Terry Bradshaw has opened up about his battle with cancer in 2022 and how it led to calls for his retirement from television.
Bradshaw was diagnosed with bladder cancer in November 2021 and later found out he also had Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, on his neck. One symptom of his illness was shortness of breath, which became apparent during an episode of FOX NFL Sunday in September 2022.
Despite choosing to keep his diagnosis private, viewers noticed his struggle and took to social media to criticize his performance and to call for his removal. In a 2022 interview, Bradshaw recalled: “I couldn’t breathe,” adding: “That’s when everybody notices. ‘What’s wrong with him?’
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“Social media went, ‘Get rid of him. He needs to be off the air. He’s an embarrassment.’ And I was like, ‘Embarrassment? I got cancer.” Meanwhile, in a conversation with TODAY, Bradshaw explained his decision to keep his diagnosis under wraps: “I didn’t talk about it because I didn’t want pity,” reports the Irish Star.
“I didn’t talk about it because a lot of celebrities – unfortunately, I’m one of those – when they say this, I think the perception around America with all the millions of people is, ‘Aw, look at him. Bless his heart. He has cancer. Well, my husband died of cancer! My kids are…’ I didn’t want that.”
One of Terry Bradshaw’s cancer symptoms caused concern when the public noticed something wrong on FOX NFL Sunday (
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bradshaw underwent treatment for his various cancer diagnoses at two different hospitals, opting for surgery to excise the illness. In a triumphant update from 2022, he shared: “Folks, I may not look like my old self, but I feel like my old self,” adding: “I’m cancer-free, I’m feeling great, and over time, I’m going to be back to where I normally am. So, I appreciate your prayers and your concern.”
Bradshaw’s illustrious career spanned 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, starting in 1970 until 1983, after being selected as the first overall pick in the NFL draft. A legendary quarterback, Bradshaw clinched four Super Bowl titles with the team, earning MVP honors twice, was inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and made it onto the franchise’s All-Time Team.
Throughout his storied career, he completed 2,025 out of 3,901 passes, throwing for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns, securing his legacy in the annals of NFL history. Post-retirement, he has been a mainstay on FOX NFL Sunday, becoming one of the most cherished sports analysts in the game.
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