then-Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.
Fox NFL Sunday
Steelers' Terry Bradshaw shares the set with Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Jimmy Johnson.
Bradshaw was at the center of those stories and has now spent nearly triple the time broadcasting for Fox as he did playing the game. The NFL is popular beyond Pete Rozelle's wildest dreams in 2023. Presentism rules the roost during this era of sports, and nostalgia is a boomer concept. Bradshaw reminds a generation of fans of their youth and memories of four championships in six seasons.
The modern NFL is driven by gambling and fantasy football. They aren't interested in remembering what was, just what the point spread is for Thursday Night Football. Bradshaw bridges what made the game popular and what it has evolved into this century. Here's hoping that Fox is smart enough to keep the bridge open for as long as the Hall of Fame quarterback is willing and able to provide it.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you believe Bradshaw's on-air coughing was just a coincidence or, God forbid, a symptom of a new health concern? Please comment below, or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
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