Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Notre Dame alumni and Pro Football Hall of Fame members, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Notre Dame alumni and Pro Football Hall of Fame members Tim Brown (L) and Jerome Bettis pose on the Notre Dame sideline during the Shamrock Series game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Allegiant Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 6-2, 175-pounder was active taking game day visits this past fall. The staff made him well aware of that fact. Moreover, he worked in "The Office" comedy series of NBC. Discover Jerome Bettis's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Brooks asked Bettis whether he wanted to move to fullback for the upcoming 1996 season or preferred to be traded. Per Hank South of 247Sports, Alabama hosted Jerome Bettis Jr., son of the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back: 2025. We need to make some money. So we said, You know what? Revisiting the way-too-early mock drafts from a year ago: Which SEC players were the biggest whiffs? Hines Ward, the MVP of the game, said during the Super Bowl commercial, "I'm going to Disney World and I'm taking The Bus!". Jeremy Johnson. Jerome Bettis . Bettis enrolled at the University of Notre Dame to play college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. Mom and Dad, theyre working their butts off. Shortly after the Steelers lost the 20042005 AFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl XXXIX champion New England Patriots, Ben Roethlisberger approached Bettis. Bettis and his family took a trip to Canton earlier this year. He exchanged the wedding vows with a girlfriend, Tameka Boykin after a long romantic affair since July 9, 2006. The youngest of three children he grew up on Detroits west side, one of the toughest neighborhoods in the country and even sold crack cocaine with his brother to help his family make ends meet. Jerome Bettis Jr. [25][26], Another lesser-known nickname for Bettis was "the Closer." Before the Steelers' home opener of the 2006 NFL season, a large school bus drove onto the field, and Bettis stepped out to a massive crowd ovation. 05:20. Of course, it made sense for the former Steelers standout to consider Gladys who, along with her husband, traveled to every single one of Bettis games, both at Notre Dame and with Pittsburgh. On 16-2-1972 Jerome Bettis (nickname: The Bus) was born in Detroit, Michigan, United States. There will be tears, so get ready. Terms of Use, sister Kimberly Bettis and brother John Bettis III, CAPTION: Jerome Bettis to Le'Veon Bell: You're not as good without Steelers. 'Tails'? Jerome Bettis Jr. - Westminster School - WR Clarochi, Paul (April 21, 1996), "Steelers Bet on Bettis to Fill RB Void". He was recently on campus at Ohio State a couple of weekends ago. Notre Dame offer a 'surreal' experience for Jerome Bettis Jr. Jeremy Johnson. One player who attended was the son of an NFL legend and Hall of Famer. Thus, Jerome Bettis officially announced his retirement standing on the champions' podium, holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. [31], Governor Jennifer M. Granholm of the State of Michigan declared February 1, 2006, to be Jerome Bettis Day.[32]. Alabama hosted its Junior Day over the weekend, with players from the 2025 recruiting class visiting Tuscaloosa and spending some time on campus. Bettis Jr. is currently a receiver and safety for Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Wide Receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. Has Had A Busy Off Season He was selected 10th overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1993 and was traded the Steelers in 1996. Growing up my first sport was baseball, Bettis said. Its also of particular importance for John who actually grew up as a Steelers fan and even eventually moved to Pittsburgh to support his brothers career on the gridiron. Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! He discussed the challenges of growing up during a recent appearance onIn Depth with Graham Bensinger, a syndicated sports show: The mind-set was, Were in the hood. As Bettis ran towards the end zone, Colts linebacker Gary Brackett popped the ball out of Jerome's hands, where, in seemingly another occurrence of the Sports Illustrated "cover jinx," it was picked up by cornerback Nick Harper, who was stopped from returning the fumble all the way for a touchdown by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Notre Dame is where his father, Jerome Bettis started before his famed NFL career. Jerome Abram Bettis Sr. (born February 16, 1972) is an American former football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next week, the Steelers were set to face off against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. It has been a dream of mine watching on Saturdays ever since I was young.. Jerome started his playing career after being drafted by Los Angeles Rams in the 1993 NFL Draft and played there until the 1996 NFL Draft. He is the news editor at Saturday Down South and across all Saturday Football brands. Jerome Bettis Jr. Knows The Magnitude Of An Offer From Notre Dame "Hes obviously a great guy and a great coach. In his sophomore year, he set the Notre Dame touchdown record with 20 in one season, with 16 rushing, and 4 receiving (23 total touchdowns including the 1992 Sugar Bowl, a record which still stands). Other than working for WPXI-TV, he also hosts shows like SportsCenter, Football Night in America and appeared in NBC's comedy series The Office. 