Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – One of the most iconic pieces of memorabilia in Pittsburgh Steelers history is being put toward a mission bigger than football, as legend Terry Bradshaw has decided to sell his famous Super Bowl XIII jersey to support a former teammate who is facing the toughest battle of his life.
The No. 12 jersey is the very uniform Bradshaw wore in the thrilling 35–31 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on January 21, 1979, a game that further cemented his place among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Bradshaw completed 17 of 30 passes for 318 yards and threw 4 touchdown passes in that game, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
Decades later, the jersey that witnessed one of the greatest peaks of the Steelers dynasty is now being used by Bradshaw to help Lynn Swann, the teammate with whom he created countless unforgettable moments.
Swann is battling Parkinson’s disease, a challenge completely different from anything he ever faced on the football field.
Bradshaw said his decision to sell the jersey was not driven by the financial value of the item, but by the meaning it could create for someone who once fought alongside him.
“We stood side by side for so many years. He is part of some of the greatest memories of my football life. Now, as he fights an opponent tougher than any hit we ever faced on the field, I want this jersey to fight for him too, just like he once fought for Pittsburgh.”
Bradshaw’s Super Bowl XIII jersey was recently sold privately for $1.515 million, a figure Goldin described as a record price for an NFL jersey.
That number is especially remarkable because the same jersey was sold for $720,000 in 2023, meaning its value more than doubled in just three years.
But in this story, Bradshaw wants to turn that record price into a symbol of brotherhood rather than simply another milestone in the memorabilia market.
Lynn Swann was one of the Steelers’ most important receivers during their golden era, known for his spectacular leaping ability, big-play instincts and special chemistry with Bradshaw.
Swann’s most famous moment came in Super Bowl X, when he caught the game-clinching touchdown from Bradshaw and earned Super Bowl MVP honors with four receptions for 161 yards. He later helped Pittsburgh win Super Bowl XIII as well, making him an important part of the roster that dominated the NFL in the 1970s.
For Bradshaw, those memories made their relationship something far greater than simply that of a quarterback and receiver.
“This jersey once represented victory, pressure and moments we will never forget,” Bradshaw shared. “If it can represent hope today, I cannot think of a better purpose for it.”
According to the scenario, the proceeds will be used to support Swann during his treatment, while also contributing to research programs and assistance for former NFL players facing neurological diseases.
The reaction from the Steelers community quickly became emotional, with many fans viewing Bradshaw’s decision as proof of a brotherhood that continues long after playing careers come to an end.
For a franchise built by generations of legends such as Bradshaw, Swann, John Stallworth, Franco Harris and Mean Joe Greene, the story serves as a reminder that the strongest bonds are not measured by touchdowns or Super Bowl rings.
The No. 12 jersey that helped mark one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history now carries an entirely different meaning.
It no longer represents only 4 touchdown passes, an MVP award or a 35–31 victory.
In this story, the jersey becomes a reminder that even decades after the final whistle, the men who once fought together in Pittsburgh black and gold continue to stand beside one another.
