The Bus Takes a Purposeful Journey
The Inspired Leadership Initiative at Notre Dame welcomed Jerome Bettis on Monday, March 28, as he explored pursuing a new purpose following his successful football career, his return to campus to complete his degree, and his mission to be a force for good as he advocates for asthma education and awareness and dedicates himself to serving the youth in his community. Please enjoy the recording of the live, in-person event on ThinkND.
Meet Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis, the former Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back, is one of the best all-time running backs in the NFL (6th overall in rushing). Jerome Bettis was also the recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2001, and had a Hall of Fame career and has been eligible since 2011.
After graduating from high school in 1990, Jerome Bettis was off to the University of Notre Dame where he was signed as a fullback. During his Notre Dame career, Bettis rushed 337 times for 1,912 yards (5.7 yards per carrying), and made 32 receptions for 429 yards (13.4 yards per catch).
Bettis finished his college career at Notre Dame averaging 5.7 yards per carrying and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams 10th overall in 1993. He was named NFL Co-Rookie of the Year and also earned Sporting News Rookie of the Year and Rams MVP honors. Bettis followed the team in their move to St. Louis in 1995 before being traded to the Steelers prior to the 1996 season, where he spent the remaining 10 seasons of his illustrious career.
Diagnosed with asthma at age 14, Bettis is a tireless advocate for asthma education and awareness. Bettis founded and establish The Bus Stops Here Foundation in 1996 to help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and underprivileged children. In 2002, he was named the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year for his community involvement and work by his foundation. Bettis and his wife Tameka live in Atlanta, GA with their daughter Jada and son Jerome Jr. The Bettis’ also maintain a home in Pittsburgh, PA.
āThe Busā finished his NFL career in January 2006 after 13 seasons, retiring immediately following the Pittsburgh Steelersā 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit. Bettis ranks Sixth on the NFLās all-time rushing list with 13,662 yards and is one of six players in NFL history to rush for 13,000 yards. He is one of only eight players in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards for eight or more seasons. He ranks third in NFL history with 3,369 rushing attempts. Bettis was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, including his rookie season. Currently Jerome serves as a studio analyst for ESPN on all their main shows Sports Center, Number Never Lie, and NFL Live. He is also one of the most sought after corporate spokesmen for some of the largest Fortune 500 companies in this country.
Additional Resources
Learn more about The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation here.
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The Inspired Leadership Initiative at Notre Dame welcomed Jerome Bettis on Monday, March 28, as he explored pursuing a new purpose following his successful football career, his return to campus to complete his degree, and his mission to be a force for good as he advocates for asthma education and awareness and dedicates himself to serving the youth in his community. Please enjoy the recording of the live, in-person event on ThinkND.
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