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 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

September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw Born

On September 2, 1948, Terry Bradshaw was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. His father was William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw and his mother was Novis (née Gay).

1965: State Championship Game

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

1966: Arrival at Louisiana Tech

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

1967: Robertson Starts for Second Season

In 1967, Phil Robertson was the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech for the second consecutive season, a year ahead of Terry Bradshaw.

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.

1968: Robertson Chooses Not to Play

In 1968, Phil Robertson chose not to play football, paving the way for Terry Bradshaw to potentially take over as quarterback at Louisiana Tech.

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.

1983: Passing on Dan Marino

In 1983, the Steelers passed on drafting Pitt quarterback Dan Marino as a successor to Bradshaw, due to the coach wanting to rebuild the defense and the Rooney family feeling Marino was too pressured in his hometown. Gabriel Rivera was drafted instead, but his career ended early.

July 1997: Presenter for Mike Webster's 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.

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

In September 2002, Terry Bradshaw returned to Pittsburgh for the first time in years to attend his friend Mike Webster's funeral.

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.

2004: Arrival of Ben Roethlisberger

In 2004, the Steelers found a consistent quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, ending a period of instability at the position following Bradshaw's retirement.

February 6, 2006: Appearance on The Tonight Show

On February 6, 2006, Terry Bradshaw appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and explained his reasons for not attending a pregame celebration for past Super Bowl MVPs during Super Bowl XL, citing family time and dislike of crowds and media circus.

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2012: Supported Newt Gingrich and Criticized Terrell Suggs

In 2012, Terry Bradshaw went on record on Fox News as supporting the candidacy of Newt Gingrich for the Republican presidential nomination. He also called Terrell Suggs "an idiot" for criticizing Tim Tebow's public remarks about his Christian faith.

July 8, 2014: Married Tammy

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

2014: Chuck Noll's Death

In 2014, Chuck Noll passed away. Terry Bradshaw and Chuck Noll made peace publicly before his death.

2014: Death of William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw

In 2014, Terry Bradshaw's father, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw, a veteran of the United States Navy, passed away. He was a native of Sparta, Tennessee.

2017: Critical Statements about President Trump on FOX NFL Sunday

During a 2017 episode of FOX NFL Sunday, Terry Bradshaw made statements critical of President Donald Trump regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem.

2019: Commented on Donald Trump's attendance

In 2019, Terry Bradshaw appeared on Fox & Friends and commented on Donald Trump's planned attendance of a game between the University of Alabama and Louisiana State University, respecting his guts to be there.

2020: Launched Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

In 2020, Terry Bradshaw launched Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a collaboration with Silver Screen Bottling Company. The bourbon boasts 51.9 percent ABV.

2021: Underwent Cancer Treatment

In 2021, Terry Bradshaw underwent treatment for bladder cancer and neck cancer.

September 2022: Revealed Cancer Treatment

In September 2022, Terry 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.