Robert “Rocky” Bleier remains one of the most popular of the Steelers Super Bowl champions. He was adopted as one of Pittsburgh’s finest citizens. Fans have always liked him and identified with him for many reasons. They thought he was one of them.After his 1968 rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968.[3] He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. On August 20, while on patrol in Heip Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by a rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby after bouncing off a fellow soldier, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His rank was Specialist 4.
While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him that he would not play football again. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which just read "Rock - the team's not doing well. We need you. Art Rooney". Bleier later said "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didn't have to do, you have a special place for those kind of people".
Rocky Bleier -Big 33 Memorabilia & Autograph Show II
By Big 33 (other events)
Saturday, November 19 2011
4:00 PM
—
6:00 PM
EDT
Restrictions
* Ticket will be required on event day to obtain autograph. All tickets will be scanned at the Big 33 Information Table on the day of the event for authenticity. Duplicates will not be accepted.
* The "Terrible Towel Pass" can only be honored with a purchase of an autograph ticket.
* 8 x 10 flats, Mini helmets, 16 x 20 photos, Footballs, Full Size Helmets, and Jerseys are not included in Autograph ticket purchase.
* "Merchandise Only" items do not include autograph or autograph ticket. If you require an autograph on the item, purchasing an autograph ticket will be required.
* All Rocky Bleier Autographs include a JSA Witness Protection Certification sticker.
* Rocky Bleier will not sign game used items or original artwork.
* Rocky Bleier has the right to refuse to sign any item that he is not comfortable signing.
* No posed photos will be permitted. Fans will be allowed to take pictures of Rocky Bleier while items are being signed but Mr. Bleier will not take time to pose for individual photos with fans.
* If Rocky Bleier cancels this appearance due to emergency a rescheduling date will apply.
* Big 33 reserves the right to reschedule the event if there is an "Act of God" or weather event that would prohibit reasonable travel to and from the event.
* All sales are final.
* No refund will be given after the start of the event.