Jerome A. Bettis Biography

Jerome “The Bus” Bettis is considered one of the best running backs in NFL history. He is fifth on the 's all-time rushing list. In 1993, he was selected in the first round of the NFL as the 10th overall pick by the . Bettis had a successful rookie season by winning co-rookie of the year, Rams MVP, and the Rookie of the Year. In 1996, in what has been called the “Trade of the Decade,” Bettis was traded on a Draft day trade to the Steelers, for two Second Round Draft picks. The first time up against the Rams he rushed for 220 yards. Bettis was named Steelers MVP in 1996 & 1997. He was named to the in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2005. In 1997, Enterprises (J.B.E) was established. J.B.E is a full-service sports marketing firm, which Jerome used to introduce his own line of apparel, manage his endorsements and produced his Web site, www.thebus36.com. Bettis also founded The “Bus Stops Here” Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. He has established a scholarship program for seniors graduating from his former high school, McKenzie High, and he hosts the legendary Reggie McKenzie Football Camp every summer, where he was formally a camper. He was acknowledged by the league for his work and named “2002 NFL Man of the Year”. XL (40) marked Bettis’ last game when the Steelers defeated the Seahawks by a score of 21 to 10, a dream come true for The Bus.

"That's the greatest feeling in the world, to actually have an opportunity to hold that Lombardi Trophy, and not hold it because somebody gave it to you. You hold that trophy because you earned it and you won it. That's the most amazing feeling in the world. It's a feeling I've been waiting for 13 years and I'm just glad I was able to come back and hoist that trophy and take it back to Pittsburgh."-Jerome Bettis

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