Rocky Bleier - Enormous Respect.
Posted: May 30th, 2025, 9:47 pm
I always had enormous respect for Rocky Bleier. Drafted into the Army after his rookie season. Then off to Vietnam.
Awards
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
A four time Super Bowl champion.
“After his rookie season with the Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 4, 1968, during the Vietnam War. He volunteered for duty in South Vietnam and shipped out for Vietnam in May 1969 assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion (Light), 31st Infantry Regiment (Pro Patria), 196th Light Infantry Brigade (Ahead of the Rest) (Chargers), Americal Division, and assigned as a squad grenadier operating a 40mm M79 grenade launcher.”
“On August 20, while on patrol in Hiep Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by an enemy rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While he was down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, he tried to leap over it and it exploded, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. His right foot was severely damaged in the blast as well. He was later awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His rank was Specialist 4.”
“While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him he should not expect to ever play football again. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which simply read "Rock - the team's not doing well. We need you. Art Rooney". Bleier later said, "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didn't have to do, you have a special place for those kinds of people". After several surgeries, he was discharged from the Army in July 1970, and began informal workouts with Steeler teammates.“
Awards
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
A four time Super Bowl champion.
“After his rookie season with the Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army on December 4, 1968, during the Vietnam War. He volunteered for duty in South Vietnam and shipped out for Vietnam in May 1969 assigned to Company C, 4th Battalion (Light), 31st Infantry Regiment (Pro Patria), 196th Light Infantry Brigade (Ahead of the Rest) (Chargers), Americal Division, and assigned as a squad grenadier operating a 40mm M79 grenade launcher.”
“On August 20, while on patrol in Hiep Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by an enemy rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While he was down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, he tried to leap over it and it exploded, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. His right foot was severely damaged in the blast as well. He was later awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. His rank was Specialist 4.”
“While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him he should not expect to ever play football again. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which simply read "Rock - the team's not doing well. We need you. Art Rooney". Bleier later said, "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didn't have to do, you have a special place for those kinds of people". After several surgeries, he was discharged from the Army in July 1970, and began informal workouts with Steeler teammates.“
I'd have to say the only comparable story in today's game would be Alex Smith, only without the heroics.