After graduating from Louisiana Tech, Bradshaw was the first player selected in the 1970 NFL draft. During his first several seasons, the 6'3" (190 cm), 215 lb. (97 kg) quarterback was erratic and was ridiculed by the media for his rural roots and perceived lack of intelligence. He eventually became the premier quarterback in the NFL, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to eight AFC Central championships and the unprecedented collection of Super Bowl rings. He was named the Most Valuable Player in both Super Bowl XIII (35-31 over the Dallas Cowboys) and Super Bowl XIV (31-19 over the Los Angeles Rams). He made significant contributions in Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X.
Bradshaw had a strong throwing arm and, unlike many quarterbacks who rely on coaches to call plays, Bradshaw called his own plays throughout his pro career.
In his 14-season career, Bradshaw completed 2,025 of 3,901 passes for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He also rushed 444 times for 2,257 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Bradshaw was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player by the Associated Press in 1978. He was also selected to play in three Pro Bowl games. In 1972 he threw the pass leading to the Immaculate Reception, the most famous play in NFL history.
Since retirement, he has been a football analyst for CBS and the Fox Network. He has appeared in numerous television commercials, had cameos in many shows, and has appeared in several movies including a 1981 appearance in Cannonball Run. He also hosted a short-lived television series in 1997 called "Home Team with Terry Bradshaw".