Rocky Bleier's story - a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam - has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century.

With the same optimism, sense of humor and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier takes audiences from his early years through his professional career and talks about the lessons he learned along the way... lessons from which we can all benefit.

Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted again… this time by the United States Army. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began...

For more than two years, he drove himself. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He not only made the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century.

The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. These lessons are seen between the lines in the popular book on his life, "Fighting Back" and on stages of speaking appearances around the country.

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Impact topics

The Best You Can Be

"What does it take to reach that pinnacle of success? It is the courage to take the first step, hard work, determination, singleness of purpose, passion, and sometimes just plain luck." - R.Bleier

Fighting Back

"I didn’t want to face the truth. As you must know by now, I have a certain self-discipline, an ability to persuade myself that reality is not what it seems. During that training camp, I convinced myself that I actually had a chance to make the ball club. I forced myself to ignore that I sill had a noticeable limp." - R.Bleier

Overcoming Challenges

"Dear Lord, get me out of here, if You can. What I will do is this: I’ll give You my life… to do with whatever You will. Here it is. I’m not going to complain if things go wrong. If things go good, I’ll share my success with everybody around me. Here it is. Whatever You want to do, wherever You want to direct. This is the best I can do." - R.Bleier

Motivation

"Don’t lose what makes you the person you are. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Don’t lose sight of your dreams. Too many people get tired and give up. If you give up you’ll forfeit the opportunity to realize the dreams you have for your life. Why not strive for something even greater?" - R.Bleier

Perseverance

"Be clear about your dream & vision. Do not worry. Just think about all the the great possibilities and act upon them." - R.Bleier

Commitment

"Heros - Real Heros - have one thing in common: Character. It’s self evident. You know it when you see it. Enormous depth, right to the bone, brother." - R.Bleier

Authenticity

"I know that every generation has said: “Listen to me; Learn from me”… I add my voice to theirs. As with generation upon generation, we tend, with bullheaded stubbornness, to find our own way… to learn from own own lessons… to formulate our own experiences." - R.Bleier

Patriotism

"More than anything else, an attitude of complete acceptance got me through Vietnam. I never questioned. I kept my emotional stability. I simply did each day’s work, never debating my part in the cosmic issues of war and peace, life and death, or politics." - R.Bleier

Courage

"Courage is simply that moment in time in which we take what information we have and we implement it to take action, to move forward." - R.Bleier

Inspiring Lives

"Maybe a simple story, of one man's life, from another generation, can help you see what the human spirit can overcome and accomplish. To all of you, I dedicate my life." - R.Bleier

Achievement

"Believe in yourself and what you know you can accomplish. Don’t let doubt and uncertainty rob you of the successes you’ve had in the past and steal the great things to come. Truly believe that greatness is on the horizon and your best days are ahead of you." - R.Bleier

Encouragement

"Act on what we want to do, regardless of any fear we may have. Disregard worry. Choose to do right, to pursue our dreams, to be successful people, to lead the way for others." - R.Bleier

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Latest Podcasts

The Four Key Points of Success

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Rocky Bleier, a former American professional football player, veteran of the United States Army and successful construction company owner. He shares the story of his impressive career, his military service and how he built a construction company from the ground ...
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