He was one of pro football's most beloved and respected stars, admired not only by NFL fans and his own teammates, but by his opponents as well. Super Bowl champion; six time Pro Bowler; NFL Comeback Player of the Year; NFL Man of the Year; fifth all-time leading rusher in the NFL; future Hall of Famer; now NBC Sports commentator.

Best Known For:
The Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back is one of the best all-time running backs in the NFL (5th overall in rushing). Jerome Bettis was also the recepient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2001, and expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

Early Life:
Jerome (Roney) Bettis was born in Detroit, Michigan to Johnnie and Gladys Bettis, the youngest of their three children. He was a dedicated student, even in elementary school, and loved to bowl. He also ice skated every winter on a rink his dad made for him in their backyard. He credits much of his success to his loving parents and siblings and the strong foundation they gave him.

Jerome The Bus" Bettis began his football career at the esteemed University of Notre Dame in 1990.

His strong foundation propelled him into the National Football League when he was the picked 10th overall in the first round of the '93 draft, by the Los Angeles Rams. Jerome's highly successful rookie campaign garnered him many post-season accolades including NFL, Co-Rookie of the Year honors, Rams MVP and The Sporting News Rookie of the Year. He became 1 of only 8 rookies to rush for 200 yards in a single game and the first Rams rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards since Eric Dickerson. These are just a few of the accomplishments that earned Bettis his first trip to the Pro Bowl. After 3 successful seasons with the Rams what many touted as the, Trade of the Decade saw Jerome moving east to become a Pittsburgh Steeler in exchange for 2 second round draft picks. His first season with the Steelers Jerome rushed for over 1,400 yards including a 220 yard performance against his former Ram teammates.

"Football Night In America" NBC Sports Studio Analyst

2006 Super Bowl champion Jerome Bettis, one of the National Football League's most popular players, the fifth-best rusher of all-time and a six-time Pro Bowl selection, serves as an analyst for NBC's "Football Night in America" studio show.

"The Bus" finished his NFL career in January 2006 after 13 seasons, retiring immediately following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit.

Bettis ranks fifth on the NFL's 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.

Bettis finished his college career at Notre Dame averaging 5.7 yards per carry 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 awareness. Bettis also established “The Bus Stops Here Foundationâ€Â¿¿ 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 Trameka live in Atlanta, Ga. with their daughter Jada and son Jerome. The Bettises also maintain a home in Pittsburgh, Pa