In a rare, unscripted moment, the Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw peeled back the curtain on the quieter heartbreaks of broadcasting. Mid-conversation, Bradshaw paused and asked a simple question to the host. That single question spiraled into a heartfelt tribute to a long-time colleague and friend. With a mix of humor and sentiment, Bradshaw painted a picture of camaraderie behind the cameras, of inside jokes, draft-day memories, and the shifting dynamics at FOX Sports.

Terry Bradshaw was featured in Fox’s interview. Amid the interactive discussion, Terry asked the host, “Hey, do you ever run into Dave Wannstedt?” The host of the interview replied with a “Yes”, which was followed by Bradshaw’s nostalgia and memories. Bradshaw said, “He [Dave Wannstedt] and I are big buddies. Especially during football season, cuz he gives me all my Bears inside stuff.” Before talking about Dave, the 76-year-old broadcaster was sharing his draft memories. And remembering those days when the Bears were ready to trade for Bradshaw, he couldn’t hold back recalling his recent memories with Dave Wannstedt when he was at FOX. 

But Bradshaw sadly continued, “I’m shocked that FOX didn’t keep him. I don’t understand television obviously, but he’s one of my favorite people, man.” And hilariously added, “Top 5 guys, call me Terr, nobody calls me Terr.” But what Bradshaw discussed here with a bit of hidden sadness is that Fox let go of his long-time friend, Dave Wannstedt. 

But before diving into why FOX fired him, let’s not forget that Dave Wannstedt is a Packers legend. He has been a head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers from 2005 to 2010. At that time, Bradshaw was fully into FOX Sports’ broadcasting. And as Terry himself has told, the Bears’ former HC Wannstedt used to give him the insider knowledge.

Dave turned heads with his broadcasting skills after football retirement, and Terry Bradshaw was no exception to it. Wannstedt joined FOX Sports in 2014. The Cowboys‘ former defensive coordinator contributed to FOX NFL Kick-Off on Sunday mornings throughout the NFL season. But in 2023, he wanted to join NBC, and that’s why he left the FOX NFL table. But you know, Wannstedt was not the only one to leave FOX NFL. After him, former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson also left FOX NFL. 

Jimmy Johnson left FOX after 31 years 

As Terry Bradshaw was talking about former Bears HC Wannstedt leaving FOX NFL, he also mentioned Jimmy Johnson while asking himself and the host why these firings are happening. It was March 2025 when Hall of Fame Head Coach Jimmy Johnson announced his retirement from Broadcasting after 31 years. He joined FOX’s broadcasting on Sunday’s games in 1994, and that journey crossed 31 years. 

Terry Bradshaw’s colleague at FOX and the Cowboys legend, Jimmy Johnson, shared his announcement on Colin Cowherd‘s podcast, ‘Herd with Colin Cowherd’. While talking about his retirement, 81-year-old Johnson said, “The most fun I’ve ever had in my career — that’s counting Super Bowls and national championships — was at Fox Sports. I have an absolute ball with my friends on the set — the best friends I’ve ever had, there with Fox…” But after saying this, he continued by shocking every NFL fan who has watched those two Super Bowl wins. 

Jimmy Johnson, sadly, added, “But I’ve made an extremely difficult decision. I’ve been thinking about it for the last four or five years. I’ve decided to retire from Fox. I’m gonna miss it. I’m gonna miss all the guys. I’ll see them occasionally. But it has been a great run starting back 31 years ago.” The legendary coach joined Terry Bradshaw and FOX after completing five years for the Cowboys in 1994. But then in 1996, he went to Miami to coach the Dolphins for four years. After completing his final head coaching journey, he remained an NFL analyst at FOX Sports. 

As Terry Bradshaw also mentioned, it’s heartbreaking for NFL fans and former players to see their favorite men retire. Now, the Steelers legend, Bradshaw, has announced a plan where he said that he will retire after 2029. If Bradshaw is retiring soon, there is no one to fill his shoes. Let’s see if he announces it earlier than 2029.