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.
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