History of Terry Bradshaw in Timeline
Terry Bradshaw is a former NFL quarterback who played 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to four Super Bowl victories in a six-year span. He was the first quarterback to win three and then four Super Bowls. Inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989) and the College Football Hall of Fame (1996), Bradshaw has also had a successful post-football career as a television sports analyst, most notably on Fox NFL Sunday. Beyond sports, Bradshaw has ventured into acting and music, appearing in films like 'Failure to Launch' and releasing several country music albums.
September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw Born
On September 2, 1948, Terry Paxton Bradshaw was born. He would become a professional football quarterback.
1948: Birth in Shreveport, Louisiana
In 1948, Terry Bradshaw was born in Shreveport, Louisiana.
1965: State Championship Game
In 1965, Terry Bradshaw led Woodlawn High School to the AAA state championship game, but they lost to Sulphur.
1966: Arrival at Louisiana Tech
In 1966, Terry Bradshaw arrived at Louisiana Tech, creating a media frenzy due to his football reputation.
1967: Second season at Louisiana Tech
In 1967, Terry Bradshaw played his second season at Louisiana Tech.
1968: Junior Season at Louisiana Tech
During the 1968 season, Terry Bradshaw amassed 2,890 total yards and led his team to a 9-2 record.
1968: Robertson's Decision
In 1968, Robertson chose not to play, allowing Terry Bradshaw to pursue his career.
1969: Melissa Babish: Miss Teenage America
In 1969, Melissa Babish becomes Miss Teenage America.
1969: Top College Player
In 1969, Terry Bradshaw was considered the most outstanding college football player by professional scouts.
1969: Steelers Get First Pick
In 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers received the first pick in the draft after winning a coin flip tiebreaker.
1970: Golden Plate Award
In 1970, Terry Bradshaw received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.
1970: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers
In 1970, Terry Bradshaw was selected as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL draft.
1972: Marriage to Melissa Babish
In 1972, Bradshaw married Melissa Babish, his first marriage.
1972: "Immaculate Reception" Pass
In 1972, Terry Bradshaw threw the "Immaculate Reception" pass to Franco Harris, a famous play in NFL history.
1973: Divorce from Melissa Babish
In 1973, Bradshaw divorced Melissa Babish.
1974: AFC Championship and Super Bowl IX Victory
In 1974, Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers to a Super Bowl IX victory, completing 9 of 14 passes in the game.
1974: First Super Bowl Win
In 1974, Terry Bradshaw won his first Super Bowl title, beginning a dominant six-year period for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
1974: Steelers Defeat Bills in Playoff Game
In 1974, Terry Bradshaw's Steelers defeated Joe Ferguson's Bills in a divisional playoff game.
1975: Second Super Bowl Win
In 1975, Terry Bradshaw secured his second Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continuing their championship run.
1975: Super Bowl X Victory
In 1975, Terry Bradshaw threw for 209 yards in Super Bowl X, leading the Steelers to a 21-17 victory.
1976: Marriage to JoJo Starbuck
In 1976, Bradshaw married ice skater JoJo Starbuck.
1976: Release of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"
In 1976, Bradshaw's cover of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" reached the top 20 on Billboard's country chart and number 91 on the Hot 100.
1976: Injuries and Outstanding Game
In 1976, Terry Bradshaw had neck and wrist injuries. Also, he completed 14 of 18 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns and achieving the highest-possible passer rating of 158.3 in a victory over the Baltimore Colts.
1976: AFC Championship Loss
In 1976, the Steelers lost to the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game, ending their hopes of a three-peat.
1978: Appearance in "Hooper"
In 1978, Bradshaw appeared in the film "Hooper" starring Burt Reynolds.
1978: Named NFL MVP
In 1978, Terry Bradshaw was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player after a season with 2,915 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.
1978: Third Super Bowl Win
In 1978, Terry Bradshaw won his third Super Bowl title, cementing his place as the first quarterback to achieve this milestone.
1979: Fourth Super Bowl Win
In 1979, Terry Bradshaw achieved another milestone, becoming the first quarterback to win four Super Bowls.
