Drafted Twice: From the NFL to Vietnam and Back

April 10, 2019 00:36:31
Drafted Twice: From the NFL to Vietnam and Back
The Spear
Drafted Twice: From the NFL to Vietnam and Back

Apr 10 2019 | 00:36:31

/

Show Notes

In 1968, after one season as a professional football player, Rocky Bleier was drafted by the Army and sent to Vietnam. During a firefight, he was wounded twice. In this episode, he shares his story of combat, recovery, and ultimately his return to the NFL, where he had a successful career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Other Episodes

Episode

March 01, 2023 00:40:32
Episode Cover

The Strategic Lieutenant

Many episodes of The Spear have featured stories of action at the tactical level. This episode departs from that pattern, as Capt. Pete Mitchell ...

Listen

Episode 0

April 23, 2020 00:48:27
Episode Cover

Flying and Landing a Busted, Shot-Up Plane

In this episode of The Spear, US Air Force Col. Kim Campbell joins to share a story from 2003. A career A-10 pilot, during...

Listen

Episode

February 10, 2026 01:06:02
Episode Cover

Combat Interpreter in Iraq

Ayman Kafel and his family survived civil wars in Lebanon and Liberia before immigrating to the United States. Following the September 11 attacks, Ayman...

Listen