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Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

From the Super Bowl to the NPAC stage

You saw him on the big screen last Sunday. Now see him Live at the Niswonger in Van Wert on April 17! Terry Bradshaw, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, has spent much of his life playing, reporting and commenting on football. But did you know that he is also an author, singer, and actor?

By Tafi Stober

Terry Bradshaw was born on September 2, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and went on to be named an All-American while playing for Louisiana Polytechnic Institute.

The first player selected in the 1970 NFL draft, Bradshaw went to great success with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his 14-year NFL career he helped take his team to the Super Bowl several times and rightfully earned four Super Bowl rings in six years. Following his Hall of Fame career, he became a leading television personality and analyst for the NFL.

During his first few years, Terry lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The next year, he and his teammates took on the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl again and then repeated the following year with Bradshaw being selected as the Super Bowl’s “Most Valuable Player”. He was also recognized as the NFL “Player of the Year” for his accomplishments on the field.

With an arm like a cannon, Bradshaw continued to succeed as the quarterback of the Steelers. He won the Super Bowl MVP Award again in 1980 after helping his team defeat the Los Angeles Rams. Terry Bradshaw retired in 1983 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, his first year of eligibility. 

The next era in Bradshaw’s life story was that of a sports commentator. Having been a guest commentator for CBS Sports over the years, Bradshaw became one of the network’s game analysts. He eventually joined the staff of the show “The NFL Today” and, after 10 years, joined Fox Sports. He became one of the co-hosts and analysts on “Fox NFL Sunday”. With a sharp strategic mind and a warm sense of humor, Bradshaw has emerged as one of football’s most popular commentators.

Terry Bradshaw (front left) interviews Kansas City Chiefs Coach Andy Reid following the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LIV. photo provided

So what is it that led Bradshaw to the Niswonger stage in 2020? Bradshaw is also an author, singer, actor, and motivational speaker. He has written several bestsellers, including It’s Only a Game (2001). Terry is a born-again Christian and has recorded gospel and country music, scoring a Top 10 hit in 1976 with his cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” This lead to the present day and his desire to tour with admired friends and Gospel artists, The Isaacs. 

The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 35 years ago are based out of Hendersonville, Tennessee. The vocalists are mother Lily Isaacs and siblings Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. Playing their own acoustic instruments and joined by other band members, The Isaacs have a unique style that blends tight family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences.  Their musical style has been influenced by many genres of music including bluegrass, rhythm and blues, folk, and country, contemporary, acoustic and southern gospel. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry,  are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series, and travel internationally throughout the year.

They said they feel blessed to be able to travel and spread the message of hope and grace through song and story. And now, touring with Terry Bradshaw adds another interesting chapter to that story.

Be entertained in Van Wert on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center with an American Icon who will prove that there is more to this gridiron great than trophies. Is it possible that his voice can be golden too? Tickets for Terry Bradshaw and the Isaacs are on sale now from $35 at NPACVW.ORG or 419.238.6722.

POSTED: 02/07/20 at 1:06 am. FILED UNDER: News