22 Facts About Rocky Bleier

Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier is an American former professional football player and a veteran of the United States Army.

Rocky Bleier played as a running back in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 and from 1970 to 1980.

Rocky Bleier had a paper route as a youth, and graduated from Xavier High School in 1964, where he starred in football and basketball.

In football, Rocky Bleier was a three-time all-state selection as running back, and won all-conference honors at both linebacker and defensive back.

Rocky Bleier was a team captain in football, basketball, and track.

Rocky Bleier played college football at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, and graduated in 1968 with a degree in business management.

Rocky Bleier volunteered for duty in South Vietnam and shipped out for Vietnam in May 1969 assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, and assigned as a squad grenadier operating a 40mm M79 grenade launcher.

Rocky Bleier was later awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Rocky Bleier later said, "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didn't have to do, you have a special place for those kinds of people".

Rocky Bleier was put on injured reserve for the season, but returned in 1971 and played on special teams.

Rocky Bleier spent several seasons trying to get increased playing time, and was waived on two occasions.

Since Preston Pearson was wearing number 26, Rocky Bleier switched to number 20 when he returned to the team.

In 1976, both Harris and Rocky 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.

Rocky 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 relinquish in Super Bowl XIII.

Rocky Bleier recovered Dallas's onside kick in the closing seconds, sealing the Steelers' victory.

Rocky Bleier retired after the 1980 season, with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns.

Rocky Bleier is featured in the 2014 feature documentary "Project 22", which chronicles the cross-country motorcycle journey of two young veterans exploring alternative treatments for PTSD and TBI.

Rocky Bleier has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996.

Rocky Bleier has become an author and speaker on retirement and financial management.

Rocky Bleier has authored the book Don't 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.

Rocky Bleier tossed the coin to start the high school football game that day.

Rocky Bleier had spoken earlier in the day to students at an assembly.