Steelers legend turned down a trade just before his career ended
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich tradition of all-time great players in their franchise. One of the most respected over the last two decades has been Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis who spent 10 seasons in Pittsburgh (1996-2005). There was an interesting nugget that came out about Bettis recently. Just before the 2004 […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich tradition of all-time great players in their franchise. One of the most respected over the last two decades has been Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis who spent 10 seasons in Pittsburgh (1996-2005).
There was an interesting nugget that came out about Bettis recently. Just before the 2004 season, Bettis said no to a trade, and he went into detail about why on Thursday.
"It was the latter part of my career, it was actually a year before I retired. It was the season going into my 12th year, and it was the Chicago Bears. Coach came to me in camp and said, 'Bears want to trade for you'" said Bettis. "I told them basically it's thoughtful, I appreciate it, it's great to be wanted, but I know if I went to Chicago, they wanted the 1998 Bus. They didn't want the 2003 Jerome Bettis. So, I knew going in that I wouldn't be able to give them what they wanted."
As Bettis eluded to, he wasn't to same guy then that made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams in his print years. However, he did make another Pro Bowl in 2004 after rushing for 941 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, and the next season, the final of his career, Bettis went out grandly.
In Super Bowl XL, which took place at Ford Field in Detroit Michigan, the hometown of Bettis, the Steelers won their fifth title which was the only one that Bettis got during his playing days.
Needless to say, Bettis made the right call on this one.
Feature image via Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
