Are the Steelers really never going to retire Terry Bradshaw’s jersey?
It’s not a brand new subject, but it surely sprang to thoughts instantly when Terry Bradshaw was honored final week at Heinz History Center: The Pittsburgh Steelers never did retire his No. 12 jersey, and given the truth that he’s 77 now, it appears uncertain they ever will.
What a disgrace.
What a disservice.
The Nineteen Seventies Steelers have been adequate to win one or two Super Bowls with lots of guys at quarterback. They made it to 4 largely due to Bradshaw, possibly the finest clutch deep-ball passer the league has ever recognized.
Like most championship groups, these Steelers finally wanted an important quarterback. They had one — and this was again in the days when quarterbacks referred to as the performs. Bradshaw was masterful, typically subjugating his ego to maintain the Franco Harris-led floor sport going.
The Steelers’ legendary protection had begun to slip as the Nineteen Seventies closed. It allowed 50 factors over the remaining two Super Bowl appearances. But due to new guidelines that opened the passing sport (thanks, Mel Blount), Bradshaw and his receivers saved the day. And the dynasty.
Bradshaw gained Super Bowl MVPs in 1978 and ’79 (and made some unbelievable throws of their second Super Bowl win in 1975). Can you think about one other city the place the man who quarterbacked a dynasty never had his jersey retired? It’s unthinkable.
You cannot retire each jersey from these groups. I get it. You’d barely have any left. But Bradshaw performed the most vital place in the sport. He went 4-0 in the Super Bowl. He stays the solely participant in franchise historical past to win league MVP. He indisputably belongs with Franco and Joe Greene as the three gamers from that period to obtain the final group honor (the different Steeler to have his jersey retired was defensive lineman Ernie Stautner).
Why hasn’t it occurred?
Well, Bradshaw could be a jerk. That’s priceless. I’m fairly positive even he would agree with that — and he spent portion of his taking part in profession and retirement at odds with numerous members of the group.
It was long-time Steelers PR man Joe Gordon who as soon as instructed me Bradshaw was “the most insincere person I have ever known.”
I might think about others inside the group felt the identical. I respect their takes. But we’re speaking about pretty innocent stuff right here.
It really should not matter that Bradshaw has ripped Steelers coaches, quarterbacks and executives over the years. That’s a part of his job as an NFL analyst. It should not matter that he had a contentious relationship with Steelers followers at occasions, and it should not matter that he did not attend the funerals of Art Rooney Sr. and Chuck Noll.
Bradshaw mentioned he regretted not attending The Chief’s funeral. He had no intention of attending Noll’s, given their bitter relationship.
Like all of us, Bradshaw is an imperfect particular person. But he was a legendary quarterback who, as he mentioned final week, has made peace with Pittsburgh since he retired 43 years in the past. I’m fairly positive Pittsburgh has made peace with him.
Can you think about how the place would rock if the Steelers honored Bradshaw the proper approach? Team president Art Rooney II ought to make it occur — earlier than it is too late.