1979: Second Super Bowl MVP Award
In 1979, Terry Bradshaw won his second straight Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XIV, passing for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
1980: Appearance in "Smokey and the Bandit II"
In 1980, Bradshaw had a cameo in "Smokey and the Bandit II" starring Burt Reynolds.
1980: Guest Commentator for CBS Sports
In 1980, Terry Bradshaw served as a guest commentator for CBS Sports' NFC postseason broadcasts.
1981: Appearance in "The Cannonball Run"
In 1981, Bradshaw made an appearance in the film "The Cannonball Run".
1982: Strike-Shortened Season and Playoff Loss
In 1982, during a strike-shortened NFL season, Terry Bradshaw played through an elbow injury and tied for the most touchdown passes, but the Steelers lost to the San Diego Chargers in the Wild Card Round.
December 10, 1983: Final NFL Game
On December 10, 1983, Terry Bradshaw played his final NFL game against the New York Jets, throwing a touchdown pass before his elbow injury forced him to retire.
1983: Divorce from JoJo Starbuck and Marriage to Charla Hopkins
In 1983, Bradshaw divorced JoJo Starbuck and married family attorney Charla Hopkins.
1983: Decision to Pass on Dan Marino
In 1983, the Steelers chose not to draft Dan Marino as Terry Bradshaw's successor.
July 24, 1984: Retirement and Television Contract
On July 24, 1984, Terry Bradshaw retired from football and signed a television contract with CBS to become an NFL game analyst.
1984: Louisiana Tech Sports Hall of Fame Induction
In 1984, Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the inaugural class of the Louisiana Tech sports hall of fame.
1988: Death of Art Rooney
In 1988, Bradshaw did not attend the funeral of Steelers owner Art Rooney, leading to an estrangement from the team.
1989: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 1989, Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
1989: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
In 1989, Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1990: Promotion to The NFL Today
In 1990, Bradshaw was promoted to television studio analyst for The NFL Today, where he co-hosted with Greg Gumbel.
1993: End of The NFL Today Hosting with Greg Gumbel
In 1993, Bradshaw ended his hosting duties with Greg Gumbel on The NFL Today.
1994: Joining Fox NFL Sunday
In 1994, Bradshaw joined Fox NFL Sunday, where he took on a comic foil role and hosted segments like "Ten Yards with TB" and "The Terry Awards".
1994: Guest appearance in The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
In 1994, Bradshaw made a guest appearance in The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., playing Colonel Forrest March.
1996: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame
In 1996, Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, adding to his legacy.
July 1997: Presenter for Mike Webster's Hall of Fame Induction
In July 1997, Terry Bradshaw presented Mike Webster at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
1997: Home Team with Terry Bradshaw Series
In 1997, Terry Bradshaw hosted a short-lived television series called Home Team with Terry Bradshaw.
1999: Divorce from Charla Hopkins
In 1999, Bradshaw divorced Charla Hopkins.
December 16, 2000: Three Rivers Stadium Finale
On December 16, 2000, during the final regular-season game at Three Rivers Stadium, Bradshaw was with Fox NFL Sunday, expressing regret for not being there due to discomfort with crowds.
October 11, 2001: Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On October 11, 2001, Bradshaw received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first NFL player to receive this honor.
2001: Formation of FitzBradshaw Racing
In 2001, Bradshaw entered NASCAR by forming FitzBradshaw Racing with HighLine Performance Group and became a spokesman for Jani-King International, Inc.
2001: Hosting Digi-Bowl Specials
In 2001, Bradshaw hosted the first of two consecutive Digi-Bowl specials on Fox Kids, providing commentary between episodes of Digimon: Digital Monsters.
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.
October 2002: Return to Steelers Sideline
In October 2002, Bradshaw returned to the Steelers sideline for the first time in 20 years during a Monday night game.
2002: Final Digi-Bowl Special
In 2002, Bradshaw hosted the final Digi-Bowl special on Fox Kids, which coincided with the end of the Fox Kids block that same year.
2003: Coverage of Steelers' 1,000th Game
In 2003, Bradshaw covered the Steelers' 1,000th game in franchise history for Fox at Heinz Field.
