GRATITUDE IN BRONZE: Steelers Approve $2.5 Million Terry Bradshaw Statue to Stand Outside Acrisure Stadium in Stirring Tribute to Four-Time Super Bowl Champion
PITTSBURGH, PA – June 28, 2025
In a heartfelt gesture that bridges generations of Steelers fans and honors a defining figure in the franchise’s proud history, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially approved a $2.5 million project to erect a statue of Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw outside Acrisure Stadium.
The announcement was met with widespread admiration and emotion across Pittsburgh, where Bradshaw’s name still evokes memories of Super Bowl triumphs, gritty leadership, and the rise of a dynasty that helped define the NFL in the 1970s.
The statue, which will be placed prominently at the Gate A entrance of Acrisure Stadium overlooking the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, is set to be unveiled ahead of the 2026 NFL season. It will serve as a permanent tribute to the man who led the Steel Curtain to four Super Bowl titles in just six years—Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV—and played a pivotal role in turning Pittsburgh into Titletown, USA.
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“A Long Time Coming”: Bradshaw Reacts
Terry Bradshaw, now 76, responded to the news in a short but deeply emotional video message released by the team’s official social media accounts.
> “I’m humbled. Really humbled. I never expected this,” Bradshaw said. “The city of Pittsburgh and the Steelers mean everything to me. This statue—well, it’s not just about me. It’s about all of us: my teammates, the fans, and a team that refused to quit.”
Bradshaw, who has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years due to ongoing health concerns, added that he plans to be at the unveiling ceremony next fall, health permitting.
> “To know that people will walk by and maybe stop and tell their kids who I was, what that team did… that means the world,” he added, visibly emotional.
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Steelers Ownership: “We Had to Do This”
Steelers President Art Rooney II confirmed the project at a press conference on Friday, calling the statue a long overdue acknowledgment of Bradshaw’s legacy.
> “Terry Bradshaw is not just one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game—he is the heartbeat of a golden era in Pittsburgh Steelers football,” Rooney said. “This statue is our way of saying thank you, and ensuring his story is never forgotten.”
Rooney also emphasized that the funding for the statue was approved unanimously by the Steelers’ board and will be covered entirely through private organizational funds, not public tax dollars.
> “We wanted this done the right way, and with respect to Terry’s legacy,” Rooney added.
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A Design Steeped in History
The statue is being designed by acclaimed sports sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, whose previous works include tributes to Michael Jordan in Chicago and Brett Favre in Green Bay. According to early renderings shared with media outlets, the statue will depict Bradshaw in mid-throw during his iconic Super Bowl XIII performance—widely considered one of the finest quarterback displays in postseason history.
The base of the statue will be etched with key statistics from Bradshaw’s storied career: 107 career wins, 27,989 passing yards, 212 touchdowns, and a perfect 4–0 Super Bowl record.
Bradshaw was named Super Bowl MVP twice (XIII and XIV), and in 1989, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
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Pittsburgh Fans Overjoyed
Social media exploded with reactions from fans who hailed the decision as “perfect,” “emotional,” and “something we’ve waited decades for.”
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
> “Terry Bradshaw gave Pittsburgh a legacy. About time we gave him something back.”
Another added:
> “I can’t wait to take my kids to see the statue. We owe Terry so much—he built this town’s football pride.”
Longtime fan Michelle Dorsey, 64, who remembers attending games at Three Rivers Stadium, said the move represents more than just football.
> “That era gave working-class Pittsburgh something to believe in,” she said. “Terry Bradshaw gave us Sundays to look forward to. We’ll never forget that.”
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NFL Legends Voice Support
Several former players, coaches, and league officials voiced their support for the Steelers’ decision.
Joe Greene, Bradshaw’s teammate and the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense, said:
> “There’s no dynasty without Terry. He was fearless, even when we doubted him. He earned every ring.”
Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, praised the move, calling Bradshaw “one of the most significant and entertaining players in league history.”
> “Terry brought charisma, toughness, and leadership to the field—and later brought football to living rooms across America as a broadcaster. This is a fitting tribute,” Goodell said in a statement.
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From Quarterback to Broadcaster to Legend
After retiring in 1984, Bradshaw became a fixture in NFL broadcasting, most notably as a charismatic anchor on FOX NFL Sunday. His folksy humor, football IQ, and candid honesty endeared him to a new generation of fans.
Even after stepping back from full-time broadcasting due to health reasons in recent years, Bradshaw remained a vocal advocate for mental health and a symbol of enduring strength within the Steelers community.
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What Comes Next?
The team says the statue is just the first step in a broader initiative to enhance the fan experience at Acrisure Stadium through historical storytelling and physical tributes to its greatest legends.
A planned “Steelers Legacy Plaza,” currently in the early design phase, will incorporate the Bradshaw statue alongside interactive exhibits dedicated to the team’s championship history.
Construction on the statue will begin later this summer, with the unveiling targeted for September 2026 before the Steelers’ regular season home opener.
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Final Word
In a sport that often forgets its past in pursuit of the next big thing, the Steelers have chosen to remember. And in choosing to honor Terry Bradshaw, they honor not just a quarterback—but a leader, an icon, and a man whose grit, glory, and golden arm helped build one of football’s most cherished legacies.
As Bradshaw himself might say with a smile: “Not bad for a country boy from Louisiana.”
