The gridiron and the battlefield might seem worlds apart, but for former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier, they are stages upon which his extraordinary life has played out. According to  SteelersNOW through WPXI, the four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam War veteran has been nominated for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award presented by USAA.

After trading his football cleats for army boots in 1968, Bleier's career with the Steelers was halted by his military service. SteelersNOW reported that he was awarded several military honors, including a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge, a testament to his bravery on the battlefield. Despite the injuries and time lost, Bleier made a remarkable return to the NFL, appearing in a whopping 148 games post-injury, and was an integral part of the Steelers' Super Bowl victories in the seventies.

A closer look at Bleier's work reveals his involvement with many veteran-centric initiatives. As TribLive reported, aside from his support for Operation Strong Vet, NaVOBA, and Victory Media, he has put his weight behind the Veterans Leadership Program and Heroes Run. His efforts underline deep-set respect and genuine care for those who have donned the nation's uniform.

Bleier is nominated for an award honoring NFL affiliates dedicated to supporting the U.S. Armed Forces. Fans can vote daily for their favorite candidates throughout November. Finalists will be announced in January, and the winner will be revealed at the NFL awards gala in February, just before the Super Bowl.