Intercepted

Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw spent his entire career looking to avoid getting picked off, but he could not avoid getting intercepted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials at Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

The 76-year-old FOX NFL Sunday broadcaster was the “chosen one” to get screened prior to boarding a flight on June 16. Bradshaw’s traveling companion decided to film the entire TSA screening process to share on social media, which showed the four-time Super Bowl champion get patted down twice in a private room, while his luggage was inspected by TSA officials.

As he was being filmed, Bradshaw turned to the camera at one point and sarcastically said, “They’re gonna go through my luggage now, I’m the Unabomber,” with the cameraman joking in response, “Terry Bradshaw is definitely a terrorist.”

Bradshaw appeared to act compliant while TSA officials examined his luggage and gave a pair of thorough pat downs of the NFL legend. During the screening process, he decided to go on social media to complain about the whole screening process, implying that Springfield-Branson National Airport must see a horde of criminals go through its terminals.

“I'm not against being safe, but this is ridiculous!!” he wrote. “TSA approved, had the body pat down, all the luggage checked, unpacked item by item. Now going into private room for ANOTHER pat down. Come on Springfield how many criminals come through here???? I guess I look like one today!!!”

Ridiculous, Terry? How about the fact that TSA officials are doing their job, ensuring the safety and security of travelers like yourself, especially with the conflict between Iran and Israel that is escalating on a daily basis.

These TSA officials are responsible for monitoring entry and exit points, baggage claims, electronic detectors, walk-through detectors, and common areas where security risks are the highest.

Just because you may be a celebrity, Mr. Bradshaw, does not mean you are exempt from security pat downs and luggage inspections when you’re traveling to an NFL game or the FOX studios in Los Angeles, or wherever you were headed on the morning you were selected for this “ridiculous” screening.

By the way, Terry, if you felt that your privacy was invaded by the whole airport screening process, you could certainly afford the estimated $80 to enroll in TSA PreCheck, so you don’t have to feel inconvenienced to have your luggage contents inspected or have to take your belt, shoes, and your four big, beautiful Super Bowl rings off.

Sorry, Terry, security is far from ridiculous. The protection that TSA provides is more valuable than the protection your offensive linemen provided during your NFL career.