Childhood Dreams

Remember when you were growing up and you, of course, had your favorite football team and someone asked you who your favorite player was? I do not know about you, but I felt like the world was crashing down on me when I was asked that question because I could not choose. My answer would always be, "All of them."

Even though every single one of the Pittsburgh Steelers hold a special place in my heart, there was this one guy... And on Saturday evening, August 8th, that one guy received his Gold Jacket. It is about time, my friends. Fifth time is a charm, right? 

Bettis and his presenter, AKA his big bro

Oh, and guess who will be attending? My mom, dad and I. Every child's dream to see their favorite National Football League player being inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Or is that just me? Regardless, I could not be happier for the running back and his family. 

The Bus, what a fitting nickname that is, ended his career the way anyone would want to. In 2006, the Pittsburgh Steelers made quite the Superbowl run being the Wild Card seed and the odds not in their favor. Not only did this superb franchise earn their sixth Lombardi trophy, but they did so in the Hall Of Famer's hometown of Detroit. Does is really get anymore perfect? 

A special bond these two teammates had

Bettis ended his career with 13,662 total rushing yards, sixth all-time. He had eight 1,000 yard seasons, 91 rushing touchdowns, and 61 100-yard rushing games, all of which he finished in the top 10 within the record books. The Bus is in the same category as other NFL greats such as Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, and Curtis Martin. 

Now THAT is a crew. 

Bettis played in 192 games, third all-time, and had 3,479 carries. All of which he probably ran someone over to gain any amount of yardage, hence the nickname 'The Bus.' He was known for his ball security and getting those tough yards. 77 of his 91 rushing touchdowns came from inside the 10-yard line. 

Steeler Nation, let us all give a huge thank you to Tom Donahoe. Donahoe was the one who acquired Bettis to Pittsburgh from the St. Louis Rams in 1996 because he saw the toughness in him. 

Throwback Bus

Not only has Bettis earned the name Superbowl champion, but also Offensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowler (six times), Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and now, Hall Of Famer. Those are quite the credentials if you ask me. 

President Art Rooney II said, "He gave so much to us. He came to us and really at a time when we needed leadership, on and off the field, who could take us where we wanted to go. He drove the bus and took the whole team with him. The timing was perfect, it was an important time, and a lot of great years." Such special words coming from a man, a family, that is so highly respected in the National Football League. 

Big Ben promised Bettis a Superbowl... And he did just that. 

Jerome Bettis had quite the following at last night's Enshrinement Ceremony. Steeler Nation was alive and LOUD. Chris Berman noted that apparently it was a Pittsburgh home game... Oh was it good to her Boomer's voice again. 
Bettis' speech was beautiful, along with his other 7 classmates'. The tribute to his father, who passed in 2006, was touching. Gladys Bettis, Jerome's mother, was also in attendance. Gladys was the woman who was at every single one of his NFL games. This was truly a special moment for Jerome and his family. And his son? Well let's just say that some advice got passed down to him... And he better not screw up that great name he's inherited. 

Every. Single. NFL. Game.

Bettis gave a couple special shoutouts to a few specific teammates who really had a connection with him. Teammates including Hines Ward (smiling on the big screen as usual), Alan Faneca, Troy Polamalu, and Ben Roethlisberger... We all know why Big Ben had a special mention. Let me refresh your memory... 

Thanks, Ben. We owe ya.

During his speech he stated that the term greatness is not a sports term, it is a life term. Thank you, Jerome, for helping define what the true meaning of greatness is. 

"The Bus will always and forever run, in Canton Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Jerome ended. 

*Que the Terrible Towels*

Steeler Nation is EVERYWHERE.

It's been a privilege to grow up during 'The Bus' era, watching the true meaning of greatness shine. I remember gasping when that fumble happened, crying when you retired, and smiling every time you appeared on the television. Some players just have that effect on people and I know I was not the only one. To see you inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was a dream come true. The city of Pittsburgh, Steeler Nation owes YOU a depth and a gratitude. 

Thank you, Hall of Famer, a new credential so very well deserved. 

Personal photo time! Guess who? James Farrior!