I hope everyone is enjoying the return to training camp. It is a time of great promise, renewal, and the beginning of the chase for a championship. Yesterday the Steelers announced five new members of the Steelers Hall of Honor. One of these members has had a profound impact on my life as a role model and example of how life should be lived. That person is Rocky Bleier. Rocky and his story is a great example of persistence, determination, and the will to never give up. His personal courage and refusal to quit in the face of overwhelming odds gives us all hope and inspiration. When men and women refuse to quit, great things can be accomplished in our lives.
For most of my life my heroes have been soldiers and athletes. I have a lifelong love of both military history and sports, specifically Pittsburgh sports. As a young man growing up Rocky’s story was something I could look to for inspiration. Especially when confronted with difficulties in daily life. Rocky’s journey from the battlefields of Vietnam to the playing fields has always resonated with me. The doctors told Rocky that he would never play football again, in spite of this, the power of his will and his determination to succeed overcame incredible odds. He became a member of four championship teams, he was the ultimate teammate, doing what ever it took to help the team win.
Rocky Bleier showed us what could happen when we have personal courage. It would have been the easiest thing to do to just come home and quit. Rocky chose a different path, a path filled with hardship but ultimately filled with glory. After his playing days concluded Rocky has served the city of Pittsburgh in various capacities. Making the transition from player to citizen. I cannot think of a better teammate person, or a better Steeler than Rocky Bleier. He is the ultimate personification of team player. I am happy that he will be joining the pantheon of legends in the Steelers ring of honor. Rocky Bleier is Steelers fire!!!!
