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Dec 7, 1980 · With Robert Urich, Bonnie Bedelia, Richard Herd, Howard Cosell. Football jock Rocky Bleier makes it all the way to the pros with the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be drafted in the Vietnam War. Wounded by a hand grenade overseas, Bleier returns to the U.S., and told he will never walk again.
- (173)
- Biography, Drama, Sport
- Robert Lieberman
- 1980-12-07
Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story is a 1980 made-for-television movie about the life of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, portrayed by Robert Urich. Based on Bleier's 1975 autobiography of the same name, it tells the story of how, after becoming a running back for the Steelers in 1968, he was then drafted by the U.S. Army ...
- Jerry McNeely
- MTM Enterprises, Company Four
- Early Life
- Fighting Irish Career
- Rookie Year
- Drafted For A Second Time
- Vietnam Experience
- Recovery
- Come Back
- Limited Return
- Finally!
- Repeat
Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier was born on March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of four children to Bob and Ellen Bleier. His parents owned a bar called Belier’s Bar and it was there that Bleier got his permanent nickname. Bleier was a three-sport athlete at Xavier High School in Appleton, competing in football, track and basketba...
As a collegian, Bleier was underutilized, but still made an impression on his teammates and coaches. As a running back for the Irish, Bleier was used as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. In 1965, he carried the ball 26 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 42 total yards. The Irish posted a 7-2-1 re...
As thrilling as it must have been for Bleier to be drafted by an NFL team, it might not have been so thrilling realizing who drafted him. The Steelerswere founded in 1933 and had not experienced success (save for two decent seasons) in their history. 1968 would be no different. Pittsburgh stumbled to a 2-11-1 record in what would be head coach Bill...
The Steelers and Bleier were wrapping up the ‘68 season and getting ready for the holidays. In early December, Bleier received a letter informing him that he was drafted for the second time. This time, however, he had been drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Bleier informed the Steelers and then volunteered for duty in South Vietn...
After just eight weeks of basic training and another eight weeks for advanced infantry training, Bleier was shipped off to Vietnam in April of 1969. He was in-country for only a few months when his unit received a call that would greatly affect his life. Bleier was stationed with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade at Hiep Duc Valley, near Danang, fro...
Initially, Bleier was treated at an aid hospital in Vietnam. He was then flown to Tokyo for further treatment. While in Japan, Bleier had to undergo several surgeries to remove over 100 pieces of grenade shrapnel from his right foot and leg. Since a portion of his foot was missing, walking was difficult, let alone trying to jog. However, this setba...
Once the doctors did everything they could for him in Tokyo, Bleier was then transported to a hospital in Kansas. It was there that he began his comeback. While continuing treatment on his legs and foot, Bleier began his own workout program. In the mornings, he would run as far as he could (not far during the early days of treatment). In the aftern...
The following year, Bleier survived training camp and made the team. He played in six games but only on special teams. Bleier made enough progress in 1972 to play special teams and be placed on the depth chart as a running back. He received only one carry that year for 17 yards, but he was determined to continue pushing himself. In 1973, Bleier mad...
As Bleier was immersed in his world of rehab, and fighting to get his body back in playing shape, Pittsburgh had gotten better. No longer a laughing stock, coach Chuck Noll and the front office had assembled a roster for the ages. Beginning in 1969, the Steelers drafted a who’s who of future All-Pros and Hall of Famers. The list included quarterbac...
The good times kept coming for Pittsburgh in 1975. With essentially the same core nucleus of players, the team ended the season with a 12-2 record. Bleier’s carries and rushing totals increased as well. Along with 140 attempts and 528 yards with two touchdowns, Bleier also caught 15 passes for 65 yards. After beating the Colts and Raiders in the fi...
On August 20, 1969, Bleier was on a routine patrol in Heip Duic when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy, wounding his left thigh. He was also seriously injured when an enemy grenade sent...
Brief Synopsis. A dramatization of the story of Pittsburgh Steelers football star, Rocky Bleier, and his comeback from serious injuries during the Vietnam War, thanks to Art Rooney, the team's benevolent owner. Cast & Crew. Read More. Rob Lieberman. Director. Steve Tannen. Barton Heyman. Joe Spano. Jerry Lacy. Simone Griffeth. Film Details.
Summaries. Football jock Rocky Bleier makes it all the way to the pros with the Pittsburgh Steelers, only to be drafted in the Vietnam War. Wounded by a hand grenade overseas, Bleier returns to the U.S., and told he will never walk again.
