Without a doubt...Rocky Bleier! Rocky's incredible story is the epitome of blue collar Steeler determination and character. In classic Steeler style, he did his job without posting gaudy stats...which is a sign of being a PART of a winning organization. His personal history and record of accomplishment makes him a hero BEFORE ever becoming a key member of the best team in NFL history, but his never ending, unselfish support ON THE FIELD, puts him #1 on my all time list of favorite players. In 2004 at the Ray Mansfield Memorial Smoker, in front of over a THOUSAND die-hard Steeler fans...Rocky did me the honor of proposing to my future wife for me. He said : "Bobbie...Austin would like me to ask you to do him the honor of watching Steeler games together for the rest of your lives!" And she said YES! We were married July 3rd 2005, and we are expecting our first son in March! I have proudly worn the number 20 as my own for 30 years, all in tribute to The Rock. And now I have a GREAT personal connection to the man that will last forever!
-Austin Rhodes

He is/was the perfect example of what it means to be a Steeler
-Tim Rutter

Rocky Bleier, hands down. If you read his book “Fighting Back”, or know his story, he overcame the odds that he would never play football again, and became one of the most successful players of all time. He is a real patriot and hero to me. Thank you, Rocky.
-Kathy Brandt

Rocky Bleier...love of country, love of team, dedication and perseverance
-Ed Chunchick

Rocky BLEIER--------Gave all he had every play, every game, left nothing........
-Earl Carl

Rocky Bleier for the grit and determination to become a key part of the dynasty. The odds were stacked heavily against him what with the foot injuries and all. But Rocky overcame all of that and more. He provided a great role model for me when battling cancer; whatever came up I knew I could handle it if I gave it the same effort I'd seen from Rocky.
-Frank Panian

My all-time favorite Pittsburgh Steeler is Rocky Bleier. Rocky was drafted in the 16th round from Notre Dame, my late father Paul's favorite college team. Few gave Bleier a chance to make it in the pros. Rocky was also drafted by another pro team, the US Army. He answered the call and gallantly served his country during the contentious Vietnam War. While fighting the war, Rocky severely injured both of his legs, shot in the left and then stepping on an enemy land mine and maiming his right foot. He worked tirelessly to rehabilitate himself and take his shot at pro football. Rocky spent 1970 on injured reserve, 1971 on the Steelers' taxi squad and 1972-73 on the roster as a special teams player. From 1974-80 Bleier earned the starting fullback position, teaming with Franco Harris and playing in all four of the 1970s Super Bowl Steeler teams. In 1976 Rocky joined Franco in the 1000-yard rushing club, a very rare feat in the NFL for two running backs from the same team. Rocky was always the consummate team player. He lately spends his time as a motivational speaker, inspiring young athletes and business leaders to believe in oneself, ones team, and to beat the odds. He is a role model for any young athlete, and a national military hero. Rocky personally motivated me as a high school and college football player in the 70s, and his heroic Vietnam efforts inspired me to later serve may nation as a career officer in the USAF.
-Jeff Thieret

My favorite Steeler is a player I was too young to watch and enjoy when he played - Rocky Bleier. He served his Nation in war and returned from a devastating injury to serve another nation. The Steeler Nation.
-Eric Miceli

Rocky Blier, because he did what other people told him that he wood never do. It is surprising what you can do if you put your mind to it.
-Martin G. Gold

Overcame injury as a Viet Nam veteran to become Pittsburgh's toughest player in clinch situations.
-Molly Toward

Rocky Blier in my opinion is the greatest Steeler that has played the game.
-Brian Johnson

My favorite Steelers is Rocky Bleier. I am from Nashville and grew up with the story of Wilma Rudolph. Rocky Bleier's story was similar in the fact that they both overcame serious physical problems to become world-class athletes. I guess you've never seen Bleier compared to a female track star but, to me, their stories are similar and I admire them both for their ability to overcome. Bradshaw gives a motivational speech where he imitates all of his teammates in the huddle. He tells of a game in Rocky's hometown where they gave him the ball almost every down. It is a great story and perhaps you guys could remind us of what game that was and how many carries he had that day. I read your paper every day and would love to hear any and all recollections about Mr. Bleier and his illustrious career.
-Barrett