Most of the world knows Terry Bradshaw as an NFL legend. Hall of Famer, former Steelers Quarterback for 14 seasons, 4 times Super Bowl Champion, you know, the whole nine yards. But people who know him a bit better would tell you even more amazing stories about him. Did you know that when he was trying to make it big as a QB, he was also a used-car salesman? Most NFL players back in the day didn’t make enough money for football to be their only career. In the 1970s and 1980s, he also appeared in peanut butter ads with his name and face on the label. Then there’s his Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey as well. This guy brings his A-game energy to literally everything he does. And now, he’s making his name heard loud in the equine industry.

Terry Bradshaw’s passion for horses started with his grandfather. He once said, “I always loved horses. My grandfather farmed with Clydesdales and I used to ride them when he plowed the field. I loved the smell. I started with roping but got dragged by a horse, and the Steelers weren’t happy with that. So, I moved into the Halter arena. I didn’t know much about them, but I came across a Quarter Horse Journal and I started studying the Quarter Horses.” And it is with this drive and passion that Terry started the Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses (TBQH) about 27 years ago. Terry brings the same gridiron enthusiasm and charisma to his ranch now. And with renowned trainer Ken McPeek, he’s slowly gearing up for even bigger things.

On a Fox 32 Chicago Sports show, Terry spoke to Lou Canellis about his horses. “You know, I have great stallions now. We have the best stallions. We have top stallions in our industry. Kenny McPeek got me involved in thoroughbred racing and so I’ve got three horses with Kenny McPeek. For thoroughbreds just you know the singing, the entertainment on the stage is really where I bel[ong], that’s where God put me – that’s where I’m my happiest when I’m up on stage performing and it’s just so doggone much fun.” Terry has a 20% stake in 3 two-year-old horses trained by Ken McPeek.

Interestingly, McPeek has joined this year’s Kentucky Derby as a last-minute entry with the horse named Render Judgment. McPeek said, “This is one of the last horses owned by Toby Keith, the singer, and his family and I think they’re really excited about this and they should be.”. Render Judgment has drawn the no. 15 post for the Derby after another horse got injured and had to be taken out of the competition. And this isn’t McPeek’s first time either. Last year, he won the Kentucky Derby with the horse Mystik Dan. With Bradshaw buying into the 3 two-year-olds McPeek’s training, one has to wonder if he’s thinking of throwing his hat in the ring someday too.

Terry Bradshaw’s venture with Ken McPeek

When asked about horse racing and football, Terry Bradshaw once said, “There’s nothing like the Super Bowl. It doesn’t compare to that, but it is pretty friggin’ awesome. I can’t do the Super Bowl anymore, but I can get lucky in the horse business because that’s what you have to do-you have to get lucky.” So will he get lucky someday with Ken McPeek’s horses? There’s certainly a possibility for that. Ken McPeek loves working with Terry. He has said on one occasion, “I talk to Terry regularly – He’s a hoot. He’s hilarious. He’s in his mid-seventies or more but he sounds like he’s 30. He’s a very energetic guy.” There’s the energy we spoke of earlier.

Speaking about Terry Bradshaw’s investments in his horses, McPeek has said, “These are modestly priced horses – This is a conservative move on his part. He has just has 20 percent of the three. He’s not throwing money at it. But he’s very enthusiastic. He’s already talked about coming out every morning here at the Fair Grounds.” Incidentally, Bradshaw has also added another investor to McPeek’s crew – Fox Broadcaster Curt Menefee. Menefee owns a stake in one of the three horses belonging to Bradshaw. And this isn’t his first venture into Thoroughbred racing. Bradshaw co-owned a 2010 GII Louisiana Derby winner (Mission Impazible), and a winner of the 2013 GI Donn H (Graydar).

Terry Bradshaw is bringing his signature enthusiasm to the big races now, and he is having the time of his life doing it. Though his true passion remains Quarter Horses. His energy will surely keep us amazed. This guy has even battled cancer for crying out loud. Whether he ultimately enters his co-owned horses in the Kentucky Derby someday remains to be seen. For now, we can simply wish him luck on his journey and McPeek on his big race coming up on May 3rd.