‘The Bus’ becomes a businessman; Where is Jerome Bettis now?
Jerome “The Bus” Bettis has been on quite a ride. The bruising Hall of Fame running back retired from the NFL almost 20 years ago, but the memories of his play remain vivid to this day.
High school to college star
Bettis became a two-way star at Detroit Mackenzie High School. He shined at both running back and linebacker. As a senior, he won Michigan Player of the Year. Bettis earned a place on the vaunted University of Notre Dame football team.
He played there from 1990-92. Bettis saw little action during his freshman year. His sophomore year was a different story. In 1991, Bettis ran for 16 TDs, the third-highest NCAA total. He left his mark with 1,912 yards and 27 TDs in all for the Fighting Irish. The NFL was beckoning.
In the NFL
Bettis was picked by the Los Angeles Rams 10th overall in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He closed his rookie year second in the NFL in rushing with 1,429 yards. For that, he was awarded the 1993 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He would also earn a first-team All-Pro award.
His potential was sky-high. But, there would be some bumps in the road.
First, a back injury stalled “The Bus” in 1994. Then an injured foot hampered him the following year. He still topped 1,000 yards rushing in 1994, though not by much. In 1995, he managed to run for just 637 yards all season. Bettis had serious doubts about his NFL future.
But his fortunes were about to take a turn.
A fresh start
The newly-dubbed St. Louis Rams sent him to Pittsburgh in the spring of 1996. That move revitalized him and his career. The Bus topped his rookie total with 1,431 yards rushing and 11 TDs that fall. He was recognized as the 1996 PFWA Comeback Player of the Year. Pittsburgh would make the playoffs.
Bettis found a home with the Steelers. The 5-foot-11, 252-pound bruiser fit their style of play. He recorded six straight 1,000-yard seasons with Pittsburgh. He would become one of the game’s greats. Over 10 years with the Steelers, he logged 10,571 rushing yards and 78 TDs.
The struggle was well worth it. His final season saw Bettis win a Super Bowl. His 13-year career was validated with a world title win. Maybe the sweetest part was it happened at home. Super Bowl XL was held at Ford Field in Detroit.
He’s got an amazing list of accomplishments: six-time Pro Bowler and two first-team All-Pro awards. He won player of the week five times and was a three-time player of the month. He’s No. 8 on the list of all-time rushing leaders. In 2015, The Bus made his final stop: the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jerome Bettis appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/8SemOLG5ny
— TodayInSports (@TodayInSportsCo) March 30, 2022
Business of “The Bus”
The Detroit native is known for being a leader on and off the field. The 2001 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year winner has helped to raise money for East Palestine, Ohio after the train derailment earlier this year. That is only a recent example among many others.
These days Bettis is making the most of his NFL retirement. He went back to complete his business degree from Notre Dame and graduated last year. He honored a pledge made to his mother, Gladys.
His business degree should come in handy. Bettis now runs Jerome Bettis Enterprises, which is the epicenter of his business ventures. He’s available to make corporate appearances. No. 36 can inspire, that is for sure.
