Rocky Bleier’s last run as an NFL running back gained 9 yards, slicing through the San Diego Chargers’ defense, thanks to a fierce trap block from right guard Ray Pinney and a quick advance by center Mike Webster, bringing the play within three feet of a first down. This occurred 11 months after Bleier celebrated his final championship with the Steelers, marking nearly 50 years since.
Now 79, Bleier continues to embody a legendary status, widely recognized across Western Pennsylvania. His life story is showcased in “The Play,” a one-man theatrical performance that has attracted full audiences in multiple cities, including at the prestigious Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. In 2019, he portrayed Judge Julius Alexander Randolph in the acclaimed production of “A Few Good Men” at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. He frequently appears on television, promoting various products, including a Medicare supplement plan from the city’s leading health insurance company.
Bleier’s remarkable journey—from being a 16th-round draft pick to a 1,000-yard rusher, and from a soldier critically injured in Vietnam to becoming an NFL champion six years later—contributes significantly to his fame.
However, perhaps the most defining aspect of his legacy is his membership in the renowned ’70s Steelers, who won four Super Bowls during that decade. Their periodic reunions, often held to celebrate championship anniversaries like this fall’s 50th for the original 1974 Super Bowl-winning team, transcend the typical notion of a reunion and become community celebrations.
Reflecting on his career, Bleier remarked to The Sporting News, “You think about: How did that happen? How did you get there? How fortunate were you to be at the right place at the right time and be part of that success? I truly feel honored to share that experience with my teammates from that era.” He emphasized the special bond and camaraderie formed through their shared experiences over the years.
Bleier is one of 22 players who contributed to four Steelers championships in the 1970s, a feat unmatched until the recent successes of the Chiefs, who have won in the 2020, 2022, and 2023 seasons and are poised to compete for that legacy as they enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed.
In a broader context, while the 1970s Steelers hold a significant place in NFL history, the current Chiefs may soon have the chance to match their accomplishments, aiming for a coveted fourth Super Bowl win.
Jack Ham, who grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania during the 1960s, was aware of the Steelers’ less-than-stellar reputation before their rise. Since then, the franchise has achieved remarkable success, yet fans are now frustrated after eight years without a playoff victory—an era that once would have seemed like a miracle to the supporters who witnessed the team’s struggle for any postseason appearance prior to their breakthrough in the 1970s.
Ham recalls that earlier era, describing how the team was often a physical presence but plagued with losses in close games. When he was drafted in 1971, expectations were low. However, with the arrival of star player Franco Harris and a pivotal draft class in 1974 that included future Hall of Famers like Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, and Jack Lambert, the Steelers transformed into a championship-caliber team. Their historic first playoff appearance in 1972 was highlighted by Franco Harris’ iconic Immaculate Reception, cementing their status in NFL lore.
The impressive 1974 draft set the foundation for their future success, culminating in three consecutive playoff berths and a palpable sense of optimism as they approached their first Super Bowl. However, even as they achieved success, they still faced tough competition from established teams like the Dolphins and Raiders, who had superior records and histories. A twist in playoff seeding meant the Steelers would face the wild-card Bills, while those stronger teams squared off against each other.
