Latest news with #JeromeBettis
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers legend Jerome Bettis shares heartfelt message about career-altering decision
Jerome Bettis is one of the most beloved Steelers in franchise history — and he recently took time to celebrate the moment he arrived in Pittsburgh. On Tuesday, Bettis took to social media to reflect on a massive career decision he made almost 30 years ago — choosing his trade landing spot between the Houston Oilers and Pittsburgh Steelers — honoring the Steel City in the process. "In 1996, I could've gone to Houston," Bettis said on X. "I chose Pittsburgh. Culture, values, and belief in something bigger than me. That choice changed everything." Back in 1996, Bettis was acquired by Pittsburgh after the Rams gave him an ultimatum: agree to a position switch to fullback or get traded — and luckily for the Steel City, he chose the latter. Oh, how different the NFL world could have looked during the late '90s and early 2000s, as Bettis might've given the 1999 Titans — who had switched from the Oilers that same year — enough firepower to pull off a Super Bowl XXXIV victory over his former Rams. Bettis's decision changed the landscape in Pittsburgh — one that resulted in over 10,571 yards on the ground, 78 rushing touchdowns, and a Super Bowl championship during his 10-year career as a Steeler. The Hall of Fame running back may have praised the Black and Gold culture — but he ultimately helped redefine what it meant to be a true Steeler. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Congratulations Pouring In For NFL Legend Jerome Bettis
Congratulations Pouring In For NFL Legend Jerome Bettis originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis became one of the best players in NFL history during his 13-year career, which also earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Advertisement Bettis started his career in 1993, drafted with the No. 10 pick by the Los Angeles Rams. After spending three years with Los Angeles/St. Louis, Bettis made his way to Pittsburgh, where his career really started to take off. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 252 pounds, Bettis, also known as "The Bus," became known for his physical style of play, and it showed. He not only became one of the most successful players in terms of rushing touchdowns, but he also has the eighth-most rushing yards in NFL history. Following the 2005 season, Bettis retired from football and, less than one year later, on July 8, 2006, he got married to Trameka Boykin. And recently, the couple celebrated their 19th anniversary. "Happy 19th anniversary to my rock, my queen, my everything," Bettis wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for standing by me through it all. Love you @mrsbussy01" Advertisement The NFL world was excited for the Bettis couple, taking to the Instagram comment section to leave their congratulatory thoughts. "Congratulations 👏👏🔥," one fan said. "Happy Anniversary," added former Titans RB Eddie George. "Congratulations happy anniversary," wrote a third. "Congratulations, my brother. God is great…" replied a fourth "Congratulations 👏👏👏🎉🎉🎉🎉," added a fifth. "Time flies! Happy Anniversary. Keep on smiling," posted a sixth. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome BettisBrett Davis-Imagn Images Bettis and Boykin married in Montego Bay, Jamaica, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where they currently reside. They share two kids together, including daughter Jada, 20, and son Jerome Jr., 17. Advertisement In fact, Jerome Bettis Jr. will be starting his freshman season of college in 2025-26 with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, his father's alma mater. He ranked as a 3-star wide receiver and a top-100 prospect out of Georgia in the 2025 class (247Sports). Related: T.J. Watt Bracing For Punishment From NFL Before 2025 Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Larry Fitzgerald's son commits to Notre Dame, joining other NFL legends' children with Fighting Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have brought in yet another son of a former NFL star. Devin Fitzgerald — the son of Arizona Cardinals star Larry Fitzgerald, who should be heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026 with his first time ballot — announced his commitment on Saturday. He also considered UCLA, but ultimately chose the Fighting Irish. Fitzgerald is ranked the 55th-best receiver in his 2026 class, per He is a three-star prospect out of Brophy Prep in Arizona. He won't be the only son of a former NFL great looking to make his own mark on the game, as the Fighting Irish will be filled with the next generation. The receivers room alone has Jerome Bettis Jr., the son of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis; Elijah Burress, whose father is Super Bowl-champion receiver Plaxico Burress; and Kaydon Finley, the son of Green Bay Packers Super Bowl-champion Jermichael Finley. On defense, Thomas Davis Jr., the son of ex-Carolina Panthers All-Pro Thomas Davis, also said he's heading to South Bend in 2026. Fitzgerald revealed to ESPN that Notre Dame offered him a scholarship in May following his junior season, where he hauled in 52 receptions for 720 yards with nine touchdowns. He also has a good relationship with Mike Brown, who he has known "since I was 5 years old." "I've developed into a better ballplayer, and they really think I'm going to turn into a great player," Fitzgerald told ESPN. "…He's shown me that I can come in, step up and play early. That's their plan with me." The elder Fitzgerald became a star at Pitt during his college days, as he won the Biletnikoff Award in 2003 as just a sophomore. He had over 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons as a Panther before entering the 2004 NFL Draft. He ended up being the third overall pick by the Cardinals, and they kept him for 17 years. Fitzgerald would go on to have 1,432 catches for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns. He also won the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. "Having my dad there to help me throughout the recruiting process has been great," Devin Fitzgerald said of his father's influence. "He knows what's important." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Notre Dame football recruiting class built with NFL legacies; Larry Fitzgerald's son is latest
