Career Timeline of Terry Bradshaw: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Terry Bradshaw, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Terry Bradshaw is a celebrated former NFL quarterback, primarily known for his 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in a six-year span, a historic achievement. Inducted into both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame, Bradshaw transitioned into a successful post-football career as a television sports analyst and co-host on Fox NFL Sunday since 1994. Beyond football, he has also explored acting and music, appearing in films like "Failure to Launch" and releasing country music albums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1965: High School Championship Game

In 1965, Terry Bradshaw led the Woodlawn High School Knights to the AAA state championship game, but they lost 12–9 to the Sulphur Golden Tornadoes.

1966: Arrives at Louisiana Tech

In 1966, Terry Bradshaw arrived at Louisiana Tech, causing a media frenzy due to his reputation.

1967: Robertson Starter for Second Season

In 1967, Robertson was the starter for his second season at Louisiana Tech, one year ahead of Bradshaw.

1968: Junior Season Success

During the 1968 season as a junior, Terry Bradshaw amassed 2,890 total yards and led his team to a 9–2 record and a win in the Rice Bowl.

1968: Robertson Chooses Not to Play

In 1968, Robertson chose not to play football, opening the door for Terry Bradshaw.

1969: Considered Most Outstanding Player

In 1969, Terry Bradshaw was considered the most outstanding college football player by most professional scouts.

1969: Steelers Win Coin Flip

In 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers won a coin flip tiebreaker with the Chicago Bears, securing the first pick in the 1970 NFL draft.

1970: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

In the 1970 NFL draft, Terry Bradshaw was selected as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1972: "Immaculate Reception" Pass

In 1972, Terry Bradshaw threw the "Immaculate Reception" pass to Franco Harris, a famous play that helped the Steelers beat the Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoffs.

1974: Wins Super Bowl IX

In 1974, Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers to a 16-6 Super Bowl IX victory over the Minnesota Vikings, completing 9 of 14 passes and throwing a fourth-quarter touchdown pass.

1974: Steelers defeated Bills in Playoff Game

In 1974, Terry Bradshaw's Steelers defeated Joe Ferguson's Bills in a divisional playoff game.

1975: Wins Super Bowl X

In 1975, Terry Bradshaw threw for 209 yards as the Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys, 21–17, in Super Bowl X. His late-fourth-quarter, 64-yard touchdown pass to Lynn Swann was selected by NFL Films as the "Greatest Throw of All Time".

1976: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" Chart Success

In 1976, Terry Bradshaw's cover of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" reached the top 20 on Billboard's country chart and number 91 on the Hot 100.

1976: Steelers Lose AFC Championship

In 1976, after both Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier were injured in the win over the Colts, the Steelers lost to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game, 24–7.

1976: Neck and Wrist Injuries

In 1976, neck and wrist injuries forced Terry Bradshaw to miss four games. He achieved a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a 40–14 victory over the Baltimore Colts, completing 14 of 18 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

1978: Hooper Film Appearance

In 1978, Terry Bradshaw appeared in the film Hooper, starring Burt Reynolds, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Sally Field.

1978: Named NFL MVP

In 1978, Terry Bradshaw was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) after completing 207 of 368 passes for 2,915 yards and a league-leading 28 touchdown passes.

1978: Wins Third Super Bowl

In 1978, Terry Bradshaw won his third Super Bowl title.

1979: Wins Fourth Super Bowl

In 1979, Terry Bradshaw won his fourth Super Bowl title.

1980: Guest Commentator for CBS Sports

From 1980 to 1982, Terry Bradshaw served as a guest commentator for CBS Sports' NFC postseason broadcasts.

1980: Smokey and the Bandit II Cameo

In 1980, Terry Bradshaw had a cameo appearance in Smokey and the Bandit II, which starred Burt Reynolds, Jerry Reed, and Sally Field.

1981: The Cannonball Run Film Appearance

In 1981, Terry Bradshaw made an appearance in the film The Cannonball Run.

1982: Strike-Shortened Season

During the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season, Terry Bradshaw played through pain and tied for the most touchdown passes in the league with 17. In his last postseason game, he completed 28 of 39 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to the San Diego Chargers.

December 10, 1983: Final NFL Game

On December 10, 1983, against the New York Jets, Terry Bradshaw felt a pop in his elbow while throwing his final pass, a 10-yard touchdown to Calvin Sweeney. He left the game and never played again.

