Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier sold his four Super Bowl rings in the 1990s to help pay back taxes. Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. '': Rocky Bleier was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor as a member of the Class of 2018. In addition to being a great lead blocker, Bleier was the second of the Steelers rushing weapons (Franco Harris was the primary back), but was effective nonetheless at both blocking and rushing. No, Richard was born in America, but he follows the Jewish religion. Bleier later said "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didnt have to do, you have a special place for those kind of people". Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, April 5, 2:31PM. Its horrifying, honestly., You might also like to read about Cord Sandberg: Family, Baseball Career, Wife & Salary >>. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Additionally, he was 1-1 in the 2020 season with 1.08 WHIP and 2.16 ERA in 16.2 innings over 21 games. preston mn weather 10 day forecast. Ive been through tougher times., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Steph Curry aims to make a splash on TV with NBC mockumentary Mr. Former Raiders punter Ray Guy was ordered by a judge to sell his three Super Bowl rings after filing for bankruptcy last year. This article was last updated by Krishna Gurung on January 30, 2023. Thank you for subscribing to This Awful Awesome Life! After Pearson was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1975, Bleier kept the number 20, with which he had become associated. Throwback, Shohei Ohtani drives in a run, pitches Angels past Mariners, WNBA can wait: Charisma Osborne returning to UCLA next season, MLB pitch clock proving to be a mental and physical game-changer, Stunning before-and-after images: California reservoir goes from almost empty to 100% full, L.A. blasting classical music to drive unhoused people from subway station. Bleier has four children. He wrote a book called Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story, which was made into a TV movie in 1980. He also played baseball for his university team, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. Notre Dame He played until 1980 and a very pivotal player in all four Superbowl victories. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. His Instagram posts can be a testament to that. Their daughters, Elly and Rosie, are both in college, Elly at Notre Dame and Rosie at Duquesne. Even now, Bleier isnt destitute. A 16th-round draft choice by the Steelers in 1968 as a halfback out of Notre Dame, Bleier also was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1969. He is currently married to Brett Bleier. All rights reserved. Bleier retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. He also has two adopted children with his second wife, Jan Gyurina. Rocky Bleier weighed 210 lbs (95 kg) when playing. His rank was Specialist 4. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra. Further, he has accumulated a total of $2,058,027 from his career until 2020. Richard Bleier pitching for New York Yankees. He shared wedding vows with his long-time girlfriend, Brett Bleier. 0. Bleier currently tours the United States, talking to high school students as a motivational speaker. It led him to halt his season, but Bleier was expected to return during the spring training in 2019. Ill be all right, he said. FAMpeople is your site which contains biographies of famous people of the past and present. Rocky Bleier reported to training camp in 1974. He had a 1.45 ERA in 303 innings through the 25 relief appearances. Bleier has become a notable author and speaker on retirement and financial management. I still love you, she said in a prayer-like manner, bowing her head several times. Bleier was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1968, as his rookie season was ending. He played in six games, but only on special teams. No, I never will, he said. Further, Richard was traded by the Yankees in 2017 to the Baltimore Orioles. I told him he could be a general manager someday. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Before he could be a free agent, Richard was traded to the Miami Marlins from Baltimore on July 31, 2020. Bleier reported to the Steelers' training camp one year after being wounded. Everyone at Paneras seemed to recognize Rocky and offer a greeting, a handshake, a sentence that started with Sorry to bother you, Rocky, but For the record, no one bothered Rocky Bleier. Despite his busy schedule, Richard spends a lot of time with his family. "I didn't lose a leg. While Bleier maintains a busy work schedule, his priority remains his two young daughters, Elly, 5, and Rosie, 4, both of whom he and his wife of eight years, Jan, adopted from Ukraine. Share. In 2009, Richard was 9-12 with 125 strikeouts, the second-highest in the minor league system. On August 20, 1969, Bleier was on a routine patrol in Heip Duic when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy, wounding his left thigh. Almost 30 years after his final game, Rocky Bleier remains one of the most popular players in the history of Pittsburgh sports. He had told me earlier that he was moving to a home behind the one he has occupied in Virginia Manor. His ex-wife, who now lives in San Diego, agreed to cut $300,000 from the debt, but no more; Bleier offered a flat payment of $250,000. 