One of the NFL's great success stories. Rocky Bleier was a 16th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 from Notre Dame who also served in Vietnam. Seriously wounded in his right foot and leg he was discouraged from playing football but battled his way back to earn a starting spot in the Steelers backfield. This remarkable determination was exemplified in 1976 when he rushed for 1036 rushing yards on 220 carries - a 4.7 yard average.
The Steelers Rocky Bleier
Rocky Bleier gets behind the blocking of lineman Jim Clack.
Rocky Bleier and Jim Clack of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Rocky Bleier carries against Ed Jones and the Cowboys
Rocky Bleier, NFL Steelers
Rocky Bleier, Steelers NFL Runner
Rocky Bleier blocking for Terry Bradshaw.
Rocky Bleier and Terry Bradshaw, Steelers
John Stallworth turns a short pass into a 75-yard catch & run to score his second touchdown of Super Bowl XIII against the Dallas Cowboys. The 2nd quarter score tied the game up at 14. The Steelers would go on to win 35-31 to capture their 4th Super Bowl win of the 1970s.
John Stallworth - 75 Yard TD in Super Bowl XIII vs Dallas
Early 1970s Steeler-Raiders action. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw rolls out against Raiders defenders Dan Conners and Phil Villapiano. Running back Rocky Bleier can be seen blocking at left.
Terry Bradshaw and Rocky Bleier of the Steelers - Dan Conners and Phil Villapiano of the Raiders
With Hall of Famers Mike Webster and Franco Harris out in front, running back Rocky Bleier carries the ball. In 1976 Bleier and Harris became the second backfield tandem in NFL history to gain 1000 yards each.
Mike Webster, Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers
4 of the members of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense that won a Super Bowl in 1978 - Gerry Mullins (#72), Rocky Bleier (#20), Mike Webster (#52) & Terry Bradshaw (#12)
Mike Webster, Gerry Mullins, Rocky Bleier & Terry Bradshaw of 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense
Another image of Pittsburgh's 35-31 win over the Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII. MVP Terry Bradshaw looks to dump off a pass to running back Rocky Bleier (#20) as Franco Harris (#32) provides blocking. DD Lewis (#50) makes an attempt to get into position to defend.
Terry Bradshaw looks to Pass to Rocky Bleier
Vikings defenders Paul Krause (#22) and Jeff Wright (#23) bring down Steelers runner Rocky Bleier (#20) after Blier rips off a 13-yard gain in Super Bowl IX. Blier had 65 yards rushing in the 16-6 Steelers NFL Championship victory.
Paul Krause Tackles Rocky Bleier in Super Bowl IX
