Terry Bradshaw acknowledged that he was “biased” during FOX NFL Sunday’s Week 1 coverage on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The comment drew attention because Bradshaw spent his entire NFL playing career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and won four Super Bowls with the franchise. He remains a co-host of FOX NFL Sunday, where his decades-long connection to Pittsburgh continues to shape how viewers interpret his opinions.
Introduction
Terry Bradshaw has never been a difficult figure to connect with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he effectively acknowledged that reality during FOX NFL Sunday’s opening-week coverage of the 2026 NFL season.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback admitted he was “biased” during the live FOX broadcast on Sunday, September 13, as the network’s NFL studio team previewed the day’s games.
The comment stood out because Bradshaw’s relationship with Pittsburgh is unusually deep. He was selected by the Steelers with the first overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, spent his entire 14-year playing career with the franchise and helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowl championships. FOX identifies him as a four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and a longtime FOX NFL Sunday co-host.
The timing also mattered. Pittsburgh was beginning the 2026 season at home against the Atlanta Falcons, giving Bradshaw’s former team an immediate place in the national football conversation. The Falcons-Steelers game was one of FOX’s Week 1 regional broadcasts on Sunday afternoon.
While the exact complete exchange surrounding Bradshaw’s “biased” remark is not available in a reliable searchable transcript, the admission itself fits naturally into the broader story of one of football television’s most recognizable personalities.
What Happened on FOX NFL Sunday?
FOX NFL Sunday returned for the first full Sunday of the 2026 NFL regular season on September 13.
Bradshaw appeared on the studio program with Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski, with Jay Glazer also contributing NFL news and reporting. FOX’s Week 1 coverage began before the early-afternoon games, with the studio panel discussing the day’s matchups and storylines.
During the discussion, Bradshaw acknowledged that he was biased.
That short admission immediately had an obvious point of reference for NFL fans: Pittsburgh.
Bradshaw is one of the most accomplished players in Steelers history, and his entire professional playing career was tied to the organization. He was the quarterback during the Steelers’ dominant run of the 1970s and won four Super Bowls.
That background makes any discussion involving Pittsburgh different when Bradshaw is part of the conversation.
It also makes his willingness to acknowledge a personal preference noteworthy.
Rather than pretending that his history with the Steelers does not exist, Bradshaw openly recognized it.
Why Bradshaw’s “Bias” Comment Got Attention
Sports analysts are expected to offer opinions, predictions and evaluations.
But former players bring something different to those conversations.
They have lived inside NFL locker rooms. They know what it is like to prepare for a Sunday game, deal with coaches and teammates, face opposing defenses and perform under enormous pressure.
The trade-off is that former players also have personal histories with teams and individuals.
Bradshaw’s case is particularly clear.
He did not play for several NFL franchises before moving into television. He played for one: Pittsburgh.
His Steelers career lasted from 1970 through 1983, and it produced four championships.
So when Bradshaw discusses Pittsburgh, viewers are naturally aware of where he came from.
His admission that he was “biased” can therefore be interpreted as an acknowledgment of perspective rather than evidence that his analysis is automatically wrong.
That distinction is important.
An opinion can be influenced by personal history without being deliberately misleading.
Terry Bradshaw’s Steelers Legacy
Bradshaw’s connection with Pittsburgh goes back more than five decades.
The Steelers selected him No. 1 overall in 1970. He eventually became the quarterback of one of the most successful teams in NFL history.
Under head coach Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh developed into a powerhouse during the 1970s.
Bradshaw was the quarterback when the Steelers won Super Bowls IX, X, XIII and XIV.
His individual achievements were significant as well.
He was named Super Bowl MVP twice and eventually earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
That résumé explains why Bradshaw’s relationship with Pittsburgh remains such a central part of his public identity.
Even decades after his retirement as a player, he is still introduced and discussed as a Steelers legend.
FOX’s official biography continues to describe him as a four-time Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and a prominent NFL studio personality.
Bradshaw Is Still a Major Part of FOX NFL Sunday
The latest broadcast did not represent a one-off appearance.
Bradshaw remains part of FOX’s long-running NFL studio program.
FOX says Bradshaw has been with FOX NFL Sunday since its inception in 1994. That means his association with the program now stretches across more than three decades.
His longevity is remarkable when viewed alongside the changing nature of sports television.
Players, coaches, analysts and hosts have come and gone, while Bradshaw has remained one of the recognizable faces associated with the program.
FOX’s current NFL programming continues to list him among its NFL voices, alongside personalities including Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski.
The continuing presence of Bradshaw also means that viewers are familiar with his personality and his tendency to make direct, sometimes humorous observations.
The “biased” admission fits that television persona.
The Steelers Were Already a Major Week 1 Story
Bradshaw’s comment came on a day when Pittsburgh was naturally going to receive substantial attention.
The Steelers opened the 2026 regular season against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium.
