NFL Legend Terry Bradshaw, 78, Reveals the ‘Hardest’ Part of His Lifelong Battle With Depression

Terry Bradshaw is sharing a side of his life that was far harder to confront than anything he faced during his 14-season NFL career.

The four-time Super Bowl champion, 78, spoke about his lifelong battle with clinical depression while promoting his memoir, Looking for Terry, which was released Tuesday, October 13.

In an interview with People published on Tuesday, October 13, he said seeking help was one of the hardest things he had ever done.

“Finally saying, ‘Hey, I’m really [expletive] up. I need to get some help,'” was difficult for the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who eventually turned to a therapist, psychiatrist and pastor.

According to the outlet, Bradshaw was diagnosed with depression in the late 1990s, after his NFL career had ended and his broadcasting career was taking off — which also came when he was navigating his third divorce.

His wife, Tammy Bradshaw, whom he married in 2014, has also become an important source of support.

Terry says Tammy, 65, knows how to redirect him when he informs her he’s not “having a good day,” explaining, “She just gets me out of it. She gets my mind off of it. She frees me up. We do something. We talk about it.”

Terry said he no longer believes that his struggle is something to hide. “Men think that’s a weakness. I got past it being a weakness. It’s a sickness,” he told People. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting you’ve got issues.”

Even while navigating mental health issues, Bradshaw says slowing down professionally is not part of the plan yet.

Bradshaw told the Los Angeles Times on October 11 that he signed a new FOX Sports deal that will carry him through the network’s 2028 Super Bowl broadcast.

“I love my job,” he said. “So I signed through the Super Bowl. Two more years. I’ll be 80.”

After decades in football and television, Bradshaw still wants to be there: “I want to be relevant. I want to be good. I want to continue on.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

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