SUPER BOWL Champion Wounded in Fierce FIREFIGHT in Vietnam | Rocky Bleier 

Rocky treated my son like a king after a Veterans Day event in TN. Even helped him with a school assignment by being his veteran to interview. Huge man.

I was a kid in the '70s, just starting to be interested in sports, and somehow I became a fan of the "America's Team" Cowboys. My dad didn't really care about football, but he told me he preferred the Steelers because of one man - Rocky Bleier. Dad was a veteran of 2nd Armored during Korea, and he admired Bleier tremendously. He told me Bleier was a hero, that he had served his country in a war many tried to get out of, and was wounded badly, but still came back and played. I must have been 9 when this took place. Ever since, I've always carried my own admiration for Rocky Bleier. God bless you, sir, and thank you for your service!

Grew up in Pittsburgh, still live here. Rocky used to come to my elementary school in the mid-late 80’s and read to us in the library a couple times a year. A genuine, nice, classy, caring human being. Such a good dude

I remember watching him play for the Steelers. Thank you for your service Rocky.

I was stationed with and worked with Rocky at Fort Riley, KS in Plans, Operations, and Training while he was recovering. He was a great guy and when we weren't working, we taught each other how to play chess and had daily games when we had time. Rocky is a wonderful guy and a great human being. He still looks good as we're both starting to get a bit long in the tooth. Wish you well Rocky with the rest of your life.

Courage.. determination..bravery..A hero without a doubt. And Welcome home Rocky!

Bro was in Vietnam & won a Super Bowl 🏈 gotta love 🇺🇸. Thank you sir & welcome home!

What a humble well spoken man. Great story of sacrifice, sadness, hard work and success.

My favorite Steeler of all time. I met Rocky as a kid in a small men's clothing store. He was there by himself, signing autographs, having pictures taken. 100% class and kindness to his fans. Even though he was never the biggest Steeler, he was larger than life to me. While I don't think it was ever confirmed by Rocky, and I doubt he would due to his humble nature, there is a strongly held story about the kind of guy he is. Mike Webster was one of the great Centers in his day and a teammate of Bleier's. Sadly he fell on very hard times financially, medically, and emotionally after his playing career ended. He lived in his truck for years. (He would be diagnosed with CTE after his autopsy.) Well at one point he was so desperate for money, Iron Mike sold his Super Bowl rings. The story goes that when Rocky Bleier heard about it, he found the buyer, bought them back for quite a sum of money, and gave them back to Webster. That's the kind of person you look up to in so many ways.

Being a Houston native and a huge Oiler fan, I had a lot of respect for Bleier and the Steelers. We had a great defense, and I remember Rocky always being very hard to stop. He had some great games against us both running the football and catching the ball out of the backfield. He's a tough one, very inspirational.

Damn humble man. Thank you for your service. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thank you for service SP4 Mr. Bleier . You are a outstanding person. Humble and yet as tough as any ever where. As a former Soldier myself I salute you for your dedication to our Country the Military and your desire to return to the Steelers. Thank you for putting this out on you Tube . The younger people need to learn from your example . In Ukraine today we are seeing their pro athletes getting involved in the fight. God Bless you Rocky

Wonderful of the Steelers to give him hope and a chance after what he went through.

What a tough man. Thank you for your service, your inspiration and courage.

What a fighter. It could not have been easy working his way back from those wounds.

2 Years in the Infantry made Bleier the toughest football player in history .

A veteran who did his job.

Rocky, as a Vietnam vet, Native Pittsburgher now living back in VietNam I salute you brother. I saw your return trip to Vietnam and just missed being there at that time as I went back to The Burgh for a visit. Your story is inspirational to say the least and what you accomplished was epic. Hats off to the Steeler family and the Rooney’s for taking care of their own. The class organization of The NFL. Best wishes to you and yours and God bless your family and Appleton for raising such a brave, courageous and inspiring man!

One of my favorite players on my favorite team! When I heard about his military service and his comeback, as a young person I looked up to him even more. Rocky, thank you for your service and being willing to tell your story of hope to the world. And thank all of our veterans for their service and hardship they went through to keep our nation free.

A very underrated player, a legend, not just a great player also a very legendary human being, why isn't he in the hall of fame

Thank you for your service, though I was a Raider fan with Stabler, Biletnikoff, Branch, Casper, etc and your team of Hall of Famers. U are a patriot and an inspiration. God Bless You. Bless your brothers and all your families. 🇺🇲

OMG, I loved watching him as a kid but did not know of her service and wounds. He came back from hell and because of mental toughness and drive he lived his dream. Thank you Mr. Bleier for your service and ALL of you military people who served before, during and after! We love and respect what you do.

