Terry Bradshaw

From Super Bowl Champion to Television Personality

By (author) Brett L. Abrams

Publication date:

08 September 2017

Length of book:

328 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Dimensions:

237x157mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781442277632

Terry Bradshaw made a name for himself as the star quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls and twice earning the MVP award. Beyond his athletic success, Bradshaw has established himself as a true cultural icon through his ventures into television, movies, and music.

In Terry Bradshaw: From Super Bowl Champion to Television Personality, Brett L. Abrams details the many personas of this larger-than-life entertainer. Not satisfied with “just” being a star quarterback, Bradshaw became an actor, commercial pitchman, country western and gospel singer, color commentator, and NFL pregame co-host. In addition to covering Bradshaw’s life and career, Abrams discusses the stereotypes Bradshaw faced and his ability to turn those preconceived notions into a positive, likeable, “down home” image that enabled him to find success across the entertainment industries. Ultimately, Bradshaw has become not only an iconic sports figure, but a cultural icon, as well.

Terry Bradshaw delivers a new and refreshing look at one of football’s most-recognized athletes. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with coaches, friends, coworkers, and football fans, this book illuminates Bradshaw’s celebrity status in the context of nearly 50 years of interacting with football fans and the larger American pop culture.

Preface
Introduction: Terry Bradshaw in the Entertainment Industry

Chapter 1: Born In the Bayou: Making Heroes
Chapter 2: The Bradshaw Image: Moses v. Li’l Abner
Chapter 3: Two Golden Rings: Becoming the Leading Man
Chapter 4: Two More Golden Rings: Taking Center Stage
Chapter 5: Little bit Country & Little bit Gospel: Old School Southern Singer
Chapter 6: From Advertising to Acting: Being a Good Old Boy
Chapter 7: Leaving It On the Field: Hero Digs Deep
Chapter 8: Press Box View: The Colorful Unfiltered Commentator
Chapter 9: Studio Analysis and Hijinks: Playing “Terry Bradshaw”
Chapter 10: Host, Guest Star & Commercials: Zany Uncle Terry

Conclusion: Sports Icons and Celebrity Entertainers
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

Many are aware of Terry Bradshaw’s Hall of Fame football career and subsequent role as an announcer and host for Fox Sports NFL broadcasts. But Bradshaw has also enjoyed success as an actor and singer during his more than 40 years as a public personality. This engaging read opens by briefly setting the stage for the Louisiana-born Bradshaw’s college football career; Abrams, a cultural historian, moves quickly to Bradshaw's years with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. It was during the height of Bradshaw’s success on the playing field that his singing and acting careers began. Both are covered in detail, providing insights into these lesser-known aspects of Bradshaw’s life. When an elbow injury ended his football career, Bradshaw moved into the broadcast booth, and he continues to enjoy success as a host or cohost in a variety of sports and outdoor-related television programs. The author closes with an examination of Bradshaw’s “good old boy” public persona and how it may have impacted perceptions of the southern United States in other regions of the country. This book would be a welcome addition to sports and cultural history collections. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.