National Football Foundation

Joining a list of previous winners that includes Vince Lombardi, Bob Hope, Pete Rozelle and the late Pat Tillman, Rocky Bleier's determination and endless optimism show why he personifies the Distinguished American distinction.
A football and basketball star in Appleton, Wis., Bleier attended the University of Notre Dame as a standout running back for the Fighting Irish under legendary coach Ara Parseghian. He received his degree in business management in 1968.

Bleier then played one season in the NFL before being drafted by the army to fight in Vietnam. While serving in 1969, Bleier's platoon was ambushed and his left thigh was wounded. Additionally, a grenade sent pieces of shrapnel into his right leg while he was down. His courageous service earned him the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Bleier returned to the pros in 1970, but played sparingly for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the next three seasons. He not only needed to gain a great deal of weight back, but his war injuries made it difficult for him to walk. Through perseverance and a strict training regimen, Bleier worked his way into a starting spot in 1974. He would retire from the NFL as a four-time Super Bowl champion.

Bleier wrote a book called Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story, which depicted his struggle to recuperate following Vietnam. He also established Rocky Bleier, Inc. in 1980, serving as a motivational speaker worldwide. His speech, "Be the Best You Can Be" encourages audiences to keep on striving for greater accomplishments. He resides in Pittsburgh, Pa.