Thanks, Rocky. I'm an old Cowboys fan from the Coach Tom era. I remember watching you play (after I got back from Nam myself) and getting so darned mad and thinking, "Dammit, can't any of you guys stop that guy?" I didn't know your whole story then, but did learn it eventually and that's when I realized just why you were so hard to stop. You just didn't know how to quit. Well done, Champ. Semper Fi. 5th Marines 2/1 Vietnam 69-71 An Hoa River Basin, Quang Nam province.

You are looking at a real hero! Not because of football,but because his will to overcome injuries to do his job again with the best in the world! Always be a hero of mine!

Amazing role model for anyone facing adversity. What a story!

Rocky Bleier, growing up a huge Irish fan, you were one of my heroes. Your service to our country, struggles and perseverance to overcome the

I can say I never was a Pittsburgh fan growing up in MD, but man oh man I’ve always been a fan of Rocky Bleier. What a class act.

Never was a huge Steelers fan but had to appreciate just how good they were and Rocky was for sure my favorite player

One of my favorite Steelers of all time. Thank you for your service Rocky

As a new age Steeler fan Rock is a legend and the epitome of what Pittsburgh is all about! Superbowl championship's, American hero, thank you Mr Blier

Mr. Bleier is pure class, a great patriot, a great football player, and a great human being! Thank you, sir!

Mr. Bleier, you played like a champion every day. Words cannot express my gratitude and awe with your life’s journey and the humility with which you describe it. Not only professional athletes can learn from you, but also the guy or gal next door. Truly inspirational. You embody the phrase “it’s not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog”. God bless, Mr. Bleier.

I read his story while I was laid up after a motorcycle accident back in 2016 , and it definitely inspired me to work on rehabbing my foot and ankle to get back to walking and being able to run again, which they told me I probably wouldn't be able to. But I did get back to walking and running. A real American hero , and a great inspirational story , that you can come back and persevere in the face of adversity. Thank you, Rocky for your service and being a real role model.

Great story and comeback, thank you for your service

I've been a Steelers fan for as long as I knew what football was. and had the privilege of watching the four Superbowl win. and that's where I got to watch you Rocky, Jack Lambert and Terry Bradshaw three of the greatest players that have ever played. thank you for your service God bless you all

One tough dude. Watched him on TV play many times. Would have loved to have watched him play in person.

Anybody who grew up in the 70s knew guys like this. The best of the best. I remember watching the iron curtain and Rocky was always limping.

Loved that team and Rocky was the soul of that team. It's amazing that after all this time and all of his fame, he still remembers the name of his CO. Just a regular guy that lived an amazing life and career. Thank for this interview and telling your Vietnam veteran story.

Great interview. Rocky is a true American Hero!!

The old expression, "tough as leather" applies to this great man. Show up, fight hard, and don't make mistakes.

Wow great story from a great man! I served in the combat support hospital in Iraq. Thank you for your service, bro!

This man was the REAL Rocky!! Got to be one of the toughest men ever in this world! He inspires me a lot!

I remember seeing an interview with mean Joe Greene and he recalled a difficult day of practice where he was just spent and worn out. He said that he looked over at Rocky and saw him massaging his leg as it was all black and blue from practice. He thought if Rocky can do it then so can I.

He ran for 1000 yards and so did Franco Harris in a 14 game season in 1976. Incredible feat back then.

