Early Life and Education of Terry Bradshaw: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Terry Bradshaw, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Terry Bradshaw is a former NFL quarterback, playing 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to four Super Bowl victories. Since retiring from professional football, Bradshaw has become a prominent television sports analyst, most notably as a co-host on Fox NFL Sunday. Beyond sports broadcasting, Bradshaw has also pursued acting and music, appearing in films like 'Failure to Launch' and releasing country music albums, showcasing his diverse talents and career pursuits.

Sections (4)

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

1927: Birth of William Marvin Bradshaw

In 1927, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw, Terry Bradshaw's father, was born.

1929: Birth of Novis Gay

In 1929, Novis Gay, Terry Bradshaw's mother, was born.

September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw Born

On September 2, 1948, Terry Paxton Bradshaw was born. He later became a professional football quarterback and television sports analyst.

1965: State Championship Game Appearance

In 1965, Terry Bradshaw led the Woodlawn High School Knights to the AAA state championship game.

1966: Arrival at Louisiana Tech

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

1967: Robertson continued as starter

In 1967, Robertson continued as the starter at Louisiana Tech, ahead of Terry Bradshaw.

1968: Robertson skips year

In 1968, Robertson chose not to play at Louisiana Tech, opening the door for Terry Bradshaw.

1972: Marriage to Melissa Babish

In 1972, Terry Bradshaw married Melissa Babish (Miss Teenage America, 1969).

1973: Divorce from Melissa Babish

In 1973, Terry Bradshaw divorced Melissa Babish.

1976: Marriage to JoJo Starbuck

In 1976, Terry Bradshaw married ice skater JoJo Starbuck.

March 1983: Elbow Surgery

In March 1983, Terry Bradshaw underwent off-season elbow surgery and was registered under the name "Thomas Brady" at the hospital to avoid paparazzi.

1983: Marriage to Charla Hopkins and Divorce from JoJo Starbuck

In 1983, Terry Bradshaw divorced JoJo Starbuck and married family attorney Charla Hopkins.

July 24, 1984: Retirement from Football and Television Contract with CBS

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

1999: Divorce from Charla Hopkins

In 1999, Terry Bradshaw divorced Charla Hopkins, with whom he had two daughters, Erin and Rachel.

September 2002: Return to Pittsburgh for Mike Webster's Funeral

In September 2002, Terry Bradshaw returned to Pittsburgh to attend the funeral of his friend and former teammate, Mike Webster.

October 2002: Return to Steelers Sideline After 20 Years

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

February 6, 2006: Appearance on The Tonight Show

On February 6, 2006, Terry Bradshaw appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and explained why he did not attend the Super Bowl XL pregame celebration.

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2007: Rachel Bradshaw Appears in Nashville

In 2007, Rachel Bradshaw, Terry Bradshaw's daughter, appeared in Nashville, a reality television series about young musicians.

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2012: Support for Newt Gingrich and Criticism of Terrell Suggs

In 2012, Terry Bradshaw publicly supported Newt Gingrich for the Republican presidential nomination on Fox News and criticized Terrell Suggs for comments about Tim Tebow's Christian faith.

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July 8, 2014: Marriage to Tammy

On July 8, 2014, Terry Bradshaw married Tammy, his girlfriend of 15 years.

2019: Comments on Donald Trump's Planned Attendance at a College Football Game

In 2019, Terry Bradshaw appeared on Fox & Friends and commented on Donald Trump's planned attendance of a regular-season game between the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University, stating that he respects Donald Trump "having the guts to go in there."

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2020: Launch of Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

In 2020, Terry Bradshaw launched Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a collaboration with Silver Screen Bottling Company, boasting 51.9 percent ABV (103.8 proof).

September 2022: Disclosure of Cancer Treatment

In September 2022, Terry Bradshaw revealed he had been treated for bladder cancer and neck cancer between 2021 and 2022 after viewers expressed concern during his appearance on Fox NFL Sunday.

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2022: Release of Documentary

In 2022, the documentary "Section 1" by Secret Base's Jon Bois and Alex Rubenstein was released, covering the story of Donald Kroner's plane crash after the Steelers vs. Colts game in 1976.

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