1983: Steelers Pass on Dan Marino

In 1983, before Terry Bradshaw's elbow problems, the Steelers chose to pass on Pitt quarterback Dan Marino in the 1983 NFL draft.

July 24, 1984: Retires and Signs with CBS

On July 24, 1984, Terry Bradshaw retired from football and quickly signed a television contract with CBS to become an NFL game analyst.

1990: Promotion to The NFL Today

In 1990, Terry Bradshaw was promoted to television studio analyst for The NFL Today, which he co-hosted with Greg Gumbel.

1993: The NFL Today Hosting

In 1993, Terry Bradshaw hosted The NFL Today with Greg Gumbel. This was the last season hosting with Gumbel.

1994: Becomes a television sports analyst

In 1994, Terry Bradshaw became a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday.

1994: The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. Guest Appearance

In 1994, Terry Bradshaw guest-starred in The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., playing Colonel Forrest March.

1994: Joining Fox NFL Sunday

In 1994, Terry Bradshaw joined Fox NFL Sunday, acting as a comic foil and hosting features like 'Ten Yards with TB' and 'The Terry Awards'.

1997: Home Team with Terry Bradshaw

In 1997, Terry Bradshaw hosted a short-lived television series called Home Team with Terry Bradshaw.

2001: FitzBradshaw Racing Formation

In 2001, Terry Bradshaw joined HighLine Performance Group to form FitzBradshaw Racing in the world of NASCAR, and also became a spokesman for Jani-King International, Inc.

October 2002: Return to Steelers Sideline

In October 2002, Terry Bradshaw returned to the Steelers sideline for the first time in 20 years during a Monday night game.

2003: Coverage of Steelers 1,000th Game

In 2003, Terry Bradshaw covered the Steelers' 1,000th game in franchise history for Fox at Heinz Field.

2004: Arrival of Ben Roethlisberger

In 2004, the Steelers finally found a consistent quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger after a period of inconsistent quarterback play following Bradshaw's retirement.

April 2006: Donates Items to Louisiana Tech

In April 2006, Terry Bradshaw donated his four Super Bowl rings, College Football Hall of Fame ring, Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, Hall of Fame bust, four miniature replica Super Bowl trophies, a helmet, and jersey from one of his Super Bowl victories to his alma mater, Louisiana Tech.

2006: Failure to Launch Film Appearance

In 2006, Terry Bradshaw appeared in the movie Failure to Launch, playing Matthew McConaughey's character's father. A notable scene featured him nude.

2006: End of FitzBradshaw Racing Ownership

In 2006, Terry Bradshaw ended his ownership in FitzBradshaw Racing.

November 5, 2007: Accepts Position on Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

On November 5, 2007, Terry Bradshaw joined former teammates to accept their position on the Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team during a Monday Night Football game.

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2010: Television Shows with United States Media Television

Since 2010, Terry Bradshaw has been hosting television shows produced by United States Media Television.

2016: Better Late Than Never Series

In 2016, Terry Bradshaw had a leading role in the NBC reality-travel series Better Late Than Never.

2017: Father Figures Film Appearance

In 2017, Terry Bradshaw appeared as himself in the comedy film Father Figures.

2018: Better Late Than Never Continued

In 2018, Terry Bradshaw continued his leading role in the NBC reality-travel series Better Late Than Never.

January 16, 2019: The Masked Singer Competition

On January 16, 2019, Terry Bradshaw competed in season one of The Masked Singer as "Deer".

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October 12, 2019: Celebrity Family Feud Appearance

On October 12, 2019, Terry Bradshaw and his family competed on Celebrity Family Feud against Adam Rippon's team but failed to reach 200 points in the final round.

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January 2, 2020: Last Man Standing Appearance

On January 2, 2020, Terry Bradshaw appeared on the season-eight premiere of Last Man Standing.

September 17, 2020: The Bradshaw Bunch Premiere

On September 17, 2020, Terry Bradshaw and his family premiered their new E! reality show, The Bradshaw Bunch.

2020: Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launch

In 2020, Terry Bradshaw launched Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, in collaboration with Silver Screen Bottling Company. It boasts 51.9 percent ABV, a nod to Bradshaw's passing percentage.