Steelers' Terry Bradshaw Named Best Quarterback Cowboys Hall Of Famer Cliff Harris Ever Played Against

Former Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Terry Bradshaw has always been a bit of a polarizing figure in the Steel City. Many fans feel he should be revered for his toughness and for the four Lombardi Trophies he led the team to in the 1970s. Instead, he’s often remembered as unintelligent or turning his back on the city that once loved him.

During the 1970s, Pittsburgh and the Dallas Cowboys became dynasties. They frequently faced off against one another, despite being in different conferences, and the rivalry became quite heated. Pittsburgh however, owned the Cowboys that decade. They played Dallas in two Super Bowls, winning both. 

The battles were epic. You had Chuck Noll versus Tom Landry, Bradshaw versus Roger Staubach, and the Steel Curtain versus the Doomsday Defense. And who can forget Cowboys safety Cliff Harris getting thrown to the ground by Jack Lambert for taunting Steelers kicker, Roy Gerela? It is probably the single greatest reason Steelers fans remember Harris. However, Harris was no slouch. He helped the Cowboys win two Super Bowls and went to six Pro Bowls.  

The losses and the embarrassing takedown during a Super Bowl would lead you to believe that Harris would be bitter. But he isn't. Recently, Harris joined the Chasing Hardware podcast, hosted by Rich Lumelleau. He was asked who was the greatest quarterback he played against, and who was the quarterback who just drove him crazy.

"The number one guy that beat me in two Super Bowls was Terry Bradshaw. The thing that Terry had was physical ability, and people give him flack about not being the brightest guy, but I think he was good enough to win two Super Bowls against me. He was a discus champion when he was at Louisiana in school, so he could just throw a bullet, and accurately, at 40 yards and make it really difficult," recalled Harris.

Harris continues to dispel the myth that Bradshaw lacked intelligence, but says that the quarterbacks he found the most challenging were the smart ones like Bradshaw. They could pick apart Dallas' defense and know their systems as well as they did. 

Those who know Bradshaw say that he played up the "country bumpkin" persona a bit while in Pittsburgh, but it was all an act. He doesn't lack intelligence; he is very smart. As for that arm, he set a high school national record, throwing the javelin 244 feet, 11 3/4 inches. That led to over 200 colleges offering him track and field scholarships. Bradshaw also played baseball as a pitcher, but football was what he really loved. 

Should The Steelers Retire Terry Bradshaw's Jersey?

The Steelers are not a franchise that easily retires jerseys. In fact, in the more than 90 years they have existed, they have only retired three numbers—Ernie Stautner (70), Joe Greene (75), and Franco Harris (32), who was added in 2022. 

There are many Steelers players you could argue deserve to have their jersey numbers retired, but Bradshaw should be at the top of the list. His contributions to the game of football and Pittsburgh are undeniable. Most other quarterbacks of his caliber, and some who've done less, have already been honored. That includes Dan Marino, John Elway, Joe Montana, and Donovan McNabb. 

Bradshaw's complex relationship with the city and his former teammates might be part of what is holding it up. Bradshaw felt he didn't have a strong relationship with Noll during his time in Pittsburgh. He felt the fans didn't support him like they did other players. Since retiring, he has avoided the city, not attending any special events. That was until his close friend Mike Webster passed away. 

The franchise never has to admit that Bradshaw's cold shoulder is why they haven't retired his jersey. They can cover themselves with the fact that almost no one gets their jersey retired. 

What do you think about Harris' comments? Click to comment below. 

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