15 catches for 239 yards and 6 touchdowns. It was amazing.. Although neither child can fully recall Betts rushing exploits on the football field Jada was just an infant when her father retired after the Steelers Super Bowl victory they have both been vocal about their pride surrounding his impending Hall of Fame induction. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). In the 2004 season opener, he carried the ball five times for a total of only one yard, a 0.2 yards per carry average. In a game against Bear's, he collided with Mike Green and linebacker Brian Urlacher due to heavy snowfall. On that day, the staff extended an offer to standout 2025 Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr., who is of course the son of the Irish legend. 2025 WR @jeromebettisjr #Alabama #JrDay 01/28/2023 pic.twitter.com/2yPMtZxqqi, InsideBamaRecruiting Alabama Football (@RTRnews) January 28, 2023. When Bill Cowher pulled Bettis from the game late in the fourth quarter, he was given a standing ovation from the Steeler fans. Bettis Jr. is high on the Fighting Irish but . The family now lives in Atlanta, Georgia although they also have a home in Pittsburgh, a place Bettis can never truly leave behind. One player who attended was the son of an NFL legend and Hall of Famer. When the Steelers took possession of the ball on the Indianapolis 2-yard line with 1:20 remaining in the game, leading 21-18, the outcome seemed almost certain. Bettis was born February 16, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Bettis family! Alabama made the cut as a finalist. That consists of strength and conditioning, position work or even doing some track work to get my speed up. Age, Biography and Wiki. Notre Dame joins the likes of Arkansas, Boston College, UConn, and UMass who have also offered Bettis, who is a 2025 prospect. The first play from scrimmage went to the surehanded Bettis, who had not fumbled once the entire year. endings in a divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts. Watch: Notre Dame football released Game of Thrones trailer for Pot of Gold, Notre Dame football has offered multiple players on Pot of Gold day, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I couldnt be any prouder. He spent his childhood along with sister Kimberly Bettis and brother John Bettis III. Bettis is married to his girlfriend Tameka Boykin and has two children Jada Bettis and Jerome Bettis Jr. He played college football at Notre Dame. As is the case with it seems like every wide receiver on the board, Bettis has a high opinion early of Stuckey. Bettis does hold the Steelers' franchise record for rushing yards in a single season when including postseason play. Its been great, Bettis said. Alabama hosts son of legendary NFL RB for Junior Day on campus [17] The Rams gave Bettis the option of which team he wanted to be traded to, and he chose the Steelers over their AFC Central rival Houston Oilers (who would draft Eddie George that year instead) due to the Steelers' more storied history.[18]. Total Earnings during his playing career: Besides he has a restaurant Jerome Bettis 36 located in Pittsburgh, Northside. On January 31, 2006, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the City Council presented the key to the city to Bettis and declared the week "Jerome Bettis Week" for being "a shining example of what a kid with a dream from Detroit can accomplish with hard work and determination. Just getting to know him has been great. Jerome Bettis earns around $200,000, annually with a net worth of over $15 million. I'm a champion, and I think the Bus' last stop is here in Detroit." He has been to Georgia Tech and Florida during that season, as well as having visited the Horseshoe for the Ohio State versus Notre Dame game. He was given this nickname by former Steeler head coach Bill Cowher because whenever Pittsburgh was ahead and was ready to close out the game, Cowher would send in Bettis to run out the clock.