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A War Bullet in His Leg Never Slowed Him Down... His Speed Helped the Steelers Win Four Super Bowls

From the muddy jungles of Vietnam to the roaring crowds of the NFL, Rocky Bleier’s journey is the ultimate story of courage and comeback. When fate nearly took his ability to walk, he didn’t just learn to run again—he sprinted into football immortality.

Rocky Bleier: Champion on the Gridiron, Battlefield > U.S. Department of  Defense > Story

In 1969, young running back Rocky Bleier answered his country’s call, leaving behind his NFL dream to serve in the Vietnam War. But fate dealt him a devastating blow: a rifle shot to his thigh and a grenade’s shrapnel in his right leg. Doctors warned he might never walk normally again, let alone play football. Most would have accepted this fate. Rocky refused.

Rocky Bleier - All Sports Association

Lying in a military hospital, Bleier began his fight—not just against physical wounds, but against hopelessness. Every day, he forced himself to wiggle his toes, to move his foot, to believe. Months of agony, rehabilitation, and unyielding determination followed. When he returned to the Steelers, many saw a broken man. Instead, he became the heart of a dynasty. Bleier reclaimed his place in the team, helping Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls, each victory a testament to his grit and perseverance.

Alan Faneca and Rocky Bleier among the five people named to the Steelers  Hall of Honor | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rocky’s story is more than football; it’s a lesson that the toughest battles are often fought within ourselves. He showed the world that willpower can defy even the harshest verdicts of destiny.

Rocky Bleier once said:
“You don’t have to accept the life you’re handed. You can choose to fight for the one you want.”

Why Former Steelers RB Rocky Bleier Wishes He Knew About 100-Yard Rushing  Streak - PressBox

Rocky Bleier wasn’t the fastest or strongest player on the Steelers. But his comeback made him a locker room leader and an icon of resilience. Off the field, he’s inspired veterans, cancer survivors, and anyone who’s ever faced long odds. His book, “Fighting Back,” remains a beacon of hope for generations.

Kevin Gorman's Take 5: Steelers great Rocky Bleier 'grateful' for ESPN film  | TribLIVE.com

Rocky Bleier’s legacy goes far beyond Super Bowl rings or rushing yards. He reminds us all: Sometimes the greatest victories are not on the scoreboard, but in refusing to give up when life tries to knock us down.

If Rocky could transform pain into triumph, so can you. Share his story—and never underestimate the power of the human spirit.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”