Terry Bradshaw, a prominent figure in American football, had a remarkable 14-season career as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His leadership led the team to four Super Bowl victories within six years, a record-setting achievement at the time. Beyond his on-field success, Bradshaw has become a well-known media personality, serving as a sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday since 1994. He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like "Failure to Launch," and has pursued a career as a country music recording artist. His contributions to football have earned him inductions into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989) and the College Football Hall of Fame (1996), solidifying his legacy as a football legend.
September 2, 1948: Terry Bradshaw's Birth
Terry Bradshaw was born on September 2, 1948.
1948: Bradshaw's Birth Year
Terry Bradshaw was born in 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
1965: High School Championship Game
In 1965, Bradshaw led his high school team to the state championship game, but they lost.
1966: Arrival at Louisiana Tech
Terry Bradshaw arrived at Louisiana Tech in 1966, generating media attention.
1967: Robertson Starts at Louisiana Tech
Phil Robertson started as quarterback at Louisiana Tech in 1967.
1968: Successful Junior Season
In 1968, Bradshaw had a stellar junior season, leading his team to a 9-2 record and a Rice Bowl victory.
1968: Robertson Chooses Not to Play
Phil Robertson opted not to play football in 1968, opening the door for Bradshaw.
1969: Top College Player
Bradshaw was widely considered the best college football player in the nation in 1969.
1969: Steelers and Bears Tiebreaker
The Steelers and Bears had a coin flip tiebreaker in 1969 due to identical 1-13 records, resulting in the Steelers getting the first pick in the 1970 draft.
1970: Golden Plate Award
Bradshaw received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement in 1970.
1970: First Overall Pick in NFL Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Terry Bradshaw as the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft.
1972: The Immaculate Reception
Bradshaw threw the "Immaculate Reception" pass to Franco Harris in the 1972 AFC Divisional playoffs against the Raiders.
1974: First Super Bowl Victory
Terry Bradshaw won his first Super Bowl title with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974.
1974: Steelers vs. Bills Playoff Game
In 1974, Bradshaw's Steelers defeated the Bills, led by Joe Ferguson, in a divisional playoff game.
1974: Super Bowl IX Victory and Championship Game Winning Pass
Bradshaw regained his starting position and led the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl IX in 1974, also throwing the winning touchdown pass in the AFC Championship game against the Raiders.
1975: Super Bowl X Victory and "Greatest Throw of All Time"
In 1975, Bradshaw led the Steelers to a win in Super Bowl X, throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass to Lynn Swann that is considered the "Greatest Throw of All Time".
1975: Second Super Bowl Victory
Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers won their second Super Bowl in 1975.
1976: Loss in AFC Championship
Despite a strong performance earlier in the playoffs, the Steelers, with injured key players, lost to the Raiders in the 1976 AFC Championship game.
1976: Injuries and Perfect Passer Rating
Despite injuries in 1976, Bradshaw achieved a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in a victory against the Baltimore Colts, a playoff game where the visiting quarterback achieved that perfect rating.
1978: NFL MVP Award and All-Pro Recognition
Bradshaw had his best season in 1978, earning the NFL MVP award and All-Pro recognition.
1978: Third Super Bowl Victory and MVP Award
In 1978, Bradshaw won his third Super Bowl and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player.
1979: Fourth Super Bowl Victory
Bradshaw led the Steelers to their fourth Super Bowl victory in 1979.
1984: Induction into Louisiana Tech Sports Hall of Fame
Bradshaw was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
1989: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Terry Bradshaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
1994: Bradshaw Becomes a Sports Analyst
In 1994, Terry Bradshaw started his career as a television sports analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday.
1996: Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame
Bradshaw was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
2014: Death of Bradshaw's Father
Terry Bradshaw's father, William Marvin "Bill" Bradshaw, passed away in 2014.
2022: Documentary About Colts Plane Crash
In 2022, the documentary "Section 1" explored a plane crash near the Colts stadium after a game against the Steelers in 1976, highlighting how the early departure of Colts fans due to their loss may have averted disaster.
2023: Death of Bradshaw's Mother
Terry Bradshaw's mother, Novis Bradshaw, passed away in 2023