[27]. I reserve all the weekends for family time. Click on the link below for more. [citation needed] Bettis's wish was granted, as he and the Steelers advanced to Super Bowl XL with a 3417 win over the Broncos, led by Ben Roethlisberger's arm. [28] The Steelers won, 3521, and thanks to Bettis's three touchdowns, they clinched a playoff berth. After I told him, we both got excited about it. There is zero doubt that this month's offer from the Irish was a turning point in the recruitment of 2025 Georgia wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. 2025 WR Jerome Bettis Jr. picked up a dream offer on Friday. Jerome Bettis Jr., son of Notre Dame and NFL legend, receives Fighting Irish offer, planning Oregon Ducks visit W oodward Academy (Georgia) wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr., the son of. Jerome Bettis Jr., 2025 Wide Receiver - n.rivals.com Bettis was leading the league with 1,072 rushing yards in 2001 when he suffered a serious hip and groin injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season. Bettis also will be heading out to Oregon at the end of the month, as well as heading to Notre Dame on April 22nd for the Blue-Gold Game. Having these opportunities with some great schools, building these connections with some of these coaches, its been amazing.. Yet, this trip will be different for the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder as Bettis will return to campus with an offer in hand after the Irish offered him last month. On May 21, 2006, Bettis received an honorary Doctoral degree from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan. 2025 WR Jerome Bettis Jr. Excited For Notre Dame Return The best present one can hope for is to spend time together, and I am blessed to be able to share this Christmas with my family. The two have developed a quick relationship, which shouldnt be a big surprise as two wide receivers with Georgia ties. "[23] Bettis later put together one of the most bizarre single-game statistics in NFL history. During a Thanksgiving Day game with the Detroit Lions on November 26, 1998, Bettis was sent out as the Steelers representative for the overtime coin toss. Currently, the Atlanta native is not ranked by any of the major recruiting services but the fact that he making trips to places like Alabama is a good sign for the future. Morris eventually pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and was cut by the team in June 1996, leaving Bettis as the featured back. Photo By USA TODAY Sports Copyright USA TODAY Sports, https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/gallery/notre-dame-football-recruiting-jerome-bettis-jr/. In addition, he played football until 2005 and ended his playing career. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis is back with students half his age as he works to finish his business degree at Notre Dame, 30 years after he starred for the school on . Jerome Bettis Jr. is heading back to his dad's alma mater for another visit . Currently, the Atlanta native is not ranked by any of the major. "It was amazing. Jerome Bettis Facts & Wiki Where does Jerome Bettis live? (Twitter). I just try to make sure I work on everything and remain well rounded. Although Bettismay be retired, sports still plays a major role in the familys house. NFL Network profiles 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Jerome Bettis' NFL career. He loved bowling as a kid and did not play football until he reached high school. A post shared by Jerome Bettis (@jerome36bettis) on Dec 24, 2018 at 4:27pm PST. He has managed to keep his composure through so much chaos. Bettis earned most of his net worth through his playing career. In 1997, the Rams had multiple trade deals including moving up to the number 1 draft slot to draft Orlando Pace. Obviously Ive been around football since I was a baby and thats just how I have been raised. Bettis. and was holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy during the retirement announcement. Jada told the Steelers website earlier this week: I couldnt be any prouder. We support responsible gambling. Jerome Abram Bettis Sr. is a former American football player currently working as a journalist hosting The Jerome Bettis Show on WPXI-TV broadcasted on the Saturdays at 7:00 PM and 1:00 AM edition. Former NFL star Jerome Bettis returns to Notre Dame 30 years - Today Jerome Bettis Jr. likely wont be getting the nickname of The Bus like his father, as hes a 6-2, 175-pound receiver instead of a powerful running back. We had a moment and that was pretty cool. Pour en savoir plus sur la faon dont nous utilisons vos donnes personnelles, veuillez consulter notre politique relative la vie prive et notre politique en matire de cookies. (Twitter). He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers after Bam Morris was arrested for marijuana possession. Jerome Bettis Jr. talks early recruitment, upcoming Notre Dame visit Jerome Jr. is an athlete and hopes to follow in his father's, undeniably successful, footsteps. Despite regaining his starting role midway through the 2003 season, Bettis again found himself a backup to start the 2004 season, this time to free-agent acquisition Duce Staley. Jerome along with his parents and Don Barden teamed to build a new arena and Barden promised to fund an amount of $7.5 million. Follow. Throughout all of this, my dad makes sure that I stay humble. [19] The Steelers traded for Bettis on the day of the 1996 NFL Draft. "The Bus" has gone back to school. Now, theyre back for a slightly different reason to see the former Steelers standout enshrined. Bettis went on to make six Pro Bowls, rush for 13,662 yards and was selected to the National Football Hall of Fame in 2015. 