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Bradshaw became a starter one year after he was drafted in 1971. During his first several seasons, the 6’3” 215 lb. quarterback was consistent, throwing many interceptions and was widely mocked by the media for his lack of intelligence.
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It took Bradshaw a few seasons to adjust to the pro game but once he did, he eventually became the best quarterback in the NFL, leading the Steelers to eight AFC Central championships and a great number of Super Bowl rings. The Steelers featured the “Steel Curtain” defense and a powerful running attack led by Franco Harris, but Bradshaw’s strong arm gave the “Steel Curtain” defense the threat of the deep pass. In 1972, he threw the pass leading to the “Immaculate Reception”, which is considered one of the most famous plays in the history in NFL history.
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| Bradshaw won his second straight Super Bowl MVP in the 1979 in Super Bowl XIV. He passed for three-hundred nine yards and 2 touchdowns in a win over the Los Angeles Rams which are now the St. Louis Rams. Winning the Super Bowl MVP award in this 1979 Super Bowl XIV game, Bradshaw shared the Sports Illustrated magazines’s “Sportsmen of the Year” award with his teammate Willie Stargell that season. |
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In his 14 season career, Bradshaw completed 2,025 of 3,907 passes for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He also rushed 444 times for 2,257 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was also selected to play in three Pro Bowls games.
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While the Steelers do not officially retire numbers, Bradshaw’s #12 has not been issued by the team since he retired, and it is understood that no Steeler will ever wear that number again.
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