PITTSBURGH — Much like all of us, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw isn’t used to being cooped up in his house for this long and he really misses sports.
“I’m 71 years old and I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Bradshaw told Channel 11′s Jenna Harner. “I’m not used to being home. The other night I watched the New England Indianapolis Colts game from, like, 15 years ago. There’s absolutely nothing on TV. I’d watch a bull fight, bug races. I miss them, [sports] I really do miss it.
With the NFL draft coming up Thursday night, Bradshaw reflected on his draft day experience when he was selected first overall in 1970.
“It was pretty much like this,” Bradshaw said, referring to the current era of self-isolation and social distancing. “A phone call."
“I got up early and loading the boat up on my truck and going fishing. I was pulling out of the driveway, my dad came out and stopped me. He made me park the boat, go inside and stay in the house all day waiting for the draft," Bradshaw said.
With the virtual nature of the 2020 draft, Bradshaw feels for the players who won’t get to experience walking on stage when they hear their name called.
“I’m disappointed for the players who won’t get their moment with Goodell, going up on the stage,” Bradshaw said. “For most of these athletes this is the day they’ve been hoping and long for.”
Even under the unusual circumstances, the former quarterback couldn’t contain his excitement for Thursday night.
“I love the draft. Sitting there feet propped up, dogs in my lap and I love the two-day event, especially the first two rounds. I always watch Pittsburgh to see what they do," he said.
The Steelers legend has a lot of faith in his team when it comes to their selection strategy.
“If there’s anybody in the draft who knows what they’re doing, it’s the Steelers. They’re a great drafting team.”
Bradshaw suggested Pittsburgh keep their eye on bringing in a wide receiver, especially now that Ben Roethlisberger is back after his elbow injury from a season ago.
“I hear that he’s progressing and that he’s on schedule, which is good. I hope he comes back and he’s healthy and we get a healthy Ben, what we’ve always had.”
When it comes to the return of football for the 2020-2021 season, Bradshaw is nothing but optimistic.
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“I do see the season playing out. All the scenarios can take place, but I see us having a season," he said. "America wants the season, we need to have football. I don’t even hesitate in my thinking about the NFL in the fall, I do believe we’ll have it. In what form it’s played, that’s the uncertainty.”
And when it comes to the possibility of playing without fans, Bradshaw said it may be a little strange, but jokingly added it’ll be just like practice.
“I can’t imagine playing and not having people cheer you on or boo you on," Bradshaw said. "But I can’t imagine what we’re going through with this pandemic either so I would say look there are so many things that are happening right now that are all new, we have never experienced before and if we have to play the NFL season without fans in the stadium, we can adjust to that. Will still have it on television, the players will still play hard, it’ll just be weird.”
And at the end of the day, Bradshaw reiterated how he believes sports will return, we just have to continue to adapt to the changes that come day by day.
“We can adjust," Bradshaw SAID. “That’s one thing about America, we’re great at adjusting. We want it, we’ll do what’s best to get it back. I’m quite sure we will.”
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