The matchup was particularly interesting because Pittsburgh entered the season with a new head coach.
Mike McCarthy took over the Steelers after the organization moved on from Mike Tomlin, giving the franchise a significant change at the top of the coaching structure.
That meant the Steelers were already one of the more closely watched teams heading into Week 1.
For Bradshaw, the opening game provided another opportunity to discuss the franchise that defined his playing career.
The FOX broadcast therefore brought together three elements: a new Steelers era, Bradshaw’s historic connection to the organization and a national television audience watching the team’s first game.
Bradshaw’s Long Broadcasting Career
Bradshaw’s transition from football player to television personality is one of the better-known post-playing careers in professional sports.
FOX NFL Sunday launched in 1994, and Bradshaw has been part of it from the beginning.
According to FOX, his work on the program earned him three Sports Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst category, in 1999, 2001 and 2008.
His television career has also given him a second identity beyond his playing achievements.
For younger NFL fans who never watched Bradshaw play, his voice and personality on FOX NFL Sunday may be more familiar than footage of his Steelers career.
That is part of what makes his comments so widely noticed.
Bradshaw is not simply a former player appearing occasionally on television. He is a central figure in one of the NFL’s longest-running pregame broadcasts.
The “Biased” Admission Does Not Mean His Analysis Is Invalid
It is easy for sports discussions to turn the word “biased” into an accusation.
But the context matters.
Bradshaw acknowledging bias does not establish that he intentionally provides inaccurate information.
Former players routinely have preferences based on their experiences.
A former quarterback may have strong opinions about quarterbacks. A former defender may evaluate defensive players differently. A former coach may place more importance on preparation and scheme.
Those perspectives can make sports television more interesting.
At the same time, viewers should understand where an analyst is coming from.
In Bradshaw’s case, the Pittsburgh connection is impossible to separate from his football identity.
He played 14 seasons for the Steelers, won four championships and became a Hall of Famer wearing Pittsburgh’s colors.
His perspective is therefore informed by a relationship that stretches back to the beginning of his professional career.
What FOX Has Confirmed
There is no indication that FOX has changed Bradshaw’s role because of his comments.
FOX’s current programming information continues to identify him as a FOX NFL Sunday personality.
FOX’s NFL coverage for Week 1 also identified Bradshaw as part of the Sunday studio team alongside Menefee, Long, Strahan, Gronkowski and Glazer.
That is important because it places the “biased” comment in the category of an on-air sports discussion rather than a reported dispute between Bradshaw and the network.
There is no verified evidence that FOX has reprimanded him or intends to remove him from the program.
Bradshaw’s 2026 Return Comes After Retirement Questions
Bradshaw’s continued presence on television is also noteworthy because retirement has been a subject of discussion around the veteran broadcaster.
In a recent Sports Business Radio appearance, Bradshaw discussed the possibility of eventually stepping away but indicated that he did not intend to voluntarily retire from FOX. Reports on that conversation emphasized that any final decision about his television future would involve the network.
Despite those discussions, FOX’s 2026 NFL programming confirms that Bradshaw remains part of the Sunday show.
That means fans can expect to continue seeing the veteran broadcaster during the NFL season.
Bradshaw Has Also Been Reflecting on His Life Away From Football
The 2026 season arrives during another important period in Bradshaw’s public life.
Earlier in September, Bradshaw spoke publicly about his health, faith, marriage and mortality during an appearance on the “No Time But Now” podcast hosted by William Shatner and Melanie Shatner Gretsch.
FOX News reported that Bradshaw discussed surviving two forms of cancer and how those experiences changed his outlook. The conversation came ahead of his memoir, Looking for Terry: A Memoir.
The memoir is scheduled for publication in October 2026.
Those reflections provide a broader picture of Bradshaw at this stage of his life.
He is no longer simply remembered as the quarterback who won four Super Bowls. He has spent decades building a second career in television and has increasingly spoken about his life away from the football field.
What Makes FOX NFL Sunday Different?
One reason Bradshaw’s comments can generate attention is the personality-driven nature of FOX NFL Sunday.
The program is not structured like a formal news conference.
It combines analysis, predictions, interviews, humor, debate and personalities.
Bradshaw has been central to that format since its earliest days.
The show has also developed a recognizable chemistry among its former players and hosts.
That atmosphere allows analysts to express strong opinions and occasionally acknowledge personal preferences.
Bradshaw’s “biased” comment therefore needs to be considered within the style of the program rather than treated automatically as a serious controversy.
Why the Moment Matters to NFL Fans
For NFL viewers, the larger lesson is about understanding the perspective behind sports analysis.
Fans often want analysts to make definitive predictions.
But analysts are not machines producing completely neutral calculations.
They have playing histories, coaching experiences, friendships and personal relationships with the sport.
Bradshaw’s situation simply makes that reality particularly visible.
