Pittsburgh Steelers Community Farewell Show Raises $140 Million for Charity as Terry Bradshaw Set to Be Honored with Statue Outside Stadium
In a heartwarming and emotional night that will be remembered for generations, the Pittsburgh Steelers community came together for a grand Farewell Show—a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the team’s legendary past and enduring legacy. Held at Acrisure Stadium and attended by more than 70,000 passionate fans, the event raised a staggering $140 million for various charitable foundations throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
But the highlight of the evening was the emotional announcement that Terry Bradshaw, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships, will be immortalized with a life-sized statue outside the stadium. The bronze sculpture is set to stand proudly at the main entrance, joining the ranks of Steelers legends who have defined the franchise’s golden era.
A Night to Remember
The event was more than just a fundraiser—it was a deeply personal goodbye to an era of greatness, a tribute to the community that has bled black and gold for decades, and a heartfelt thank-you to the legends who built the Steelers’ dynasty.
The show featured musical performances, tribute videos, and appearances by current and former players, including Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris’s family, Hines Ward, Troy Polamalu, and Mike Tomlin. Steelers Nation packed the stadium with signs, chants, and cheers that echoed the passion that has defined Pittsburgh’s football culture for over half a century.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also attended the event, delivering remarks on the Steelers’ unique legacy and praising the team’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and philanthropy.
Terry Bradshaw: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Terry Bradshaw, now 76, was visibly emotional as he took the stage to thunderous applause. Wearing a classic black and gold suit jacket, Bradshaw addressed the crowd with humor, humility, and heartfelt gratitude.
“I never imagined a kid from Shreveport, Louisiana, would end up getting a statue outside a football stadium in Pittsburgh,” Bradshaw said. “This city made me a champion, gave me a family, and taught me what it means to fight for something bigger than yourself.”
Bradshaw, who played for the Steelers from 1970 to 1983, revolutionized the quarterback position with his toughness, leadership, and fearless deep-ball accuracy. He led the team to four Super Bowl victories (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) and was named Super Bowl MVP twice. Though his stats were often debated during his career, no one questioned his grit and will to win.
Beyond football, Bradshaw became a pop culture icon—an actor, singer, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. Yet through all his fame, his heart has always remained in Pittsburgh.
$140 Million Raised for Charity
The massive sum raised during the Farewell Show will be distributed among several charitable organizations. The Steelers announced that the funds will benefit:
The UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Promise (scholarships for local students)
Veterans’ support programs
Youth football initiatives across Western Pennsylvania
Mental health and suicide prevention efforts in honor of former players and fans
“This isn’t just about football,” said Art Rooney II, team president and son of the late Dan Rooney. “It’s about giving back to the community that has given us everything. It’s about honoring the past while building a better future.”
The Statue: A Monument to Toughness
The Terry Bradshaw statue will be unveiled in spring 2026. Sculpted by renowned artist Susan Wagner, who also created the Franco Harris “Immaculate Reception” statue, the monument will depict Bradshaw in his iconic No. 12 jersey, launching one of his trademark long passes.
The statue will stand just outside Gate A, where fans enter on game day, symbolizing leadership, resilience, and championship spirit. It will serve as a permanent reminder to future generations of the quarterback who helped redefine the sport.
Bradshaw joked, “I hope they don’t make me look too serious—I wasn’t known for keeping a straight face!”
Fans, Family, and Forever Memories
Fans at the Farewell Show were treated to never-before-seen footage of the 1970s Steelers teams, behind-the-scenes interviews, and a live question-and-answer session with Bradshaw, who fielded questions from young fans and old-timers alike.
Terry’s family joined him on stage, and at one point, he was joined by former teammates in an emotional group hug that left few dry eyes in the stadium. The moment was captured on the stadium’s massive video board as fans chanted “Bradshaw! Bradshaw! Bradshaw!”
A Legacy Sealed in Bronze and Brotherhood
Terry Bradshaw’s journey is not just one of athletic greatness but of enduring loyalty and connection to a city that embraced him through thick and thin. He faced criticism, battled injuries, and overcame adversity—not with flash but with fire, never backing down from the challenge.
As Pittsburgh looks toward a new generation of Steelers, the statue will serve as a rallying point for those who believe in tradition, tenacity, and team. It’s a testament not just to a quarterback, but to an era when the Steelers became a family.
Bradshaw closed the night with a simple, powerful message: “I love this city, and I always will. Thank you for everything, Pittsburgh. This one’s for you.”
And just like that, the stadium lights dimmed, fireworks lit up the sky, and the spirit of Steelers Nation burned brighter than ever.