9. Rocky Bleiers birthstone is Aquamarine. He sold his Super Bowl rings for $10,000 apiece to pay federal income taxes, but still owes $72,000 to the IRS and $8,750 in state income taxes. He was an overachiever as a player and, even today, friends say he remains a fighter. "It was enough to get credit for the year, said Bleier. Rocky Bleier had 3,865 receiving yards over his career. I just remember at the beginning of this, you see, like, people with gloves or masks, and its like, Oh, you know., And now, its, like, I need a mask and gloves. And everybodys walking around like its straight out of a movie. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted againthis time by the United States Army. They became just the second pair of running backs to do that since 1972. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Fighting Back For Veterans Campaign. Rocky Bleier is proud to announce his new audiobook, in partnership with the charity Care for A Cure, titled A Rocky Bleier Christmas. In the audiobook, Rocky Bleier narrates five classic Christmas stories for you and the entire family to enjoy. He genuinely enjoys people, he embraces them. Besides, he was signed by the Washington National organizations and pitched for the Harrisburg Senators before 2015. In early 2008, the Texas Ranger selected Richard during the sixth round in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft. As a professional baseball player, Bleier currently plays for the Miami Marlin. Meet new authors, sharpen your brain and pick up a few tips on life, love, entertaining and business. Art Rooney". Interesting stories about famous people, biographies, humorous stories, photos and videos. He was a member of their 1966 National Championship team, captain of the 1967 squad, and was teammates & friends with quarterback Terry Hanratty, who would later be his teammate with the Steelers. He carried the ball one timefor 17 yards, but fumbled at the end of his run. One woman, I swear, stood and nearly genuflected in front of him, as if he were a religious icon. He worked for five to six hours a day to get himself into supreme physical shape. Hes got all these muscles. So theyd come back in the bar and theyd say Hey Bob, hows that little rock of yours? So after that, thats how I got it. Proceeds benefit Care for A Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, for Breast Cancer and Alzheimers research and awareness. By never giving up, no matter the odds or the enemy, Bleier proved that ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers. Bleier, who served as a squad grenadier, also lost part of his right foot. He has a smile and a kind word for everyone. Its not easy to do. Rocky embraces people. I dont want to be a general manager! He was previously married to Aleta Giacobine Whitaker. Because Bleier has just begun his career as a professional baseball player, he has yet to accumulate a lot of amount in the future. Rocky Bleier played 140 games over his career. Bleier says he remembers walking the streets late at night, crying because his world was completely turned upside down. But the sale dragged on for two years before an offer of $900,000--half the listing price--was made. Robert Bleier was born in 1946, but earned the nickname "Rocky" as a baby when his dad used to bring people over to the crib to see his newborn "rock." It is not something I wished to do, he said. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. His 1.97 ERA during the 2016-18 season was the second-lowest out of all the pitchers in major league baseball. His signing with the Texas Ranger made him the highest draft pick in the history of the University. Further, its proven that he loves his wife as he shares a lot of memories. * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro, Bold indicates league leader. Rocky was always a big hit whenever he appeared and played in the Homestead Lions Golf Outing at the Duquesne Golf Club, now known as Westwood Golf Club in West Mifflin. WebRocky Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Your email address will not be published. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent shrapnel into his right leg. Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine. He has two children from his marriage with Aleta Giacobine Whitaker, from whom he was divorced in October 1996. WebRocky Bleier was born in the middle of Baby Boomers Generation. I never learned to say no.. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Bleier played in all 14 games in 1972, but again mostly played on special teams. Rocky and Franco genuinely like people. The football stadium at Xavier High School was renamed Rocky Bleier Stadium on October 12, 2007. Welcome to This Awful/Awesome Life! Bleier spoke earlier in the day to students at an all school assembly. Three years later, in 1974, Bleier became a starter. When you look at his statistics over his career, yes, they are not Hall of Fame numbers. Do you have a blog? Today, we will dive into Richards life along with his career and rise in the big league. Further, its proven that he loves his wife as he shares a lot of memories. Awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his military service, Bleier then began the arduous rehabilitation process on his foot that would enable him to return to professional football. 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