Early Life and Education of Terry Bradshaw: A Complete Timeline

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 who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 14 seasons, winning four Super Bowls. Following his football career, Bradshaw transitioned into television as a sports analyst and co-host on Fox NFL Sunday. Beyond sports commentary, he has pursued acting and music, appearing in films like "Failure to Launch" and releasing country music albums, showcasing his diverse talents and establishing him as a recognizable figure in entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw's Birth

On September 2, 1948, Terry Paxton Bradshaw was born. He later became a professional football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1965: Led Woodlawn High to AAA State Championship Game

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

1966: Bradshaw arrived at Tech and caused media frenzy

In 1966, upon arriving at Louisiana Tech, Terry Bradshaw caused a media frenzy due to his reputation as a football sensation.

1967: Robertson was the starter for the 1967 season

In 1967, Robertson was the starter for Louisiana Tech, a year ahead of Bradshaw.

1968: Robertson chose not to play

In 1968, Robertson chose not to play for Louisiana Tech, paving the way for Terry Bradshaw.

1968: Led team to a 9-2 record

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 33–13 win over Akron in the Rice Bowl.

1969: Melissa Babish: Miss Teenage America

In 1969, Melissa Babish was Miss Teenage America.

1969: Steelers won a coin flip with the Chicago Bears

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

1972: Marriage to Melissa Babish

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

1973: Divorce from Melissa Babish

In 1973, Bradshaw divorced Melissa Babish.

1974: Steelers defeated the Buffalo Bills in divisional playoff game

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

1976: Marriage to JoJo Starbuck

In 1976, Bradshaw married ice skater JoJo Starbuck.

1983: Divorce from JoJo Starbuck and Marriage to Charla Hopkins

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

1983: Steelers passed on drafting Dan Marino

In the 1983 NFL draft, before Terry Bradshaw's elbow problems, the Steelers passed on drafting Pitt quarterback Dan Marino as his successor, due to head coach Chuck Noll wanting to rebuild on defense and the Rooney family not wanting Marino to face too much pressure.

1988: Absence from Art Rooney's Funeral

In 1988, Bradshaw did not attend the funeral of Steelers' owner Art Rooney due to anxieties about appearing in public.

July 1997: Presented Mike Webster at Hall of Fame Induction

In July 1997, Terry Bradshaw served as the presenter when Mike Webster, his center on the Steelers' Super Bowl XIII and XIV title teams, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

1999: Divorce from Charla Hopkins

In 1999, 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, Bradshaw returned to Pittsburgh for the first time in years to attend the funeral of his friend and former teammate, Mike Webster.

2004: Arrival of Ben Roethlisberger

In 2004, the Steelers found a consistent quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, after a period without one following Terry Bradshaw's retirement.

February 6, 2006: Appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

On February 6, 2006, Terry Bradshaw stated on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that the reason why he did not attend the Super Bowl MVP parade was that he was spending time with family and dislikes crowds and media.

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2007: Rachel Bradshaw in Nashville

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

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2012: Support for Newt Gingrich

In 2012, Bradshaw publicly supported Newt Gingrich's candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on Fox News.

July 8, 2014: Marriage to Tammy

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

2014: Death of Chuck Noll

In 2014, Chuck Noll died. Bradshaw and Noll made peace (at least publicly) before Noll's death.

2014: Death of William Marvin Bradshaw

In 2014, Terry Bradshaw's father, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw, passed away. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a former vice president of manufacturing.

2017: Criticism of President Trump

During a 2017 episode of FOX NFL Sunday, Bradshaw criticized President Donald Trump's handling of NFL player protests during the national anthem.

2019: Commentary on Trump's Attendance at College Game

In 2019, 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.

September 2022: Cancer Diagnosis Reveal

In September 2022, Bradshaw revealed that 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.