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 former NFL quarterback renowned for his 14-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to four Super Bowl victories. He was the first quarterback to win three and four Super Bowls, and he earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Since retiring from professional football, Bradshaw has transitioned into a successful television sports analyst, notably as a co-host on Fox NFL Sunday. Beyond sports, he has ventured into acting and music, appearing in movies like 'Failure to Launch' and releasing country music albums. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Sections (4)

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

1968: Junior Season Success

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

1969: Considered Outstanding College Player

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

1969: Steelers get first overall pick

In 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears had identical 1-13 records. The Steelers won a coin flip and were awarded the first pick.

1970: Drafted First Overall

In the 1970 NFL draft, Terry Bradshaw was selected as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the start of his professional career.

1972: "Immaculate Reception" Pass

In 1972, Terry Bradshaw threw the "Immaculate Reception" pass to Franco Harris, one of the most famous plays in NFL history, helping the Steelers beat the Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoffs.

1974: AFC Championship and Super Bowl IX Victory

In 1974, Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers to victory in the AFC Championship Game with a crucial touchdown pass. The Steelers then defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IX, with Bradshaw throwing a touchdown pass to secure their first Super Bowl win.

1974: First Super Bowl Title

In 1974, Terry Bradshaw won his first Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the beginning of a successful era for the team.

1974: Steelers defeat Bills in Playoff

In 1974, Terry Bradshaw's Steelers defeated Joe Ferguson's Bills in a divisional playoff game, marking a significant moment in his NFL career.

1975: Second Super Bowl Title

In 1975, Terry Bradshaw secured his second Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continuing their dominance in the NFL.

1975: Super Bowl X Victory

In the 1975 Super Bowl X, Terry Bradshaw threw for 209 yards, primarily to Lynn Swann, leading the Steelers to a 21–17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. His 64-yard touchdown pass to Swann was later recognized as the "Greatest Throw of All Time" by NFL Films.

1976: Victory Over the Baltimore Colts

In 1976, Terry Bradshaw completed 14 of 18 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns with a perfect passer rating in a 40–14 victory over the Baltimore Colts. The Colts fans leaving early may have inadvertently saved lives due to a plane crash that happened shortly after the game.

1976: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" hit the charts

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

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1976: AFC Championship Game Loss

In 1976, after injuries to key players, the Steelers lost to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game 24-7, ending their hopes for a three-peat.

1978: Third Super Bowl Title

In 1978, Terry Bradshaw achieved his third Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers, solidifying his legacy as a top quarterback.

1978: Named NFL MVP

In 1978, Terry Bradshaw had his best season, being named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the Associated Press. He completed 207 of 368 passes for 2,915 yards and a league-leading 28 touchdown passes.

1979: Fourth Super Bowl Title

In 1979, Terry Bradshaw won his fourth Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the first quarterback to achieve this milestone.

1979: Super Bowl XIV MVP

In 1979, Terry Bradshaw won his second straight Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XIV, passing for 309 yards and two touchdowns in a 31–19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. He also shared Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year award with Willie Stargell.

1980: Guest Commentator for CBS Sports

From 1980 to 1982, Terry Bradshaw served as a guest commentator for CBS Sports' NFC postseason broadcasts before becoming a full-time analyst.

1982: Wild Card Round Loss to Chargers

In the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season, Terry Bradshaw played through an elbow injury, eventually playing his last postseason game in a 31–28 Wild Card Round loss to the San Diego Chargers. Despite the loss, he completed 28 of 39 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns.

December 10, 1983: Final NFL Game

On December 10, 1983, Terry Bradshaw played his final NFL game against the New York Jets, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Sweeney before an elbow injury forced him to leave the game.

July 24, 1984: Signs TV Contract 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.

1993: Final Season with Greg Gumbel on The NFL Today

In 1993, Terry Bradshaw hosted his final season of The NFL Today with Greg Gumbel.

1994: Joins Fox NFL Sunday

In 1994, Terry Bradshaw became a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday, beginning his career in sports broadcasting.

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1997: Hosted Home Team with Terry Bradshaw

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

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December 16, 2000: With Fox NFL Sunday crew at USS Harry S Truman

On December 16, 2000, during the last regular-season game at Three Rivers Stadium, Terry Bradshaw was with the Fox NFL Sunday crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, expressing regret he couldn't be at the game.

2001: Formed FitzBradshaw Racing

In 2001, Terry Bradshaw entered NASCAR by joining with HighLine Performance Group racing team to form FitzBradshaw Racing.

October 2002: Returned to Steelers Sideline

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

2003: Covered Steelers 1,000th Game

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

April 2006: Donation to Alma Mater

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: Ended Ownership in FitzBradshaw Racing

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

November 5, 2007: Acceptance on Steelers' All-Time Team

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