PITTSBURGH, PA — In a heartbreaking announcement that has left the entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization and its global fanbase in mourning, **Robert Patrick “Rocky” Bleier**, the inspirational war hero and four-time Super Bowl champion, has passed away at the age of 79.
Rocky Bleier’s life was the stuff of legend. Born on March 5, 1946, in Appleton, Wisconsin, he was drafted by the Steelers in 1968. But after just one season, Bleier was drafted again — this time into the United States Army — and sent to fight in the Vietnam War. In 1969, he was wounded in combat, suffering serious injuries to his leg and foot from a grenade blast and gunfire. Doctors told him he would never play football again. But Rocky refused to let fate define him.
Through sheer determination and grueling rehabilitation, he defied the odds, rejoining the Steelers in 1970 and working his way back onto the field. He eventually became a vital part of the Steelers’ legendary dynasty in the 1970s, lining up alongside Franco Harris in the backfield and helping the team win **four Super Bowl titles**.
His courage, perseverance, and humility became the foundation of the Steelers’ identity — and his story remains one of the most inspiring comebacks in NFL history.
News of Bleier’s death sent shockwaves through the Steelers locker room and the broader NFL community. **Head coach Mike Tomlin**, holding back tears during a press conference, said, “You don’t come across men like Rocky Bleier often. He wasn’t just tough — he was spiritually unbreakable. He gave everything to this game, this country, and this city.”
T.J. Watt took to social media, writing, “Rest in peace to a true warrior. Rocky Bleier, your legacy will live on forever in Pittsburgh.”
Even Franco Harris’ family, still grieving the passing of their own legend just a few years prior, issued a heartfelt message: “Rocky and Franco were brothers on the field, and now they’re reunited in eternity. Two pillars of a golden era, both gone too soon.”
Outside Acrisure Stadium, fans gathered with Terrible Towels and candles, creating a makeshift memorial beneath a mural of Bleier. “He taught us all what it means to never give up,” said longtime fan Carl Jenkins. “He was our Rocky before the movie ever came out.”
Bleier remained close to the team and the city long after retiring in 1980. He became a motivational speaker, author, and advocate for veterans, often appearing at Steelers events and sharing his powerful life story with schools, churches, and military groups across the nation.
In honor of his memory, the Steelers announced plans to wear a commemorative “RB20” patch on their uniforms this season and will hold a moment of silence before their next home game. A public memorial service will be held at Heinz Field later this week, with details to be announced shortly.
As the Steelers and their fans come to terms with this immense loss, one truth stands tall: Rocky Bleier was more than a football legend — he was a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.