Jerome Bettis

Jerome Abram Bettis (born February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American football running back for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is one of the most productive running backs of his era and is currently in fifth place on the National Football League's all-time rushing list.

NFL career

Bettis was picked in the first round (10th overall) of the 1993 draft by the St. Louis Rams. A star even in his rookie year, he rushed for 1429 yards in 1993, and was named one of the two Rookies of the Year. He rushed for over 1,000 in his second season with the Rams but his carries declined as he fell out of favor with the team.

Related Topics:
1993 - Draft - St. Louis Rams - Rookies of the Year

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After Rams head coach Chuck Knox retired and was replaced by Rich Brooks, Bettis no longer fit into the team's plans. He was traded to the Steelers in 1996 along with a third round draft pick in exchange for a second round pick in 1996 and a fourth round draft pick in 1997.

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His career took an upturn when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and acquired the nickname "The Bus" from legendary Steelers radio color commentator Myron Cope. He has been an integral part of the Steelers offense since that time, and until 2001 was a dependable 1,000-yard rusher. Although age has slightly reduced his role, he remains important to the Steelers and is the NFL's 5th leading all-time rusher. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2005. In 2002 Bettis was the recepient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Related Topics:
Pittsburgh Steelers - Myron Cope - 2001 - Rusher - Pro Bowl - 1993 - 1994 - 1996 - 1997 - 2005 - 2002 - Walter Payton Man of the Year Award

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After the Steelers' defeat in the 2004 AFC Championship Game on January 23, 2005, Bettis announced that he was considering retirement, but would not make a final decision for several months to prevent the sting of the defeat from clouding his judgement. Later, Bettis agreed to stay with the Steelers for another season. He has stated he would love to play in the Super Bowl in 2006 since it will be played in his hometown of Detroit.

Related Topics:
AFC Championship Game - January 23 - 2005 - Super Bowl

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Off the field, Bettis hosts a Pittsburgh based television sports and entertainment program called The Jerome Bettis Show. He began a charity called the Bus Stops Here Foundation to aid underprivileged children in 1997. He is an avid bowler and has a certified 300 game to his credit.

Related Topics:
1997 - Bowler

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Bettis recently annonced his decision to coach for his alma mater Notre Dame when he completes his storied NFL career. Bettis will join Notre Dame's coaching staff as the long snapper coach.

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