Franco, Rocky & Friends: It Pays to be a Good Guy

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Franco Harris and Rocky Bleier are both good guys.
They are two of the most famous and popular sports
figures in the history of Pittsburgh. They contributed
mightily to Pittsburgh becoming known as “The City of
Champions.”
They have stood the test of time, nearly 50 years as
prominent citizens. The author has spent considerable
time in their company over much of that period, and especially
during the year he wrote these stories.
There were memorable trips with both of them, in a
black Mercedes-Benz driven by Bleier to and from the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio where Bleier
represented all the NFL players who had been war veterans.
There was a trip to Calgary, Canada in a corporate jet,
flying with Franco to speak at an awards banquet before
800 men, mostly Italian-
Canadians, when the author enjoyed
over 14 hours of one-on-one conversation with one
of the greatest stars in pro football history.
It was a great ride in both cases, at least for the author.
The more time he spent with these two outstanding
Steelers, the more he admired and respected them. They
genuinely care about their teammates, coaches, owners
and fans.
There are reflections here from teammates and
friends who examine both of them, and reveal them as
men of character, not just football stars. It’s about a special
time in Steelers’ football and it contrasts glaringly
with the current scene