Terry Bradshaw Got Too Comfortable And Crossed A Line

For some of us ex-athletes; the line between analyst and entertainer can get really blurry at times. This complex dynamic is magnified all the more, when multiple said individuals are grouped together on-set. The expectation, and occasional pressure, by the networks and viewers to be figuratively taken behind the sacred doors of the “locker room,” is a risky proposition for us as former players. If we aren’t careful, the very culture which birthed our careers will also betray us in front of the very same national audience. 

Perhaps this is precisely what happened last week on FOX NFL Sunday, when Terry Bradshaw loosely alleged previous steroid use by his co-hosts and fellow Hall of Famers, Michael Strahan and Howie Long, during their illustrious playing careers? 

“There are some things in life you just don’t want to face,” Bradshaw stated. “Number one, I don’t want to go fishing with Jimmy Johnson, and Jimmy Johnson takes his shirt off. I don’t want to see Howie, when Howie and Michael used to juice, take those steroids.”

To be fair, Terry did apologize moments later, yet, it was clear that he had crossed the line with his co-workers.

I would’ve been pissed too! What value did that comment bring to the conversation or analysis of the upcoming game? None! Then why even open that door?

I maintain profound respect for what T.B. has accomplished as a player and a broadcaster. In that we’ve yet to meet, I can only evaluate his personality based off what he depicts through the camera. He has assumed the role of the boisterous elder statesman of the group. You know the type; the “funny” old guy that reminds us of granddad or a favorite uncle. And that schtick works…until it doesn’t!

For the sake of desired humor, Terry had momentarily violated a long-standing code. Certain locker-room business remains there, and particular aspects aren’t to be addressed or associated with your football family publicly unless absolutely pertinent. 

Having spoken privately with numerous former players also working in media over the years, there is a real conundrum regarding how much of the lives we once lived to share with the viewing audience. We understand the fan’s appetite for intimate details, but at what cost? At the expense of potentially embarrassing or disrespecting a man’s family or blemish the career he made countless sacrifices for? NO THANKS!! 

That doesn’t mean that I won’t call a player out or be critical of his performance or behavior when the circumstances are warranted. That’s the job! However, it’s irresponsible of an analyst to just go off-the-cuff, especially, when sharing the desk in that exact moment with the very co-hosts in which the random comments target.

Given the delicate days and times of our industry, reputations of talent remain an extremely critical aspect of advancement and longevity, even for a couple of the most highly decorated players ever. Terry Bradshaw knows this, which is why he apologized on the spot. And I don’t for one moment believe he intended to embarrass the fellas. I think he got too comfortable and too cute for the sake of entertainment. Terry engaged Michael and Howie as if they were still sitting in their lockers, on the golf course, or dining together privately. 

Hardcore analysis on its own would likely bore most people. I can appreciate the attempted entertainment value to compliment the critiques. However, we need to keep in mind that certain forums are appropriate for certain elements of past locker-room behavior. Player-to-player banter can provide great content, as well as embarrassing televised moments if we aren’t careful. Pads and cleats or not Bro, I always got your back while that on air light flashes, and hopefully you still have mine.