Blair Co., PA (WJAC) — On Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers legend Rocky Bleier shared his inspirational story with local high schoolers in the Blair County area.
From being a four-time Super Bowl champion, to being wounded in combat, Bleier has experienced the highs and lows of life and he was here to share that with high school students.
The organization “United We Can” hosted Bleier to talk to the students about teamwork and perseverance.
As a 4-time champion, Bleier knows all about teamwork.
“It’s the success of the group that gets you recognized for your contribution. If you’re on a losing team, nobody really cares what you might be or what you might do, but if you’re winning, then everybody has the eyes on everybody within that group.”
As for perseverance, it would be hard to find someone better.
Bleier made his name on the Pittsburgh Steelers team that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, but a long journey preceded champion status for Bleier.
He was an overlooked prospect, drafted in the 16th round to the Steelers.
Nobody knew who he was and Bleier says he remembers the excitement he felt when he was told he had fan mail.
In a letter, he learned that he was being drafted again, this time to go fight in Vietnam.
While overseas, an enemy grenade exploded and tore his leg apart; doctors said he would never play football again, yet he is in the Steelers Hall of Fame.
Bleier said he was able to come back by taking full advantage of each opportunity he had, and never quitting.
Of the seven schools that were in attendance, many of them often compete against each other in athletics and they brought several of their athletes to watch Bleier speak to them.
Bleier said he encourages competitiveness but he also wants to remind them of the camaraderie sports can bring them.
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