Notre Dame football is bringing a blend of nostalgia and legacy, not just on its roster but with its 2026 recruiting class after landing a commitment from Devin Fitzgerald, son of 11-time Pro Bowl receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald becomes the third recruit of the class of a former NFL player. He joins Kaydon Finley, son of Super Bowl-winning tight end Jermichael Finley, and Thomas Davis Jr., son of three-time Pro Bowl linebacker Thomas Davis Sr. And that's not all. The Fighting Irish have several other players who are NFL legacies. Advertisement Elijah Burriss, son of Super Bowl-winning receiver Plaxico Burress, is a 6-foot, 184-pound freshman on Marcus Freeman's 2025 roster. Classmate Jerome Bettis Jr., yes, son of Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis Sr., is also a receiver at 6-1, 208. Sophomore defensive lineman Bryce Young, who is 6-7, 273 pounds, is the son of Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bryant Young. Aside from Young and Davis, a four-star linebacker recruit, the other legacies will all be under the tutelage of wide receivers coach Mike Young. The future of Notre Dame's passing game is bright with CJ Carr, the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, just a freshman. Devin Fitzgerald, son of Larry Fitzgerald, commits to Notre Dame football Fitzgerald is a 6-2, 185-pounder out of Brophy College Prep in Phoenix, where his father played his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals. Fitzgerald was rated a three-star recruit, No. 524 nationally and the No. 82 wide receiver by On3's industry rankings. Advertisement He caught 52 passes for 720 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 13.8 yards per catch as a junior, per MaxPreps. The season before, Fitzgerald caught 15 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Fitzgerald chose Notre Dame over Clemson, Stanford and UCLA. Kaydon Finley, son of Jermichael Finley, commits to Notre Dame football Finley's commitment brings a little more of a big-play ability to the class. He's listed at 6-0.5, 200 pounds and as a junior caught 81 passes for 1,432 yards, a whopping 17.7 yards per catch, and 21 touchdowns, per MaxPreps. Finley was rated a four-star recruit, No. 124 nationally and the No. 18 wide receiver per On3's industry rankings. He chose the Fighting Irish over Texas, his father's alma mater. Notre Dame football 2026 recruiting class Notre Dame has 24 commitments in its 2026 recruiting class, which ranks fourth nationally per On3's industry rankings. Advertisement The highest-rated recruit is edge rusher Rodney Durham, a five-star and No. 14 nationally, from Charlotte Myers Park. He's the lone five-star, and there are 18 four-star recruits in the class. It includes four recruits in the top 61 and 13 recruits in the top 184. Depth chart: What does the Notre Dame two-deep look like heading toward 2025 preseason camp? Notre Dame 2025 football schedule Aug. 31, at Miami, 7:30 p.m. (ABC) Sept. 13, vs. Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Sept. 20, vs. Purdue, 3:30 p.m. (NBC) Sept. 27, at Arkansas, noon (ABC) Oct. 4, vs. Boise State, 3:30 p.m. (NBC) Oct. 11, vs. NC State, 3:30 p.m. (Peacock) Advertisement Oct. 18, vs. USC, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Nov. 1, at Boston College, TBA Nov. 8, vs. Navy, 7:30 p.m. (NBC) Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 22, vs. Syracuse, 3:30 p.m. (NBC) Nov. 29, at Stanford, TBA Insider: With USC-Notre Dame football on the brink, Irish greats find the prospect 'disheartening' This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Notre Dame football recruiting: Larry Fitzgerald's son latest of NFL legacies
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jerome Bettis says the Rams are 'built to beat the Eagles'
The Hall of Fame RB also likes the Rams to win the NFC West over the 49ers No team came closer to taking down the Philadelphia Eagles last postseason than the Los Angeles Rams. They fell to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the divisional round, 28-22, but they reached the red zone late in the fourth quarter with a chance to win the game in what would've been a stunning comeback. Heading into 2025, the Rams are better on paper than they were last season, particularly with their young defenders having another year of experience under their belts. Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis loves the Rams' chances to not only win the NFC West over the 49ers, but potentially dethrone the Eagles. He says they're 'built to beat the Eagles,' with one caveat. 'In their division, they are the favorites,' Bettis told DJ Siddiqi of 'I think the Niners are going to be good, but not great. The Rams definitely have an advantage on that side. I think the team they're going to have to beat is going to be the Eagles. They're going to be right back at it again. They're built to beat the Eagles, and if they can slow down the running game, they've got a chance.' The 49ers should bounce back after a tough 6-11 season where many of their top players were injured at one point or another. However, there are questions about their receiving corps, the durability of Christian McCaffrey and the pass rush outside of Nick Bosa. They always play the Rams well and Kyle Shanahan always seems to give Sean McVay fits, but Los Angeles has the talent to remain atop the NFC West. And if the Rams can win the NFC West, they'll be in position to potentially make a deep playoff run.
