The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense often gets much of the credit for the team’s success in the 1970s, and with good reason. The “Steel Curtain” is arguably the greatest defense in NFL history. However, that unit wasn’t the only reason for Pittsburgh’s success. The Steelers’ offense was also loaded with talent, including quarterback Terry Bradshaw. While Bradshaw’s career numbers might not look too impressive compared to more recent stars, he’s satisfied with what he accomplished.
“I wish, for ego’s sake, I had thrown for 400 touchdowns,” Bradshaw said in a video posted by Philadelphia Sports Network’s David Neisz on Twitter. “I wish I’d have completed 70 percent of my passes. Just ego talking here. But when I look at my performance, I look at it like a business. I was hired to quarterback a team and win, and you do that by winning championships. So, I did my job.”
Bradshaw might wish his stats were better, but he was still one of the best quarterbacks of his generation, and he earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bradshaw finished his 14-year career with 27,989 passing yards, 212 touchdowns, and 210 interceptions. Compare his numbers to those of Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers’ other franchise quarterback. Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns, and 211 interceptions in 18 seasons.
Bradshaw’s numbers pale in comparison to Roethlisberger’s. However, it’s unfair to judge what Bradshaw did based off today’s standards. The NFL was much different during his era.
It might be fairer to compare Bradshaw’s career numbers to another top quarterback from his era. Roger Staubach, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-1979 and also a member of the Hall of Fame, recorded 22,700 passing yards, 153 touchdowns, and 109 interceptions.
That gives a better perspective on Bradshaw’s career. Could his stats have been better? Yes, but the NFL wasn’t as pass happy in the 70s as it is today. Bradshaw even called his own plays. If he entered the league today and had access to current resources, then he might’ve had a better statistical career.
And the most important stat of Bradshaw’s career is that he went 4-0 in the Super Bowl. He’s only one of three starting quarterbacks to win that many championships. The other two are Joe Montana and Tom Brady.
Also, Bradshaw was named MVP of two of those Super Bowls, showing just how important he was. He did his job, and then some. The Steelers wouldn’t be the same without Bradshaw, no matter what his statistics look like.
