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 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

1927: Father's Birth

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

1929: Mother's Birth

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

September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw Born

On September 2, 1948, Terry Bradshaw was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

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: Robertson Chooses Not to Play

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

1969: Melissa Babish: Miss Teenage America

In 1969, Melissa Babish was Miss Teenage America. She would later become Terry Bradshaw's first wife.

1972: Marriage to Melissa Babish

In 1972, Terry Bradshaw married Melissa Babish.

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.

1983: Divorce from JoJo Starbuck and Marriage to Charla Hopkins

In 1983, Terry Bradshaw divorced JoJo Starbuck and married family attorney Charla Hopkins, with whom he would have two daughters.

1988: Art Rooney's Death

In 1988, after the death of Steelers founder and owner Art Rooney, Terry Bradshaw did not attend his funeral due to anxieties about public appearances.

1994: Becomes a television sports analyst

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

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1999: Divorce from Charla Hopkins

In 1999, Terry Bradshaw divorced Charla Hopkins.

December 16, 2000: Absence from Three Rivers Stadium Final Game

On December 16, 2000, Terry Bradshaw was unable to attend the final regular-season game at Three Rivers Stadium, as he was with the Fox NFL Sunday crew aboard the USS Harry S. Truman.

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

In September 2002, Terry Bradshaw returned to Pittsburgh for the first time in many years to attend the funeral of his friend and teammate Mike Webster.

February 6, 2006: Appearance on The Tonight Show

On February 6, 2006, after an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Terry Bradshaw stated he did not attend the Super Bowl MVP parade due to spending time with family and disliking crowds and the media circus.

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2007: Nashville Reality TV Series Appearance

In 2007, Rachel Bradshaw, Terry'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's presidential candidacy on Fox News and criticized Terrell Suggs for comments about Tim Tebow's faith.

July 8, 2014: Marriage to Tammy

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

2014: Noll's Death

In 2014, Chuck Noll died. Terry Bradshaw had an uneasy relationship with him, but they had made peace before his death.

2016: NFL Films Interview on Chuck Noll

In 2016, Terry Bradshaw discussed his relationship with Chuck Noll in an interview with NFL Films for an episode of A Football Life, stating that their personalities clashed and that Noll often belittled him.

2017: Criticism of President Donald Trump

In 2017, Terry Bradshaw criticized President Donald Trump's handling of NFL player protests during the national anthem on FOX NFL Sunday.

2019: Comments on Trump's Planned Attendance

In 2019, Terry Bradshaw commented on Donald Trump's plan to attend a college football game, stating that he respected Trump "having the guts to go in there."

2021: Bladder and Neck Cancer Treatment

In 2021, Terry Bradshaw began treatment for bladder and neck cancer. He revealed his diagnosis in September 2022.

September 2022: Cancer Diagnosis Reveal

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 about his appearance on Fox NFL Sunday.

2022: Release of Documentary Section 1

In 2022, the documentary Section 1 by Secret Base's Jon Bois and Alex Rubenstein was released. The documentary covered the plane crash that occurred after the 1976 game against the Baltimore Colts. It was theorized the blowout win inadvertently saved people from injuries in the plane crash due to supporters leaving earlier than they would have otherwise.