As national spokesman for NaVOBA, Rocky Bleier advocates on behalf of the nation’s 3 million vetrepreneurs with the same optimism, passion and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a four-time Super Bowl winning running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his role, Rocky writes and speaks to various constituencies of the value that vetrepreneurs bring. He also heads most of NaVOBA’s grassroots membership drives.
Rocky’s life story – a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battlefields of Vietnam – has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Rocky distinguished himself on the gridirons of the National Football League where he earned four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The fact he was even on the “Super Steelers” teams of the 1970s is somewhat of a miracle. Drafted out of the University of Notre Dame in the 16th round in 1968, he was drafted again by the U.S Army late in his rookie season.
After completing infantry training, Rocky was sent to Vietnam and was assigned to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, stationed in Chu Lai. In August of that year, his platoon was ambushed while on patrol. Rocky received both rifle fire and grenade fragments in both legs. He was barely able to walk and prospects for a professional football career seemed a distant memory. For his service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
With the determination and spirit that would become his trademark, Rocky rehabilitated himself back into playing condition over two years and eventually not only made the Steelers team, but worked his way into the starting lineup. In 1976, he and Franco Harris became only the second backfield in NFL history to record two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season. His personal story of triumph and perseverance was made into a television movie entitled “Fighting Back,” starring Robert Urich.
Since retiring in 1980, Rocky has run his own successful small business – Rocky Bleier Inc. (www.rockybleierinc.com) – as a motivational speaker and instructor. Drawing on his personal experiences of overcoming adversity and reaching for goals, Rocky’s “Be the Best You Can Be” message is ideal for the development of corporate executives, enhancing sales and marketing, or offering inspiration to young professionals or practical advice for student athletes. He is also president of a service-disabled veteran-owned construction company – RBVetCo LLC. Rocky is a 1968 graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Business Management.
