GRATITUDE: Steelers Approve $2.5 Million Terry Bradshaw Statue to Honor the Legendary Quarterback Outside Acrisure Stadium
In a powerful gesture of appreciation, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially approved a $2.5 million investment to erect a statue of legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw outside Acrisure Stadium. The move, announced by Steelers president Art Rooney II during a press conference Wednesday morning, represents not only a tribute to one of the most iconic players in NFL history but also a celebration of the legacy that continues to define the Steelers’ proud tradition.
Bradshaw, who played his entire 14-season career with the Steelers, was a central figure in transforming the franchise from perennial underachievers to a dominant football dynasty in the 1970s. His leadership, arm strength, and knack for rising to the occasion on the biggest stages led Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl titles in just six years — a feat unmatched at the time and only equaled by a select few since.
A Statue to Immortalize a Steeler Great
The $2.5 million statue will be installed outside the northeast entrance of Acrisure Stadium, just steps from the Franco Harris “Immaculate Reception” statue already drawing thousands of fans each year. Designed by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, who has created statues of sports legends across the country, the Bradshaw statue is expected to capture the quarterback in one of his most iconic moments: arms raised, a ball clutched in his throwing hand, eyes steely with determination — perhaps moments before delivering the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XIII.
Construction is set to begin in late August 2025, with the unveiling expected in fall 2026 during a special ceremony that will coincide with the Steelers’ home opener. Fans, former teammates, and NFL dignitaries will be invited to the dedication.
“This statue is long overdue,” said Art Rooney II. “Terry Bradshaw didn’t just help build a winning team; he helped build the legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His presence, his charisma, and his toughness defined an era of football that still resonates today.”
Bradshaw Reacts With Emotion
Now 76, Terry Bradshaw was visibly moved during a video message aired during the announcement. “You never expect something like this,” he said. “When I came to Pittsburgh as a country boy from Louisiana Tech, I never imagined I’d become part of a family that would change my life forever. The city, the fans, my teammates, the Rooney family — they made me who I am.”
Bradshaw, who has since become a beloved sports commentator and television personality, added: “To have my likeness stand in front of Acrisure Stadium, near the fans I played for, and alongside the men I played with — that’s the greatest honor of my life.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Drafted first overall in 1970, Bradshaw’s career began under intense scrutiny and pressure. But as he matured, so did his game. He became the prototype for the modern NFL quarterback — fearless in the pocket, capable of making deep throws in clutch moments, and confident in leading a team through adversity.
He finished his career with 27,989 passing yards, 212 touchdowns, and two Super Bowl MVPs. In 1989, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and in 1996, the Steelers retired his number 12 jersey — a rare honor in Pittsburgh’s storied history.
Former teammate and Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann called the statue “a beautiful and deserved symbol of what Terry meant not just to the Steelers, but to the game of football.”
Fans React with Joy
The announcement of the Bradshaw statue has ignited a wave of joy and nostalgia among Steelers Nation. Social media platforms exploded with fans sharing their favorite Bradshaw moments — from his 64-yard Super Bowl X touchdown pass to Swann, to his gritty performance in the Ice Bowl at Cincinnati.
“I’ve been bringing my grandkids to games for years,” said longtime fan Marty Kolczak, 68, from McKeesport. “Now I’ll be able to point to that statue and say, ‘That’s the man who gave this city its pride.’”
Others view the statue as a full-circle moment in the ongoing tribute to Pittsburgh’s golden football era.
More Than Just Bronze
While the statue will be crafted in bronze, its symbolism goes far deeper than metal. It embodies the resilience, excellence, and brotherhood that Bradshaw stood for — values that mirror the steel city itself.
In a sport often dominated by statistics and fleeting headlines, Bradshaw’s influence has remained evergreen. His laughter, toughness, and competitive fire continue to inspire not just aspiring quarterbacks, but everyone who calls themselves a part of the Steeler family.
As Art Rooney II summarized it best: “This statue is for Terry, but it’s also for every fan who stood in the cold, wore black and gold with pride, and believed in the magic that No. 12 brought to Pittsburgh.”
The statue of Terry Bradshaw will not only immortalize a football legend but will forever stand as a monument to what the Pittsburgh Steelers stand for — grit, glory, and greatness.