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  Debate

Debate

Is it time for Terry Bradshaw to step down, or does his legacy demand he stays?

Terry Bradshaw has been on FOX NFL SUNDAY since it started in 1994. For 30 years, America watched his work on the NFL pregame show and it earned him three Sports Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst category in 1999, 2001, and 2008. Then, in 2018, he was given the responsibility of hosting THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL’s pregame and halftime shows. But even veterans can make a mistake and that’s exactly what took place.

Owing to this mistake, people urged him to retire. And it came from a place of concern. In fact, it was the same thing last year. He has been struggling with his delivery and there were times he confused players’ names and stats. He once again did something similar which made fans concerned.

Bradshaw is 76 now. And with that comes the occasional slip-up—those whoopsie-daisy we all have. But a lot more. During a Sunday segment, Bradshaw started talking about the Browns vs. Bengals, but the Bills vs. Titans highlights were rolling instead. It took him about five or six seconds to catch on. “Whoops, wrong one,” he admitted, but Curt Menefee was there to save the day as he quickly took over.

But of course, fans didn’t miss a beat calling it out like they have done before. However, Bradshaw doesn’t quite see it that way, though. He has openly shared his fear of losing the gig that is keeping him close to the game after his retirement as a football player. “When that time comes, when they say to me, ‘Happy Trails,’ oh man, you want to say that’s never going to happen,” he explained last week. But things don’t end here.

Remember in January when he was missing from FOX’s pregame coverage of the NFC Championship even though people expected to see him there? His absence from the network’s pregame show from Santa Clara (Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers), as reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, was because he was under the weather. Unfortunately, it was FOX’s last broadcast of the year and fans had to wait until the new season.

Earlier, he was also diagnosed with cancer. Speaking about it in 2022, he stated, I ran out of breath and Howie [Long] helped me off and a lot of people have asked what’s wrong with me, what’s happened to me physically and I just want to address it and let you know what has happened in my life.”

“In November (2021), I was diagnosed with bladder cancer. I went to the Yale University Medical Center for treatment and as of today I am bladder cancer free. All right, that’s the good news.” He also had to deal with Merkle cell tumor, which is a rare form of skin cancer. But as of today, he is cancer-free.

People admire his passion for the sport as Terry Bradshaw has been around for decades. But is it time he finally considered retiring from his analyst and hosting job as well?

Viewers were quick to point out Terry Bradshaw’s ‘senior moments’

With four Super Bowl rings and a Hall of Fame career, Terry Bradshaw is a legend—no question. But you know how fans can be ruthless and so, one bluntly wrote.

  • “Terry Bradshaw thought he was safe after winning 4 Super Bowls.”

Seems like even four titles don’t guarantee your immunity from a few missteps in the booth.

  • “Terry Bradshaw having too many senior moments during halftime update of Lions-Vikings game.”

Then, he had some other moments, too. During the Super Bowl LVII, the broadcasters, specifically Bradshaw, raised many eyebrows. It was the Super Bowl trophy presentation when he fumbled and made a fat joke at the expense of Chiefs coach Andy Reid. “Big guy … let me get the big guy in here. Come on, waddle over here,” he had stated.

Also, let us not forget his tendency to upstage the postgame ceremonies. In early 2023, he ruined the trophy presentation in Philadelphia after the Eagles won the NFC title by stating, “Fly Eagles Fly!” 

  • “Terry Bradshaw is a mumble rapper.”

Now, we all know that talking football isn’t the same as playing it. But for fans, it was starting to look like a tough watch. So much so that some even felt it was time for FOX to step in. This whole fiasco also reminds us of Lee Corso, 89, who still works on ESPN’s College GameDay. That’s a show he has been a part of since 1987.

  • “At some point we’re going to have to consider Terry Bradshaw doing the rapid halftime reports as elderly abuse.”
  • “What FOX does to Terry Bradshaw every week is despicable.”

Even a fellow (former) QB Boomer Esiason shared his concerns. In September. “I was worried about him. Is that the way it’s been?” Many fans are starting to feel the same. It’s tough watching a legend struggle, especially one who has been such a staple in football. The big question now is: How much longer can FOX delay making the call?

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