Steelers Legend Diagnosed with CTE at 77— Can’t Speak, But Still Remembers Playing for Pittsburgh👇

Pittsburgh, PA — September 24, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers community is reeling from devastating news about one of its greatest icons. Terry Bradshaw, the legendary quarterback who led the team to four Super Bowl titles, has been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at age 77, his family confirmed. The announcement casts a somber shadow over Steelers Nation as the team, now 2-1, prepares for a Week 4 clash against the Minnesota Vikings.

Health Condition
Bradshaw, living in a 24-hour care facility in Oklahoma, has lost the ability to speak and struggles with daily memory. His wife, Tammy, shared a heart-wrenching update: “He doesn’t remember anything else. He only recalls our daughter’s name and that he played football for the Steelers. He doesn’t even know my name.” Doctors attribute his condition to CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, which has robbed the once-vibrant quarterback of his voice and clarity.

Illustrious Career with the Steelers
From 1970 to 1983, Bradshaw started 158 games for Pittsburgh, earning the nickname “Blonde Bomber” for his powerful arm and clutch performances. He guided the Steelers to Super Bowl victories in 1975, 1976, 1979, and 1980, earning two Super Bowl MVP awards (XIII, XIV). A two-time Pro Bowler and 1978 NFL MVP, Bradshaw threw for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns, cementing his 1989 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Teammates like Franco Harris lauded his leadership, calling him “the heart of the Steel Curtain era.”

Link to Head Trauma
Bradshaw’s CTE diagnosis is tied to countless head collisions over his 14-year NFL career, a time when concussion protocols were minimal. Research from Boston University’s CTE Center, which has identified CTE in 345 former NFL players, suggests quarterbacks like Bradshaw faced significant risk from untracked hits. His family believes the cumulative trauma from those years triggered his condition, mirroring cases like Mike Webster, the first NFL player diagnosed with CTE.

Significance and Legacy
Bradshaw’s story, a stark reminder of football’s physical toll, has reignited debates about player safety. His legacy as a four-time champion and charismatic broadcaster endures, but his diagnosis underscores the need for NFL reforms. Fans and former teammates continue to celebrate his contributions to Pittsburgh’s golden era.

Context and Reaction
Steelers Nation expressed grief on X, with one post reading, “Terry’s our hero—CTE can’t erase that.” Franco Harris called it “heartbreaking,” urging support for CTE research. As the Steelers, led by Aaron Rodgers, face mounting injuries (Alex Highsmith, Max Scharping), Bradshaw’s diagnosis galvanizes the team and fans to honor his fight by chasing another Super Bowl.