Terry Bradshaw: From Super Bowl Champion to Television Personality (Sports Icons and Issues in Popular Culture)

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. This Book Examines Terry Bradshaw's Celebrity Status That Has Grown And Developed Through Years Of Interacting With Football Fans And The Larger U.s. Culture. It Covers His Early Years Playing Football, His Growing Status As An Icon With The Pittsburgh Steelers, His Career In Broadcasting, And His Forays Into Country Music, Television, And Movies.-- Introduction: Terry Bradshaw In The Entertainment Industry -- Born In The Bayou: Making Heroes -- The Bradshaw Image: Moses V. Lil Abner -- Two Golden Rings: Becoming The Leading Man -- Two More Golden Rings: Taking Center Stage -- Little Bit Country & Little Bit Gospel: Old School Southern Singer -- From Advertising To Acting : Being A Good Old Boy -- Leaving It On The Field: Hero Digs Deep -- Press Box View : The Colorful Unfiltered Commentator -- Studio Analysis And Hijinks: Playing Terry Bradshaw -- Host, Guest Star & Commercials: Zany Uncle Terry -- Conclusion: Sports Icons And Celebrity Entertainers. Brett L. Abrams. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.