“It’s a great day because now I don’t have to pretend,” Terry Bradshaw recalled telling his father sometime in 1994, as he was readying himself for a new role in the NFL—one that wouldn’t compel him into political correctness. As he entered the FOX building on a sunny morning that same year, the 4x Super Bowl champion was ready for a new era of broadcasting combined with honesty, that would border on brutal more often that not. As numerous controversies threatened to upend his carefully crafted career, the man was determined: “People know and respect you when you’re honest.” But his legacy might finally be coming to an end after three long decades. Or at least that’s what fans think…

According to the NFL community, Bradshaw’s unfiltered take on players, strategies, and teams, coupled with perfect comedic timing (that made him a notable/popular figure on Fox NFL Sunday) has taken a hard hit due to his age. Case in point: On October 20’s edition of the pregame show, the 76-year-old started analyzing a game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals and Brown star Nick Chubb’s return from injury, while Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans highlights were playing. “Whoops, wrong one,” the veteran had remarked upon realizing the slip-up, leading his co-host Curt Menefee to take over for damage control. But Terry’s reputation took an unintended hit, showcasing an unsettling trend.

Later, during the segment, the former NFL player stumbled again. “Then Tank Br- Bigsby takes it in from one yard out. Jacksonville now with two victories on the year, 32-16 over New England,” he concluded. In another confusing monologue the very next week, Bradshaw left his co-hosts stunned when he brought up voodoo while discussing the New Orleans Saints. Talking about the team’s HC Denny Allen, the host said, “I called [Allen] and I said, ‘Listen, down in Louisiana where the tall pine trees grow lives a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau…I called Marie Laveau. She took her pot. She went into the Saints. They put all that potion in there…”

“Then they had [linebacker] Pete Werner come over, he got him a cup of it. Then [tight end] Taysom Hill, he got him a cup of it. Lattimore the corner, he got a cup of it. Carr, the quarterback, he took a cup, but he had to take some home, he needed a little bit more. All of these people are coming back. The Saints are decimated with injuries and Marie Laveau, God bless her, for coming in there…” This prompted Menefee to ask, “Did you have a cup of something over here? Because I’m wondering what’s going on.”

Additionally, Bradshaw had also made an ill-timed comment about Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton that left his colleagues stunned. Such mistakes have caused onlookers to wonder if it might be time for him to pack it in. The mounting errors—from misidentifying players to clumsy commentary—raise concerns that maybe he’s not as sharp as he once was. During a Week 9 highlight reel, he seemed lost while presenting the segment, triggering concerns about his cognitive abilities. Fans caught wind of this hiccup and began a collective gasp of disbelief over social media, amplifying worries about his health.

Despite the concerned murmurs, Bradshaw himself still seems upbeat about his role. He has expressed enjoyment in his time at FOX, remarking how exciting it is to work with his co-hosts. “I can’t wait to get there!” Yet, the contrast between his enthusiasm and the spectator’s reactions only adds to the complexities of his current situation. How much longer can he balance this career he loves with the visible signs of decline?

Fans call for Bradshaw’s retirement

Terry Bradshaw’s recent blunders have sparked an avalanche of reactions. Many fans took to social media to voice their concerns. A common sentiment is disbelief that he’s still on TV, with a user bluntly questioning, “How is Terry Bradshaw still on TV?“

Fans have also noticed his forgetfulness, as another pointed out: “Is it just me or does it seem like Terry Bradshaw forgetting a lot of things he should know?” This captures a wider worry that his missteps aren’t just flukes but part of a troubling trend. Specific errors, like calling Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins “Kerry Collins,” further fueled frustrations and led to comments like, “Terry Bradshaw needs to retire. Dude can barely read or get his words out during the halftime show.” Such harsh criticism reflects how some fans feel that his age is affecting his ability to deliver coherent broadcasts. If you didn’t already know, Bradshaw reportedly earns $2 million a year at FOX. 

Overwhelmed by the barrage of criticism, Bradshaw’s legacy is becoming a hot topic of discussion. Remarks like “Amazing they haven’t pushed these fossils into retirement years ago. Who’s tuning in for Bradshaw?” from a concerned viewer underscores the shift in audience sentiment. Notably, Terry Bradshaw has been battling ill health for a long time. In November 2021, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. While the veteran weathered the storm unharmed, he revealed being diagnosed with two forms of cancer (not one). During a routine medical check-up for a bad neck, doctors found a tumor and diagnosed him with Merkel cell carcinoma (a rare form of aggressive skin cancer) that same year. Currently, Terry Bradshaw is cancer free.

“Folks, I may not look like my old self, but I feel like my old self. I’m cancer free, I’m feeling great, and over time I’m going to be back to where I normally am. So I appreciate your prayers and your concern,” he shared in 2022.  

Anyhow, Bradshaw’s continued cheerfulness about his job clashes with fans’ urgent calls for him to step down. His steadfast remarks about loving his role don’t resonate with many who just want the best for him. The perception of him as a beloved ex-player with a declining capacity only stirs up further debate.