2004: Arrival of Ben Roethlisberger
In 2004, the Steelers found a consistent quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger.
February 6, 2006: Appearance on The Tonight Show
On February 6, 2006, Terry Bradshaw appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to discuss why he did not attend the Super Bowl MVP Parade.
April 2006: Donation to Louisiana Tech
In April 2006, Terry Bradshaw donated memorabilia, including Super Bowl rings and Hall of Fame rings, to his alma mater, Louisiana Tech.
2006: Appearance in "Failure to Launch"
In 2006, Bradshaw appeared in the film "Failure to Launch" with Kathy Bates, including a nude scene that surprised his daughters.
2006: End of Ownership in FitzBradshaw Racing
In 2006, Bradshaw ended his ownership in FitzBradshaw Racing.
September 2007: Top-Ranked Former Pro Football Player
As of September 2007, Bradshaw was the top-ranked former pro football player in the Davie-Brown Index, indicating high appeal and trust levels among U.S. consumers.
November 5, 2007: Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
On November 5, 2007, Terry Bradshaw joined former teammates to accept their position on the Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
2007: Steelers All-Time Team Appearance
In 2007, Bradshaw appeared on the sideline as part of the Steelers All-Time Team during the team's 75th-anniversary festivities.
2007: Daughter's appearance in Nashville
In 2007, Rachel Bradshaw appeared in Nashville, a reality TV series.
2010: Hosting Television Shows for United States Media Television
Since 2010, Bradshaw has been hosting television shows produced by United States Media Television.
2012: Support for Newt Gingrich and Criticism of Terrell Suggs
In 2012, Bradshaw publicly supported Newt Gingrich's presidential candidacy and criticized Terrell Suggs for his remarks about Tim Tebow's faith.
July 8, 2014: Marriage to Tammy
On July 8, 2014, Bradshaw married Tammy, his girlfriend of 15 years.
2014: Chuck Noll's Death
In 2014, Chuck Noll, the head coach of the Steelers during Bradshaw's playing days, passed away. Bradshaw had a complicated relationship with Noll but made peace before his death.
2014: Death of Father, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw
In 2014, Terry Bradshaw's father, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw, passed away.
2016: Leading Role in "Better Late Than Never"
In 2016, Bradshaw had a leading role in the NBC reality-travel series "Better Late Than Never".
2016: Comments on Chuck Noll Relationship
In 2016, during an interview with NFL Films for A Football Life about Chuck Noll, Bradshaw discussed the culture clash and his feeling of being belittled by Noll.
2017: Appearance in "Father Figures"
In 2017, Bradshaw appeared as himself in the comedy film "Father Figures".
2017: Criticism of President Donald Trump
In 2017, Bradshaw criticized President Donald Trump's handling of NFL player protests during the national anthem on Fox NFL Sunday.
2018: Leading Role in "Better Late Than Never"
In 2018, Bradshaw had a leading role in the NBC reality-travel series "Better Late Than Never".
January 16, 2019: Competition in The Masked Singer
On January 16, 2019, Bradshaw competed in season one of The Masked Singer as "Deer".
2019: Comments on Trump's Attendance at Football Game
In 2019, Bradshaw commented on Donald Trump's planned attendance at a University of Alabama vs. Louisiana State University game, stating he respected Trump's 'guts' to attend.
January 2, 2020: Appearance on Last Man Standing
On January 2, 2020, Bradshaw appeared on the season-eight premiere of Last Man Standing.
September 17, 2020: Premiere of The Bradshaw Bunch
On September 17, 2020, Bradshaw and his family premiered their new E! reality show The Bradshaw Bunch.
2020: Launch of Terry Bradshaw Bourbon Whiskey
In 2020, Bradshaw launched Terry Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in collaboration with Silver Screen Bottling Company.
September 2022: Cancer Diagnosis Revealed
In September 2022, 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: Documentary 'Section 1' Release
In 2022, the documentary "Section 1" was released, covering an event indirectly related to Terry Bradshaw's performance in 1976.
2023: Death of Mother, Novis Bradshaw
In 2023, Terry Bradshaw's mother, Novis Bradshaw, passed away.
