They often say that as we age, our minds can be among the first parts to decline, and unfortunately, it appears that Terry Bradshaw is experiencing some of this at 76. The legendary former Pittsburgh Steeler, renowned not just for his remarkable skills as a quarterback but also for his vibrant personality, has recently come under scrutiny for his performance as a broadcaster and analyst. Fans and critics alike are beginning to wonder if he’s lost the spark that once made him a beloved commentator.
Recently, just as the Pittsburgh Steelers were set to announce the signing of Aaron Rodgers, Bradshaw didn’t pull any punches. He openly criticized both the Steelers and Rodgers, dismissing the entire situation as a “joke.” In a moment that raised eyebrows, he suggested that Rodgers should “stay in California and go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods.” The comments left many wondering if Bradshaw was out of touch—or if there was something deeper at play.
Cris Carter, a fellow NFL Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Viking, weighed in on the controversy. He argued that Bradshaw’s remarks indicate that “the game has passed him by.” Carter’s critique was sharp: “Just because you won four Super Bowls as a quarterback, that doesn’t shield you from criticism. You can’t go around criticizing everyone. I think Terry’s feelings about Aaron Rodgers are personal, and that’s clouding his judgment.” While Carter acknowledged Bradshaw’s entertaining presence on Fox, he noted, “No one is tuning into the pregame show to hear what Terry thinks anymore.”
In a further blow to Bradshaw’s credibility, Carter suggested that he hasn’t delivered a single “interesting” point in the last five to ten years. However, it is essential to contextualize this. Bradshaw has been a mainstay on Fox Sports for over three decades, co-hosting “Fox NFL Sunday” and contributing to what is consistently the most-watched pregame program. It’s also noteworthy that Carter himself was ousted from the same network, which makes his criticisms perhaps somewhat less reliable.
Interestingly, Aaron Rodgers took the high road in addressing the situation. When asked about how the media portrays him, Rodgers responded with surprising grace, highlighting the respect he holds for former players like Bradshaw. “We’re standing on the backs of those guys,” he explained, “and it’s because of how they played that we can have this opportunity to play this great game and earn well. I’d love to get to know Terry on a deeper level if he’s open to it—maybe we could go chew some bark or whatever he was talking about together.”
Rodgers also praised Bradshaw directly on “The Pat McAfee Show,” referring to him as “an absolute legend.” It’s clear that Rodgers, now taking the helm of the Steelers franchise, is focused on building bridges rather than burning them with one of the team’s most iconic figures.
As for Cris Carter, he seems to believe that fans won’t have to endure Bradshaw’s commentary for too much longer. The football great himself recently announced plans to retire after the conclusion of the 2029 Super Bowl, leaving many to ponder how his departure will impact the legacy he’s built as both a player and broadcaster.
This whole episode serves as a reminder of how complex and intertwined the world of sports can be—where personal feelings, past accomplishments, and current realities collide. Whether Bradshaw will rediscover his old magic or step aside gracefully remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation about aging legends in sports is one worth having.
Image Source: Cris Carter @ Instagram
