clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Steelers legend Rocky Bleier honored by wounded warriors retreat

Former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier was named to the Honorary Advisory Board for the Boulder Crest Retreat for military and veteran wellness.

By Christopher Carter
Ronald Martinez

Rocky Bleier has long been a Pittsburgh Steelers legend. While not one of the premier players among the nucleus that made the championship teams of the 1970's Bleier has always held an important place in Steeler history for his position on the team as a role player in the backfield, and for his incredible life story.

Bleier was recently named to the Honorary Advisory Board for the Boulder Crest Retreat, set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont, Virginia.

The founder and chairman of the retreat, Ken Falke, said that Bleier served as inspiration for him to join the U.S. Navy after graduating high school and to continue serving the veteran community after returning home.

“Supporting our veterans is a top priority for me. Boulder Crest Retreat is a first-class facility and I am honored to sit on their advisory board beside some of our nation’s best military leaders,” said Bleier. “I am very excited to be able to be a part of the retreat and their support of veterans, active-duty service members and their families.”

Bleier was injured in action during the Vietnam war in 1969, and after being treated for gunshot and grenade wounds, was told he would never walk again. But the legend of Bleier lives on as a legend in Steelers lore after he willed himself to be a starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he shared the backfield with legendary Hall of Fame players in Franco Harris and Terry Bradshaw on the way to winning four Super Bowls.

More from Behind the Steel Curtain:

More From Behind the Steel Curtain