Bus will run next year at Heinz Field

It appears “The Bus” still has one more stop left on his route.

That’s right, folks. In case… It appears “The Bus” still has one more stop left on his route.

That’s right, folks. In case you missed it Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jerome Bettis announced that after contemplating his retirement, Bettis will return for at least one more season.

Bettis had very openly talked about retirement after the Steelers’ dream-season fell short in a heartbreaking 41-27 AFC Championship game loss to the New England Patriots.

The idea of Bettis, who moved into the No. 5 spot on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, retiring after 12 seasons without winning a ring brought teammate Hines Ward to tears in an interview after the season-ending defeat.

Ward had expressed what the whole city of Pittsburgh was feeling after that loss. Through his hard-nosed running style and the ear-to-ear grin he always seems to sport, Bettis has epitomized the blue-collar mentality of Steelers fans across the country.

He has been a fan favorite ever since he got here.

In each of his first six seasons in the ‘Burgh, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark.

Despite all the impressive numbers and statistics, I think the reason Pittsburghers love and respect the man so much was evident Saturday.

For the second consecutive year, Bettis took a pay cut to stay with the team and help it stay under the salary cap. Last season, Bettis cut his salary by $2.7 million, and this year he has agreed to play for about $1.5 million — he was scheduled to make about $4.5 million.

Bettis understood that, after the Steelers signed Duce Staley last year, he was going to play a backup role. He understands that despite replacing the injured Staley this year and having a Pro-Bowl season (gaining at least 100 yards in all but one of his seven starts, and rushing for 941 yards and 13 touch downs) the Steelers expect Staley healthy again and for Bettis to once again be the backup.

He understands all that, but he just doesn’t seem to care.

Bettis knows he has only one or two seasons left in him. He wants to end his career in Pittsburgh. He wants to be as loyal to the Rooneys and the Steeler organization as they have been to him since 1996.

In today’s world of free agency and players putting themselves before their teams, Bettis has done exactly the opposite. For that alone, he should be a Hall of Famer.

I think some guys around the league, young and old, should take a very close look at the path The Bus has traveled. Guys like Ricky Williams, Randy Moss and even youngster Maurice Clarett should try to emulate the way Bettis has carried himself over his career.

Bettis’ unselfishness transcends football and should be a message to all pro athletes, regardless of what sport they play. Maybe the NHL Players’ Association, Latrell Sprewell or Ron Artest should look to Bettis for some inspiration.

Bettis’ agent, Lamont Smith, said to the Post-Gazette, “We’re elated to have a deal worked out.”

I got out my pocket dictionary and found out elated means “to make proud or joyful.” This man is joyful just to have the opportunity to play the game he loves for one more year. I think he will once again make this city proud.

Obviously, after going 16-2 this season, the Steelers have their eyes set on the Super Bowl next year.

I’ve learned my lessons and won’t print any predictions in this paper about world championships, but two things play into Bettis’ favor.

This will be the 40th edition of the Super Bowl. In roman numerals that is XL. And when it comes to running backs, Bettis is surely extra-large. Also, Super Bowl XL will be played in Detroit, which happens to be the hometown of The Bus.

Wouldn’t it be too good to be true if The Bus’ last stop was in his hometown holding the Lombardi Trophy?

Dave Thomas is a staff writer for The Pitt News and would like to informally predict that The Bus will be an integral part in the black and gold’s march to Detroit next year. E-mail him your thoughts at dthomas7224@yahoo.com.