WOW! What an experience. I'm glad that grenade didn't do him in but man, from that close it was an outright miracle he survived. Too often a grenade makes so many holes a guy will bleed out before he can get help. Rocky was a gutsy guy laying fire and crawling to help his fellow soldiers. Until you have been shot at, knowing it was meant for you, you have no idea what it feels like. I'm wondering why they didn't call in the artillery. He didn't mention any. By 1968 there were so many bases it was rare for GI's to be out of range. I know because I was there at the same time and I was in Americal division just like him. I may have laid down fire for his unit at one time. We moved artillery pieces by helicopter many times to some god forsaken hill top to support our troops where there had been strong resistance. We might be there a week, two weeks, or two days and then be gone to another god forsaken hill top. I bet I filled and stacked 10,000 sandbags in one year. I went to the welcome home event at Lambeau field several years ago. It was an eye opener and it helped me heal. I wore my Nam jacket with the artillery symbols. I bet I had 40 guys look at my jacket and zip right over to shake my hand because they all had a story about how artillery drove the enemy away so they could survive. One of them scooped me up and gave me a bear hug! It made me feel really good to think my action with the artillery made it possible for a lot of guys to make it home. After that, I found a VFW and joined up. The ambush Rocky described was quite typical for the Viet Cong. They knew the GI's have a code, leave no one behind. They were waiting for them to come back for the bodies. How I wish they had arranged for the artillery to follow their progress and be ready to cover them in an instant. The forward Observer for my unit would leave a map at fire direction with his own letters and numbers on it. As the moved, He would call in and only give the letters and numbers instead of the military coordinates. Fire direction control knew where he was but the VC did not know until they saw them coming. That made it harder for them to plan an ambush. We kept moving the artillery so we were pointed right at them, then when a firefight broke out, he would call, give the exact coordinates of the enemy and we would have shells on the ambush in less than two minutes, sometimes less than one. The VC did not like that. They tried to arrange for some of their comrades to drop mortars on us an instant before they ambushed the troops in the field. They didn't like us blowing up their buddies so our LZ guard patrols had to resort to hiding in camouflaged foxholes to watch for the VC mortar crews. The LZ guards would have our mortar crews zeroed in on the VC mortars and take them out so we could safely lay fire to protect our own guys. The VC lost so many mortar crews they finally stopped trying that crap. Guys like Rocky were an inspiration to other nam vets, his success probably helped hundreds, maybe thousands to overcome their experience and make their contributions to society. The guys I see now at army reunions have begun retiring from police officer, carpenter, plumber, school teachers, firemen, etc., all of them managed to become productive citizens and I think the main reason is several of our guys went searching for the others and organized our first reunion way back in 1975. Over time they found and drew in more guys. It was therapeutic. If you know someone who served in the military coax them into joining a VFW and maybe even organizing a reunion with the guys once a year. Don't wait too long, several of the guys from my unit had died off between reunions. Those Nam vets are in or approaching their 70's. Other guys from the Iraq war and Afghanistan could certainly benefit from associating with other vets. Trust me, it will help them adjust.

The best way to get a soldier, sailor, or marine to do something is to tell them that they can't

My high school was in the same conference as Rocky Bleier's Appleton Xavier High School. I played twenty years after Rocky had graduated. When I played his name still rang out anytime we played Xavier. Any mention of him, by older coaches or older fans, was done with a certain reverence for his greatness. His name and the memories of his gridiron accomplishments had almost a mythological status throughout the entire Fox Valley Christian Conference

Rocky you are a true hero!! Thank you first for your service secondly for your time with the Steelers!! My favorite team growing up!! You sir are nothing but a class act!!

God love you and bless you Rocky! You were my dad's favorite Steeler! I watched you play as far back as I can remember. You are the epitome of work ethic, strength and true grit. Thank you for your service and dedication. Semper Fi Sir!

Never was a real deep football fan, but I still remember Howard Cosell talking about Rocky Blier wounded in the jungles of Vietnam, in that vocal cadence. Blier was immediately my hero.

WOW, I heard of his story but not in depth. And I was pretty young when he played for the Steelers, what an incredible humble, inspirational man! I noticed earlier on in this peice he spoke of other athletes who he considered "all American ". You Sir, are an epitome of all American! And thank you for that.

Awesome story, Rocky. Thank you and God bless..

Such a great guy. Thanks for your service!

We all owe graditude to all our vets Thank You Very Much for your service

Didn’t wear his rings or Purple Heart. Humble hero indeed.

My dad is a Steelers fan to this day because of Rocky. Dad is a vietnam vet too.

Man! His exact memory of all this is extraordinary.

What a great American.

I loved watching him play and did not know his story. Thank you for your service Rocky!

Thank you for your service a complete class act.

Kudos to the Steelers for giving him a chance.

His legacy of 'service first' is being carried on by Alejandro Villnueva, a former platoon leader in the US Army's legendary Ranger Regiment. A former Steeler and now a Baltimore Raven. Love this guy, despite that the fact that I am a diehard Dolphins fan ... 17-0 the Perfect Season (72 season) those were the games eh? Franco Harris smashing into the line the Mercury Morris boxing down the field to score. Good times to be kid in the US.

Thank you sir for your service, you inspire many!

I read his autobiography when I was in sixth grade. I knew who Bleier was of course and admired him as a player. In a kid's magazine that I got from my school, I learned about how he was wounded, and went and found the book. There is also a TV movie made about Bleier's experiences in Vietnam; a little melodramatic for my tastes, but you can skip that. Nothing but respect for #20.

