This Bus Never Broke Down

The greatest football team ever returned to its rightful place atop the National Football League this Sunday. And perhaps the best moment of that run came before the game even began: with Jerome Bettis, the heart, soul and backbone of the Pittsburgh Steelers running onto the field all by himself to precede the rest of his team. It was apropos, because Bettis exemplifies what the Steelers are: hard working, selfless, classy, tough. Ground and pound on the field, gracious and accessible off.

Why all the big fuss about Jerome?

• Because on the field, his prowess was undeniable. It was astounding and amazing to routinely see "The Bus" plow through a defensive line; often, there would be three or four linebackers hanging onto him and he would keep dragging them along.
• Because on the field, the sheer joy he got from the game was obvious. If the TV sound guys were on, you could often hearing him bounce up after a jarring play and say, with a big grin on his friendly face, "Yeah baby! That's what I like! Let's do it again!" (Meanwhile, his defenders would still be on the ground, shaking their heads in an effort to clear them.
• Because in high school, he was the epitome of a student athlete -- president of his high school's National Honor Society.
• Because he was a great teammate. Ask any Steeler, and they'll tell you how Jerome welcomed them to the team, made sure everyone had all his contact information so they could call him to talk about anything -- day or night.
• Because he was a great and loyal team player. When his stamina started to decline, he openly declared his desire to stay with the Steelers, and he put his money where his mouth was -- he took a pay cut so the team could afford to keep him on. And when they asked him to play a supporting (non-starting, non-starring) role, Bettis genuinely appreciated the opportunities he got to contribute (and boy, did he continue to contribute.) Not a single word of complaint, jealousy, or showboating.
• Because his graciousness with the throngs of adoring fans that constantly surrounded him was legendary, even though it surely must have been annoying at times.
• Because he gave back to his community -- both Pittsburgh and Detroit -- tirelessly. Unstintingly. And without fanfare. Not because it was expected of him. But because he wanted to -- he didn't just make a monetary donation and call it a day, he put in his time and effort.
• Because his graciousness with the media -- who can be even more annoying -- was such that he even won them all over, without exception.
• Because he came back for one more glorious year.

As everyone knows, this game was about one person: Jerome Bettis, who's done everything right in his career. He displayed awesome abilities on the field; he demonstrated a fierce, but gracious competitive spirit; and he exemplified a generosity of spirit that led him to earn the love of his teammates, his fans, his community and now, the rest of the world.

After the Super Bowl, Jerome expressed his hope that he had done enough to earn the fans' appreciation and the respect of his teammates.

How could you doubt it at all, Jerome? On behalf of everyone, thanks for a great ride. Thank you for showing us what a pro athlete and a true champion looks like. Enjoy your retirement, but come back and see us often, y'hear?