Veterans Day: Recognizing PFRPA Members Who Served in the Military

PFRPA is proud to recognize and celebrate PFRPA members who are veterans, as well as all who have served. 

This month, in honor of Veterans Day on November 11, we highlight five PFRPA members and acknowledge the many veterans within the retired NFL player community. 

Prior to making his NFL debut, Mike Anderson served four years in the United States Marine Corps. Anderson enlisted in the military upon completing high school in 1992. He deployed overseas on peacekeeping missions before he was honorably discharged in 1996 as a lance corporal. 

Anderson went on to play college football at Mt. San Jacinto Junior College and the University of Utah before he was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. The running back earned the franchise’s first NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and played seven NFL seasons before retiring in 2007.

Rocky Bleier spent his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing 11 seasons with the team. Following his rookie season, Bleier was drafted into the United States Army in December 1968, during the Vietnam War. Bleier volunteered for duty in South Vietnam, shipping out in May 1969. Bleier was wounded later that year and was told by doctors that he should not expect to play football again due to the severity of injury to his lower right leg and foot.

After nearly two years of service, Bleier rejoined the Steelers in 1970, but was placed on injured reserve for the season. The running back gradually increased his playing time each season, eventually going on to win four Super Bowls. At the time of his retirement in 1980, Bleier was the Steelers' fourth all-time leading rusher. 

Bleier has received honors for both his military service and football career. He is recognized in the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor and has received multiple military awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge.

Chad Hennings was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1988 but served four years in the United States Air Force before making his NFL debut. Upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Hennings entered pilot school and eventually became an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot. Hennings was deployed twice to the Persian Gulf and flew 45 missions, providing relief and humanitarian aid. Hennings was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal for his service twice.

Hennings made his NFL debut in 1992, rejoining the Cowboys as a defensive tackle and becoming a key reserve player. He went on to play his entire career with the team, winning three Super Bowls in four years (1992, 1993 and 1995) and contributing to one of the top-ranked defenses of the early nineties. 

PFRPA Board President Ron Mix served on active duty in the United States Army from 1961-1962, while also playing professional football. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Berlin crisis of 1961.

Over 11 seasons, the offensive tackle earned All-AFL honors nine times and was named an AFL All-Star eight times. Mix is a member of the AFL All-Time Team, Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame, and was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Roger Staubach played football at the U.S. Naval Academy; won the 1963 Heisman Trophy; and served four years in the United States Navy upon graduation. Staubach volunteered for a tour of duty in South Vietnam as a Supply Corps officer for the Navy. He supervised 41 enlisted men at the Chu Lai Base Area during the Vietnam War. Staubach completed his service in 1969 with the lieutenant rank.

Staubach entered the NFL in 1969 as a 27-year-old rookie, spending his entire 10-year career with the Dallas Cowboys. The quarterback went on to win two Super Bowls and was named MVP for Super Bowl VI. He led the NFL in passer rating for four seasons and earned six Pro Bowl selections throughout his career. In 1978, Staubach was awarded NFL Man of the Year for his excellence on and off the field. Staubach is a member of the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

PFRPA extends a heartfelt thanks to all who have served for their courage and sacrifice. We are profoundly grateful to our veterans and the enduring legacy of their service.

PFRPA is also proud to partner with Merging Vets & Players, an organization that empowers military, veterans and professional athletes to thrive when the uniform comes off, through fitness, health and wellness programs. To learn more, visit vetsandplayers.org.