Always a Steeler Signed First Ed [signed] [first edition]

Terry Bradshaw came back to Pittsburgh and appealed to everyone to forgive him and welcome him back into the Steelers family. The celebrated prodigal son sought forgiveness from the fans, Coach Chuck Noll, the Rooneys and anyone else he might have offended for staying sway so long. Everybody was happy he had a change of heart. He learned, much to his surprise, that he was still one of Pittsburgh's most popular sports performers. No one had forgotten that Bradshaw quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships and was a key contributor to those glory days when Pittsburgh was heralded as "The City of Champions." Plus, he made them laugh. He came back to deliver a eulogy at the funeral of former teammate Mike Webster, whom he had introduced for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame only five years earlier. Then he returned for a nationally-televised Monday Night football game with the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field. It was one of the highlights of the 2002 season. He received a hero's welcome. His comeback was a great story. So was the comeback of another quarterback, Tommy Maddox, who displaced Kordell Stewart in the starting lineup and quickly captured the hearts of football fans everywhere. The death of Webster, known as "Iron Mike" in his playing days, at the age of 50 was a tragic story. It had reverberations throughout the Steelers' family.These are fascinating stories that provide real insights into the Steelers and the world of pro football. There are other Steelers and local football heroes - like Merril Hoge, Jim Clack, David Woodley and Pete Duranko - who were challenged by health issues. It was sobering stuff. Their stories are equally compelling and, and times inspirational.