NFL legend Terry Bradshaw has learned to shield himself from online negativity, thanks to his wife.
The Hall of Famer, who has been a familiar face on Fox Sports’ broadcasting team, admitted that he doesn’t read any of the critical comments about him.
His wife takes it upon herself to keep the negativity away, ensuring he doesn’t dwell on harsh opinions.
“I’m sensitive, so I don’t read anything about myself ever,” Bradshaw shared.
“My wife knows that, and she keeps all the bad stuff away. I can handle it better now, and sometimes, I even have to calm her down.”
Despite his decorated career as a player and broadcaster, Bradshaw has faced his share of criticism, especially regarding his occasional verbal slip-ups on air.
As fans express concerns over his health, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback remains focused on doing what he loves.
Advice for Handling Criticism
While speaking ahead of the Super Bowl, Bradshaw addressed how he deals with public scrutiny and offered advice to those facing similar challenges.
Answering a question from Jameis Winston—who was working as a correspondent for Fox Sports Digital—Bradshaw emphasized the importance of mental resilience, particularly for quarterbacks.
“If you’re letting criticism get to you, then you’re not strong enough to play quarterback,” he said.
“You need to be strong in your head and in your heart.”
Bradshaw also referenced Tom Brady as an example of someone who doesn’t let outside opinions affect his game.
“Go talk to Tom Brady for a while, and you’ll understand. You can’t let people take away your dream. Shame on you if you do.”
Responding to On-Air Slip-Ups
Over the years, Bradshaw has been called out for some of his on-air remarks.
He previously came under fire for saying the Cleveland Browns should “put down” Deshaun Watson, and viewers have also commented on his speech, accusing him of slurring his words.
Despite this, he remains unfazed and encourages others to adopt the same mindset.
“Look, they can’t hurt you,” Bradshaw said.
“All they can do is write things about you. Let them. What do you care? Are you trying to impress them? Don’t. They’ll like you when you win, and then you move on.”
Eyeing Retirement at 80
As Bradshaw looks ahead, he has a clear timeline for when he plans to step away from broadcasting.
During Fox Sports’ media day, he revealed that he is targeting the 2029 Super Bowl as his retirement date, which would make him 80 years old at the time.
His health has been a topic of discussion, especially after battling both bladder and skin cancer between 2021 and 2022.
When asked about potential honors in his hometown, he joked, “Pittsburgh will probably give me a Terry Bradshaw Day when they find out I’m sick. I’d have to be really sick for that to happen.”
Post-Super Bowl Depression and Mental Struggles
Beyond criticism and career plans, Bradshaw also opened up about the emotional toll of playing in the NFL.
He revealed that he often struggled with depression after each Super Bowl win.
“I found it hard because I was tired—emotionally and mentally drained,” he admitted.
“Winning a Super Bowl is tough. Then you do it back-to-back, and you think, ‘Man, do I have to do this again?’”
The emotional weight of the game would often lead him into a dark place.
“The minute the Super Bowl was over, I’d go into a deep depression. It would take me weeks, if not longer, to come out of it,” he said.
“Then, slowly, I’d start working out again. But I never threw a football until June.”
As Bradshaw continues his career in sports broadcasting, his resilience and candid approach to handling life’s challenges serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in the NFL.
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