CARDS: Upper Deck Legends 1997, Upper Deck College Legends 2011, Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991
ACQUIRED: TTM 2019, C/o Home*
SENT: 2/27 RECEIVED: 3/11 (12 days)
*Fee Enclosed

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Rocky Bleier played RB at Notre Dame from 1965-’67.
• Over his time playing for the Fightin’ Irish, he ran for 786 yards and 11 TDs in 29 contests.
• In 1968 he was selected in the 16th round of the joint NFL/AFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• He seldom saw the field his rookie campaign, but in his 6 carries had a 21 yard long, and in his 3 receptions had a 54 yard catch.
• Drafted to serve in Vietnam late in ’68.
• Rocky was badly injured in South Vietnam- shot in the thigh and grenade shrapnel almost took his right foot.
• Spent all of the 1970 on IR was buried on the depth chart while returning to playing speed.
• He played special teams and contributed any way he could, seeing action at FB for Franco Harris.
• Although on and off the roster- Bleier kept at it, and eventually secured a starting spot in 1974.
• Playing time increased and in 1976 he and Franco Harris became the second duo in NFL history to post over 1k rushing.
• Rocky’s 1,036 yards rushing, and 294 yards receiving that year would be a career high.
• Retired after the 1980 season as a 4x NFL Super Bowl Champion.
• Played in 140 contests (starting 74) rushing for 3865 yards and 23 TDs.
• Bleier has been quite active since retirement, writing numerous books, and has spent time on the radio as well helping people with financial management.

ACCOLADES:

• Bronze Star (Army)
• Purple Heart Recipient (Army)
• International Sports Hall of Fame
• Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
• George Halas Award 1975
• Whizzer White Award 1975
• Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
• NCAA Inspiration Award 2020
• Rocky Bleier Stadium (Xavier, WI)

NOTES:

Rocky got lost in the returns, as I honestly kept misspelling his unique last name. He signs for just a nominal fee and is a voracious signer with a great autograph.