Ex-NFLer Bleier to speak at OTR Conference

BOWIE, Md. (Oct. 6, 2016) — Former NFL football player and U.S. military veteran Rocky Bleier will be the motivational speaker at the 2017 OTR Conference in Oahu, Hawaii, according to conference organizer the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

During his presentation, Mr. Bleier will detail how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things and will discuss what it takes to successful in the 21st century.

The event is scheduled for Feb.15-18 at the Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu.

His own story is one of perseverance and determination. Mr. Bleier did not look like a running back, but he learned to run harder and play smarter in an effort to stand out on the field.

A late-round draft pick out of Notre Dame in 1968 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mr. Bleier played only part of a season before being drafted into the U.S. Army at the height of the Vietnam War.

Mr. Bleier was seriously injured in combat in August 1969 when his platoon was ambushed. He suffered wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs and was barely able to walk.

That didn't stop him from following his biggest dreams. He pushed himself through recover and, after two years of recovery, he made it back to the gridiron, returning to play in 1971 for the Steelers, He became the starting running back for the team in 1974 and was part of a franchise that went on to capture four Super Bowl titles.

He retired after the 1980 season.

Mr. Bleier's presentation is planned for Feb. 17. For more information about the OTR Conference, visit the TIA website.