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Wednesday, November 19, 2003 Bleier defied the odds Rocky Bleier, who went to Notre Dame, was drafted not once but twice. In 1968, Bleier was drafted in the 16th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1969, he was drafted by the United States to fight in Vietnam. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, Bleier took shrapnel in both his legs and it seemed his football career was over. However, Bleier defied the odds and played again. Bleier rejoined the Steelers in 1970 and played for 10 more years. In 1976, Bleier and Franco Harris each rushed for over 1,000 yards. Harris had 1,128 yards while Bleier ran for 1,036. Bleier went on to author several books about his comeback and there was even a TV movie on Bleier's life.
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