Jerome Bettis Speaks at Penn State Altoona

04.15.2011

The Bus stopped at Penn State Altoona, Thursday, April 13, 2011, as the college welcomed former Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome "The Bus" Bettis as part of its Speaker Series.

Addressing both Penn State Altoona students, during a free open forum, and the community, at an evening lecture, Bettis chronicled his football career from high school to the NFL. Reflecting on his quest for a Super Bowl championship, Bettis stated that it was the journey that made him the person he is today and helps him in his post-NFL life.

"The journey makes you a champion," stated Bettis. "It wasn’t the [Super Bowl] ring." He characterized his journey in terms of the different stages of his football career. In high school, he learned about charity and the importance of giving back, as he received a "hand up" at that stage in his life. Playing football at Notre Dame for Lou Holtz gave him the work ethic and the resolve to do his best; his NFL career taught him about the commitment you must make in order to be great. But ultimately, his parents taught him one of his greatest lessons: humility. > View article