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Friday, 6 October, 2006 11:18 PM
Jerome
Bettis signs autographs at Sam's Club
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
Former
football player Jerome Bettis appears in his hometown to sign autographs
of his latest book "Driving Home."
Just yesterday, Jerome Bettis was doing interviews on TV's "Regis
and Kelly" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien." 'The
Bus' has returned to his hometown of Detroit to autograph copies
of his new book called Driving Home. The former running
back retired after winning Super Bowl XL earlier this year.
Jerome Bettis
was born in Detroit on Feb. 16, 1972. He played football for the
University of Notre Dame while in college. He led the school to
a 28-3 victory in the Cotton Bowl. He entered the NFL in 1993 when
he played for the Los Angeles Rams. Later, Bettis played for the
St. Louis Rams and most recently the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bettis was
considering to retire in 2005. Upon finding out that Super Bowl
XL would be held in his hometown of Detroit, the running back decided
to continue playing for one more year. The chance of making it to
the Super Bowl was his goal and it became reality. In that game,
Bettis ran for 43 yard with 14 carries. The Steelers beat the Seattle
Hawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL.
After winning
the Super Bowl, Bettis said, "It's been an incredible ride.
I played this game to win a championship. I'm a champion [now],
and I think the Bus' last stop is here in Detroit." Like most
athletes, he wanted to end his career on a high point. This was
his moment so he decided to go out in style.
Jerome Bettis
has been busy or busier now that he has retired from the NFL. Days
after retiring as a football player, Bettis signed a deal with NBC
Sports to become one of the announcers for the Sunday Night Football
show.
Bettis received
a Doctoral degree from Lawrence Technological University. The degree
honored the football player in the field of Humanities for his charitable
work. Jerome Bettis founded a program called "Cyber Bus"
which offers Detroit middle and high school students the chance
to build and operate the newest computer technologies. Currently,
120 students have benefited from his program.
The future
hall-of-famer has also made an appearance on NBC's hit show The
Office. He has also found the time to write a brand new book called
Driving Home. This book highlights Bettis' 2005-05 season
that ends with a Super Bowl victory right here in Detroit. He unveils
the relationships that he's had with his former team mates and much
more. The retail price of his new book is $29.95 but you are able
to purchase it from Sam's Club at only $18.87. A DVD is included
with book purchase titled "The Bus."
Jerome Bettis
was unavailable for interviews while at Sam's Club. However, I had
the opportunity to interview some of his fans who waited in line
to see the football star.
Tom Emery
from Temperance, Mich. waited to see Jerome Bettis for about two
hours. When asked why he likes Bettis, Emery said, "cause
he's from Detroit, a hometown hero." Emery said the
highlight of Jerome Bettis' career was probably his Super Bowl victory.
As far as Bettis being an announcer on Sunday Night Football,
Emery reports, "I think he's doing a good job."
Phil McMullen
came all the way from Pittsburgh, Penn. to see Jerome Bettis and
get his autograph. McMullen speaks about Bettis, he's an "all-around
good guy." He has liked Bettis since he joined the
Steelers. While he did not attend Super Bowl XL, he still came to
downtown Detroit just to experience the moment. McMullen waited
"One and a half hours to see him. Some people got here
two hours ago."
Emery Cook
is a local fan from Southgate, Mich. who arrived about an hour before
the football star. Cook explains, "I've been a Steeler
fan for 28 years." He has liked Jerome Bettis ever
since he came to the Steelers back in 1996. When asked if Jerome
Bettis will become a Hall-of-Famer, Cook replied, "I
think he'll make it first vote."
Look for
Jerome Bettis as he anchors NBC's Sunday Night Football
during the upcoming Steelers game. Bettis will continue work for
his charity called "The Bus Stops Here Foundation." The
organization works to improve life for disadvantaged and underprivileged
children. He also works with the American Lung Foundation to promote
asthma research.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
Jerome
Bettis autographs his new book Driving Home for one of
his fans.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
Sam's
Club in Southgate was the site of the Jerome Bettis' book signing.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
Dedicated
fans waited hours to see their hometown hero.
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
This
is where Jerome Bettis will sit and sign copies of his new book.
We are waiting for his arrival...
PHOTO
BY JASON RZUCIDLO / AMERICAJR.com
As
you enter the Southgate Sam's Club, you will see hundreds of copies
of the new book. They are selling for $18.87 at Sam's Club and include
a special DVD.
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