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 judgment. Their plan would aid the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins with funding for a new ice arena. If the ball is in my vicinity, Im getting it.. Jerome Bettis Jr. - Biography - IMDb A little over 30 years ago, Notre Dame had pretty good luck recruiting a prospect by the name of Jerome Bettis. Getting to go on all these visits while Im young, getting to see all these campuses and getting to know these coaches, its a blessing. Will it be another son of a Pro Football Hall of Famer soon heading to South Bend? I actually received the offer from Coach (Chansi) Stuckey via a phone call. Jerome Bettis | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof Bettis currently holds offers from the Irish, Arkansas and Boston college among others. When Notre Dame launched its Pot of Gold offer event for the 2025 class there was one name that certainly stood out to Notre Dame fans. Notre Dame football: Irish to wear green vs. Ohio State! Theres no money around. The Los Angeles Rams selected Bettis in the first round, with the tenth overall selection, of the 1993 NFL Draft. I couldnt be any happier for him. The name is obviously going to hold a lot of weight. 2024 defensive lineman Terrance Hibbler released his top-eight schools. Its something that I havent been through but having my father, with him having a lot more experience, has helped to guide me. I kind of progressed into basketball and that was my first true love. Jerome and Trameka welcomed their daughter Jada in January 2007 and son Jerome Jr. in 2008. All of his hard work paid off.The day he made it, they called and I was asking did he make it. He returned to Notre Dame in 1996 when he was having a dispute with the St. Louis Rams and was considering retirement. When the Jets traveled to Martin's home town of Pittsburgh to play the Steelers the following week, both backs would cross the 13,000-yard mark, making this the first time two players crossed the 13,000 yard mark (or other similarly high yardage milestones) in the same game. Bettis received the nickname "the Bus" during his time at Notre Dame, as a reporter at the university's newspaper (The Observer) came up with it, stating that he looked like a bus that took guys for a ride. He does realize that recruiting has changed since he was a high school athlete himself, he continued. I didnt really play it until I was older because my parents understand what comes with it so we held off on it for a little bit. After their wildcard win, Ben Roethlisberger revealed to the team that he promised to Bettis that he would get him to the Super Bowl, in order to get him to come back for the 2005 season. He stated he would love to play in the Super Bowl in 2006 since it was to be played in his hometown of Detroit. [24] However, three of his carries were touchdowns. Bettis ran for over 13,000. Gladys toldThe Detroit News: I asked John, Are you going to be able to do this without tears? and he said, No, Mom, I wont. John said that Jeromes request to have him on stage during the induction reduced him to tears, calling the moment an incredible honor.. After reviewing the incident, the NFL changed the rule and declared that the call of "heads" or "tails" would be made before the coin was tossed rather than during the coin toss and that at least two officials would be present during the coin toss. Jerome Bettis' house in Atlanta, GA (Google Maps) (#2) Be the first to contribute! Jerome Bettis - Wikipedia Included in that run were three campaigns of over 1,300 yards. 17 catches for 190 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jerome Bettis Stats, News, Bio | ESPN He also won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, NFL Alumni Running Back of the Year, was voted Steelers' team MVP and finished the 1996 season as the leader in Football Outsiders rushing DYAR metric.[20]. