Four days before a memorable Super Bowl XL performance, the Pittsburgh Steelers -- coaches, players, and the entire franchise cadre -- were together. Not at a practice. Not at a team meeting, nor at a public appearance. Instead, they sat, likely comfortably wrapped around a table in the warm confines of the Bettis family residence in the suburbs of Detroit. And, at least for that time, I like to imagine that Johnnie Bettis -- proud father and devoted husband -- was genuinely happy.
I didn't have the pleasure of meeting any of the family, as much as I would have enjoyed the experience. I never attended a Steelers football game for as long as Jerome Bettis has played for the organization. But yet, some part of me idolizes a man who attended, with the accompaniment of his wife, each-and-every football game that his son ever participated in -- from junior-varsity to national-league, Johnnie and Gladys were there for their son. In fact, in amongst the plethora of unforgettable images of Super Bowl XL, once will find a photograph depicting Mrs. Bettis in tears, not long after seeing her son win his first-and-only Super Bowl Championship.
But what I wonder the most is how much time Jerome was able to encapsulate with his father, as a result of his retirement following Super Bowl XL. Insofar that I can hope, Bettis himself appreciated the companionship of his father, and the devotion that he showed to his son. In a country of accruing divorse and born-out-of-wedlock children, that final year of the quintessential moments was ever-important, although saddeningly brief. I hope they enjoyed that time together.
As Mr. Bettis' heart took its final beats, he had the presence of mind to pull his vehicle out of the line of oncoming traffic, as to avoid any further damage. And as he did, a succession of passer-bys rushed to his assistance, not because he was the father of their football-idol, but to administer CPR, to assist in any way in prolonging the life o####entleman who was in peril. Although Mr. Bettis passed away today, he did so not in vain -- or so I'd like to imagine -- but rest-assured that he'd seen his son succeed and prevail. He'd seen all the football that was to be played by Jerome Bettis.
That is no small feat to attend every game, for that long of time. Seeing as Jerome's father was this dedicated to his son's football career, I'm sure they had a great relationship. The kindness Jerome has is why I like him.. pretty sure that comes from his mother and father.
Although it's sad his father died, I'm glad he got to see his son play to the end of his career.
Very well written North; good job.
Last edited by Doodles_1 on November 28th at 9:40 PM.
Excellent tribute to the patriarch of a wonderful family, Forrest. As much attention as Jerome and Gladys received over the last year, Johnnie was the constant of this family. A very steadying influence. You hint at some very relevant points in your reference to the need for strong father figures in this or any society. He may have lingered in the shadows as far as the public viewed this family, but Johnnie Bettis was the head of his household - a household he brooded over with love and consistent demonstrations of devotion through unwaivering work ethic and unyeilding commitment to sound principals.
As a Steelers fan; a Bettis fan; and, moreover, a fan of fathers and family dedication - I thank you for this fine recognition. Well done and continued success.
Excellent post and tribute, NS. Reported here locally that Jerome and his father spent great deal of time together "walking" around the City before and after Jerome's retirement. One can see the influence Johnnie and Gladys had on their son, as he was and is a class act.
You get the feeling that the whole thing came full circle, somehow. Shame that family stories such as this one are so hard to come by, but rare or not, it is important that we all see a life well-lived as it's own reward. Jerome is a special man from a special family and I'm glad fans seemed to recognize this. Great writeup.
It must have been comforting to Jerome to look up into the stands at football games to see Mom and Dad rooting him on.
Like Fuzz said, Jerome is a class act and no doubt it was in part due to his parents influence and constant involvement in his life.
Northsider .... It was a tragic and untimely way for the elder Bettis to be taken from his family. But rest assured he's gone off to a better place where he can be at peace. A great eulogy to the man who was the Bus' father. Way to go Northsider ! Way to go !
Hey, I am going to cut and paste the following that makes me feel good:
I JUST FOUND OUT that my fellow student, Austin Smith, is still playing for the Boise State Broncos. Broncos, right? Anyway, I taught him in 2000-2001 at San Beranrdino Pacific. He was one of my best Spanish students and a nice guy.
I saw him help beat Oklahoma last year, and I thought maybe he already graduated.
But he is still there making me (and countless others, I'm sure) proud and gratified.
I no longer teach public school, but I would like to think that I made a small difference, even significant to him and his classmates.
I am an avid sports writer in my part of town and am active in expressing my opinion (at times, I can get carried away, yes). I am known by many as a die-hard Beatles fan and I always get people talking about my constant references to them. Not only do I find them to be the best band to ever grace the planet, thus far, but I also find them a very good source for comparison in my articles. Hope you enjoy my articles on here as I'm just getting started, and I am always open for commentary.
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