His connection to Pittsburgh is one of the strongest possible examples because his entire NFL career took place with the same franchise.
At the same time, his decades of television experience give him a perspective that most fans do not have.
The best way to consume such analysis is to consider both sides.
Bradshaw’s experience can make his observations valuable, while his acknowledged connection to Pittsburgh is something viewers can keep in mind when evaluating his opinions.
What Happens Next for Terry Bradshaw?
For now, the expectation is straightforward: Bradshaw will continue his role on FOX NFL Sunday during the 2026 NFL season.
FOX has confirmed his place in its NFL coverage, and the Week 1 broadcast demonstrated that he remains an active part of the studio presentation.
The more interesting question for Steelers fans will be how Bradshaw evaluates Pittsburgh as the season progresses.
The Steelers entered 2026 with a new head coach and a new chapter for the organization.
Every victory, defeat and major storyline involving Pittsburgh gives Bradshaw another reason to discuss his former team.
And after openly acknowledging his own bias, those comments may receive even more attention from viewers who know exactly where his football loyalties began.
The Bigger Story Behind the Viral Moment
The “biased” admission is ultimately a small moment inside a much bigger career.
Bradshaw has gone from No. 1 overall draft pick to four-time Super Bowl champion, Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the longest-serving NFL television personalities.
His connection to Pittsburgh is not something that can be separated from that history.
It is part of why fans know him.
It is part of why FOX hired him.
And it is part of why his opinions about the Steelers continue to generate interest more than four decades after he played his final NFL game.
For viewers watching FOX NFL Sunday in 2026, the moment offered a reminder that sports analysis often comes with a point of view.
Bradshaw simply said out loud what many viewers already knew.
His history with Pittsburgh is personal.
His opinions are his own.
And his place on FOX NFL Sunday remains firmly established as the new NFL season gets underway.
FAQs
What did Terry Bradshaw admit on FOX NFL Sunday?
Terry Bradshaw acknowledged during FOX NFL Sunday’s Week 1 coverage that he was “biased.” The admission attracted attention because of his lifelong connection to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why is Terry Bradshaw associated with the Steelers?
Bradshaw spent his entire NFL playing career with Pittsburgh. The Steelers selected him first overall in the 1970 NFL Draft, and he led the franchise to four Super Bowl victories.
Is Terry Bradshaw still on FOX NFL Sunday?
Yes. FOX continues to list Bradshaw as a FOX NFL Sunday co-host and analyst. He has been with the program since its launch in 1994.
How many Super Bowls did Terry Bradshaw win?
Bradshaw won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers: Super Bowls IX, X, XIII and XIV. He was also named Super Bowl MVP twice.
How long has Terry Bradshaw worked for FOX?
Bradshaw has been part of FOX NFL Sunday since the program began in 1994. FOX says he has been with the show for 32 consecutive years.
Was Terry Bradshaw’s “biased” comment a controversy?
There is no verified evidence that FOX treated the comment as a disciplinary issue or changed Bradshaw’s role. The available evidence shows that he remains part of FOX’s 2026 NFL coverage.
Who hosts FOX NFL Sunday with Terry Bradshaw?
Curt Menefee and Bradshaw are hosts/co-hosts, while Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski are among the show’s prominent analysts and contributors. Jay Glazer also provides NFL reporting.
When did the Steelers begin the 2026 NFL season?
Pittsburgh opened the 2026 regular season against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The matchup was part of FOX’s Week 1 NFL coverage.
Is Terry Bradshaw a Hall of Fame quarterback?
Yes. Bradshaw is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and a four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Why does Bradshaw’s Steelers connection matter when he gives NFL opinions?
Because Pittsburgh was the only NFL team Bradshaw played for. His entire 14-year career, including four Super Bowl championships, was spent with the Steelers. That history naturally gives him a unique perspective when discussing the franchise.
Sources
Primary and authoritative sources
- FOX Sports — Terry Bradshaw official biography: career, Steelers achievements, FOX NFL Sunday history and broadcasting accomplishments.
- FOX / LiveNOW from FOX — 2026 NFL Week 1 viewing information: FOX NFL Sunday lineup and Week 1 schedule.
- FOX Sports — NFL coverage: current FOX NFL programming and Bradshaw’s continuing role as an NFL voice.
- FOX News — September 2026 interview report: Bradshaw’s recent discussion of his health, faith, mortality and upcoming memoir.
Additional reporting
- The Washington Post: background on the long-running FOX NFL Sunday team’s relationships and Bradshaw’s role within the group.
- The Spun: contemporary report on Bradshaw’s “biased” admission during the 2026 FOX NFL Sunday broadcast.
Accuracy note: The “biased” wording is based on the contemporary report of Bradshaw’s live FOX NFL Sunday remark. Because a complete authoritative transcript of that specific exchange was not available, this article does not invent additional dialogue or claim a specific motive that has not been independently confirmed.
