Jerome Bettis is a former football running back who played in the NFL for 13 seasons. He was drafted by the Los Angeles/St Louis Rams but spent only two seasons before moving to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would ultimately spend the rest of his career.
Nicknamed “the Bus” due to his large size, Bettis is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He enjoyed a decorated career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Bettis’ success over the years has yielded some financial rewards and the quick-witted entertainer has done quite well for himself. From brand endorsements to appearances in movies and TV, he has reportedly amassed a net worth of $14 million.
Early Life & Career
Jerome Bettis was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1972, the oldest of three children of Gladys Elizabeth and Johnnie E. Bettis. He had a difficult childhood and was diagnosed with Asthma at age 14 while he and his brothers sold crack cocaine to make ends meet.
Bettis did not take up football until high school as his primary passion in his younger years was bowling. His football journey began at Mackenzie High School in Detroit, where he excelled as a running back and a linebacker.
He caught the eye in high school and was rated the top player in the state of Michigan by the Detroit Free Press as a senior. He was also the Gatorade Circle of Champions Player of the Year Award winner.
Bettis’ football career continued to develop in college as he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After a stellar college career, he decided to enter the 1993 NFL draft in what would have been his senior year.
The Los Angeles Rams selected Bettis in the first round with the 10th overall pick of the 1993 NFL draft. He signed a three-year contract worth $4.625M with a signing bonus in excess of $2m.
Although he flourished with the Rams, Bettis would go on to make a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He joined the Steelers in 1996 and in his first season, rushed for a then career-high and 11 touchdowns.
That was the start of a successful nine-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as Bettis went on to establish himself as one of the best offensive players in the league. He was named offensive rookie of the year in his debut season.
Bettis’s stint with the Steelers was laden with accolades as he was named Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2001 and was 2x First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996). He eventually achieved his dream of winning the Super Bowl in his final season as the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in 2005.
Playing Style
Jerome Bettis, fondly known as “The Bus,” was known for his powerful and determined playing style in the NFL. He was a formidable force on the field, combining his impressive size (weighing 255 pounds and standing at 5’11”) with extraordinary agility and speed.
Bettis was an epitome of a power back, specializing in short-yardage situations where his mission was to bulldoze his way through the opposing defense. Despite his size, he was unexpectedly nimble, showcasing a remarkable ability to change direction quickly and shake off defenders with agile spin moves.
Bettis’ running style was characterized by sheer force and relentless determination. He would barrel through defenders like a runaway freight train, wearing them down as the game progressed. His resilience and durability were notable, often turning potential losses into gains by keeping his legs churning and pushing the pile forward.
Equally impressive was his consistency and reliability as a rusher. Bettis ranks 8th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, a testament to his ability to generate yardage game after game. His hard-nosed, blue-collar playing style made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and an icon in the sport of football.
Post-football Career
Since retiring, Bettis has dabbled in punditry and commentary and was signed as a commentator for NBC’s Football Nights in America in 2006. He spent two years with NBC before leaving at the end of the 2008 season.
Bettis is currently the host of The Jerome Bettis Show on WPXI-TV, filmed at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, airing Saturdays at 7:00 PM and 1:00 AM. Now he is an NFL analyst for different ESPN programs, such as Sports Center.
He has also made cameo appearances in TV shows like The Office and the Neighbourhood playing himself in the episode “The Convention”.
Entrepreneurial Interests and Endorsements
Bettis’s legendary football career has undoubtedly brought some financial success over the years. His ventures into acting and his post-football media career have further bolstered his financial standing.
Jerome has leveraged his success on the Gridiron and has found financial success beyond the football field. He has ventured into various business endeavours, diversifying his portfolio, and increasing his wealth along the way.
A notable business endeavour for Bettis was an ownership stake in the Ford dealership in San Diego, California. Betis successfully ran the dealership by capitalizing on his fame and reputation.
Bettis has also made strategic investments in various sectors, including real estate and technology. He has been involved in a number of marketing campaigns for brands such as Nike, Sprint, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Ford.
In addition to this, Bettis is also the brand ambassador for the prominent sportsbook BetRivers. They are one of the most popular betting operators in the US, boasting multiple locations across the country.
Bettis’ image is prominently displayed on the BetRivers website promoting the Betrivers Bonus while also appearing in TV ad campaigns.
What is Jerome Bettis’ Net Worth?
Bettis’ net worth is estimated to be around $14 million, a testament to his hard work, talent, and strategic business ventures. As a tough and relentless running back during his playing days, he has brought all those qualities into his business endeavours since retiring.
As his legacy continues to endure, Bettis has proven that life does not end when a glorious sporting career is over. talent, hard work, and a savvy business acumen can also lead to financial prosperity post-retirement.
