Jerome Bettis was a unique and gifted RB
By Chris Moore (Twitter @fantasy_moore)
The Bus
There’s no question Jerome Bettis will go down as one of the best running backs to ever play for the Steelers organization. Bettis is one of the most popular legends that the Steelers have had over the past two decades and remains one of the best running backs to ever play in the NFL. Bettis is currently eighth on the all-time rushing leaders list with 13,662 rushing yards throughout his career. Bettis had a bunch of historical performances from rushing for over 200 yards in 1993 against the Saints, throwing a 32-yard touchdown pass for the Steelers in 2001, and scoring the final rushing touchdown of his career in the AFC championship to send the Steelers to the Super Bowl in 2006. Bettis did it all and had an incredible ride throughout his career.
Road to Canton
The Bus’s thirteen-year career included eight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, 94 total touchdowns, and six Pro Bowl selections. Bettis was so dominant in the league he was gifted the nickname “The Bus” due to his running style.
Bettis looked for contact and was a ferocious runner. Bettis was a superstar since he entered the league, rushing for 1,429 yards and winning the Offensive Rookie of the year award in his rookie season. Bettis was so dominant he was selected to the first-team All-Pro in his first season in the league. Once traded to Pittsburgh, Bettis reclaimed his dominance over the NFL. Bettis rushed for the second-most rushing yards from 1996-2001 (7,785). Selected to six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro, and known as one of the best power runners of all time. Jerome Bettis did it all and ended his career with a Super Bowl win.
Current Player Comparison
Derrick Henry is the closest elite RB to the Bus since the Bus left the field. Henry doesn’t just possess similar traits to the HOF RB, but he’s an MVP caliber player. Oddly, I think it’s fair to find similarities between Bettis and current Steelers running back Najee Harris, as well.
Harris, who is a serious power back like Bettis, is simply the future for the Steelers. With Ben Roethlisberger set to retire after the season, the Steelers will need to lean on Harris over the next few years. Harris was a first-round pick like Bettis and rushed for over 1,000 yards also in his rookie season. The Steelers found another running back who looks special. It’s up to Harris to show how special he is over his NFL career.