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports Copyright USA TODAY Sports, NCAA Football: College Football Playoff Semifinal-Cotton Bowl-Notre Dame vs Clemson, Dec 29, 2018; Arlington, TX, United States; NFL former player Jerome Bettis wears a Notre Dame, Dec 29, 2018; Arlington, TX, United States; NFL former player Jerome Bettis wears a Notre Dame Fighting Irish hat on the sidelines before the 2018 Cotton Bowl college football playoff semifinal game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Clemson Tigers at AT&T Stadium. He told me that I had received an offer and immediately I was shocked. I did talk to Chad Bowden, the head of recruiting, and one of the things he wanted to assure me on was that they were calling me because of me and not necessarily because of my father, Bettis explained. https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2023/01/30/alabama-football-recruiting-look-nfl-legacy-jerome-bettis-jr-visits-alabama-on-junior-day/, Alabama's 10 NFL draftees projected contracts exceed $129 million, half of that via signing bonus, College teams with the most players picked in the 2023 NFL draft, Top landing spots for five of Alabama's remaining undrafted prospects, Former Alabama CB Eli Ricks signs with Philadelphia Eagles, PHOTOS: Bryce Young's first full day as a Carolina Panther, 2024 NFL Draft: 5 Alabama players land inside top 100 of consensus big board, Analyst says NFL fans don't realize how good Jahmyr Gibbs will be in the league, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. At the end of the game, Martin would lead Bettis by 9 yards. Follow on. Bettis, whose father passed away shortly after watching the Steelers win the Super Bowl in his sons final game, is exceptionally close with his older brother John. Bettis delivered a rousing speech to his teammates the day before the game, asking them to "Just get me to Detroit", his hometown, where Super Bowl XL was to be played. Referee Chooses, Then Steelers Lose", "Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 12th, 2004", "TV Talk: Steelers legend Jerome Bettis guest stars on CBS sitcom 'The Neighborhood', Bettis joins bid for new Pittsburgh arena, Jerome Bettis Grille 36 opens Tuesday on N. Side, "Veteran Running Backs Offer Rookies Advice in Exclusive School of the Legends Interview", "Jerome Bettis Hosts Children's Asthma Sports Camp At Heinz Field", "Where Are They Now? Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport, Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer (3) sets to throw while protected by teammate Jerome Bettis during, Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer (3) sets to throw while protected by teammate Jerome Bettis during game against Purdue in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 1, 1990. [5] He attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit, where he was a standout running back and linebacker. "At first I couldnt even speak. Please check your email for a confirmation. The late-season effort led to the sixth Pro-Bowl berth of his career. On Jada's 16th birthday in 2021, Jerome shared a series of The wide receiver is listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. He has yet to be rated by the major recruiting services, but its a good sign for his future that a team like Alabama is taking an interest in him. I have just been training and grinding.. Jerome Bettis was born as Jerome Abram Bettis Sr. on February 16, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan to Johnnie Bettis and Gladys Bettis. Crimson Tide in contention for the top TE in the 2025 recruiting cycle. On St. Patricks Day which the Fighting Irish staff has tried to make their own thing, Jerome Bettis, Jr. was one of many recruits to receive a scholarship offer. Bettis did not graduate from college[7] at that time. At age 14, he was diagnosed with asthma. Thirty years after his final season as a running back for the University of Notre Dame, Pro Football Hall of . Bettis joined the Mackenzie School for high school and later attended the Notre Dame University from where he completed his Bachler's degree. The number one ranked Irish won 37-11. [33], Bettis opened a restaurant called "Jerome Bettis' Grille 36" on June 5, 2007, on Pittsburgh's Northside.[34][35]. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 14 SEC football teams. Dan Graziano explains why the 49ers are the betting favorite over the 49ers. Injuries would also cost him significant parts of the 2002 season and he then began the 2003 season as a backup to Amos Zereou. "[30] Currently, he lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Apparently, it was this promise that got Jerome Bettis to play one last season. Bettis portrays himself in the episode "Welcome to the Ex-Files" in Season 4 of the CBS comedy series The Neighborhood, where he visits the home of principal characters Calvin and Tina Butler for dinner after running into them at a restaurant. "Being raised a Notre Dame fan, growing up in that environment, Ive been a fan since I was as long as I can remember really. However, she recently received a clean bill of health and was declared 100-percent cancer-free this June.