Jerome Bettis describes the Kansas City Chiefs' strengths heading into 2025

USA Today

03-07-2025

This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis, who is participating in this year's American Century Championship, which will take place July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe. Bettis shared his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' strengths heading into the 2025 season, as well as his son, Jerome Bettis Jr., playing at his alma mater."I think people don't realize this team's (Chiefs) strength is not their offense. The strength of this team is its defense. As long as (Steve) Spagnuolo is there, he's the mad scientist with this defense, as long as that defense is intact. They can still get after the quarterback, and they're going to be a quality football team," said Bettis. "So I don't believe this is the last we've seen of the Kansas City Chiefs. I think they'll still be good next year. The question is, can you get to (Patrick) Mahomes? If the offensive line isn't that good, the Kansas City Chiefs probably won't be that good."Bettis understands the importance of living up to expectations, having been a perennial contender during his time with the Steelers and his legendary college career. The NFL Icon shared his thoughts on his son following in his footsteps and committing to play at Notre Dame for the upcoming season."Well, I've always talked to him about expectations, and I told him, you know, no one should be able to expect more from you than you expect from yourself. Don't go out there and think you need to do it because your dad played here or because your last name is Bettis; I said, you go out there and be the best version of yourself possible, work as hard as you can, and let that be your legacy." said Bettis, "I try to instill that in him because he does have this burden, if you will, of being my son, me, having played there, having success there, so I tell him, you're not following in my footsteps. I didn't play wide receiver; I didn't do the things that you've done. So you go out there and do what you can do, what you are blessed to do, and leave it all on the table. Leave it all out there. Give 110%, and you will be satisfied with what happens from there. I'm your dad. I'm gonna love you 110% and be your biggest cheerleader regardless of what happens. So, as long as he understands and knows that, I'm happy with whatever happens. I am the biggest fan right now, and I'm just so proud to watch him come out of the tunnel with that helmet on, getting ready for his first game. That's going to be a special moment for me."The annual tournament awards $750,000 in prize money, much of which the celebrity players donate to local and national charities. Over the years, nearly $8 million has been donated to non-profit causes. Network television exposure on NBC and a first-place prize of $150,000 make the celebrity tournament one of the most prestigious in the golf world.
Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.