Amazing story! Thanks Rocky!

Thank you for your service valiant soldier!

What an American Rocky Blier ! Thank you for your service 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Legend. He is so well spoken and a great story teller. Detailed and on point. Thank you for your service and the many years of great football you gave us after your horrendous injuries. Cheers Rocky!

I graduated high school in 1973. Rocky was my hero. Thank you sir for your service.

Good story that a vet got treated well after service in Nam. Many did not.

You were a real hero, tough, skilled, humble and were a great RB with Franco, after '72. First Game I ever watched, "Immaculate Reception." Y'all were patriots and heroes.

When you think about that Steeler team team you think of toughness. I was not sure the full extent of Rockys wound. They did mention the foot injury during the broadcast. The man is an inspiration.

This man is a great story teller and an American hero in the literal sense and the entertainment sense. He’s a great man with great accomplishments and I thank him for his service!

Great storyteller, hope makes you overcome all the problems!

Amazing story. Thank you for your service.

Good on you Rocky. Thanks for giving us a part of you and the enjoyment of watching you play.

Such a fan as a young kid but never knew any of this. Even a bigger fan now. Thanks Rocky for your service to our country.

Growing up in the 70s you were either a Steelers or a Cowboys fan. I was Steelers all the way and can still tell anyone the entire offense and defense plus jersey number. Hearing Rocky talk about this Doctor who said he would never play?? He obviously didn't know who he was talking to. Franco and Rock in the backfield were dangerous and not only could Rocky run he had great hands. I also went to the Army and when my friend was hurt in Iraq I told him about Rocky and he immersed himself in the story and also made a great recovery. #20 could play ball but better than that he was an American hero and success story.

Never a Steelers fan-always a Rocky Bleier fan!

We thank you for everything Sir. some of us are truly grateful.

What a badass! I was raised to hate Pittsburgh since they always beat my Cowboys, but damn they are a class act organization! Thank you 🙏🏼 for your service sir 🇺🇸

What a gentleman. Your platoon mates would be very happy with the way you told us how it went down. You're very humble man

One heck of a man. I would have to say my favorite Steeler was Jack Lambert. I played linebacker in YMCA, Jr. High and High School so I guess that is why. But, I saw the TV movie and read the book about the man that went to Vietnam, fought the Commies, then returned injured. Fought his way through the pain, to return to the greatest all time team. The Steelers in the late 70s' !!! I can hear Aretha Franklin singing R E S P E C T..... P. S. Rocky , was it true that you dashed through mortar fire to get your Hot Cocoa?

True words, spoken by a great American !..I served 68/72 ,and loved to watch you play !

I saw Rocky at my companies annual sales meeting in Newport Beach in 1976. He was even more inspiring as he just came off a Super Bowl win. He is amazing.

I have never been a fan of American football, and I admit that I have never heard of this gentleman, but I get a very humble, honest feeling from him, not to mention a very palpable intelligence. Thank you for your hard work on this channel.

What a guy. Shear drive and determination 💪

WHAT A GREAT MAN! THANKS FOR SHARING AND DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY!

Awesome story Rocky. I went to Beaver, to play a Pop Warner game and will never forget going to Three Rivers Stadium to watch ya ll practice. Thank you for your service and I tell all Vietnam vets , I know it it's late coming but welcome home.

I love how many of the comments are from folks who knew or met Rocky. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. 👍

Rocky Being from Wisconsin, then Notre Dame and to Pittsburgh and me a Vietnam Vet and knowing what he had to go through in Vietnam and when he came home, this guy has been my hero just about my whole life.

Rocky you came back real good thank you for your service

My favourite player on my favourite team as a boy growing up in Canada. He was all heart. And what a wonderful raconteur he is! I was of course aware he was a Vietnam vet (I later lived and worked in Vietnam for 5 years), but it was fascinating to learn about his experiences there as a solider. Rocky Blier is one of the people I truly admire.

Fantastic interview; from one combat vet to another...Hooah!!!

Thank you sir , you are a true champion we love you sir! Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

Thank sir for your bravery and service to our country.

Watched Rocky play when I was growing up. Always knew that he personified true grit. A real Good Guy.

Wonderful meeting you in November at Vets4Vets. Loved watching you play and your inspiration. Fellow Disabled Vietnam Vet.

Thank you for your service. You are what makes this country great. God Bless

Great story! Thank you for your service!