It looks like the end of an era in Pittsburgh:
Jerome Bettis had no inkling he would be demoted for the first time in his career with the Steelers after concluding a training camp he called one of his best.
“I was surprised,” Bettis said, shortly after Coach Bill Cowher announced Amos Zereoue would open the season as the Steelers’ starting halfback. “I wasn’t mad, but I was disappointed. As a competitor, all you want is for it to be a decision on the field and it wasn’t a decision on the field.” Citing a “gut feeling,” Cowher revealed his decision yesterday at a news conference as training camp concluded at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. It’s the first time Bettis was benched to start a season with the Steelers.
Bettis was their starting halfback since he joined them after a trade with St. Louis in 1996. His 11,542 yards rushing ranks 10th in NFL history and needs only 771 to surpass Jim Brown and move into sixth place.
Cowher also chose newcomer Jay Riemersma to start at tight end ahead of Mark Bruener. It will be the first time Bruener does not open the season as their starter since 1996, his second in the NFL.
For what it is worth, I thought this was the most mature response I have ever heard from an athlete who has learned he/she has been demoted:
“He just said it was a decision he came to,” Bettis said. “I’ve been on the better side of most of Coach Cowher’s gut decisions and this is the first time it has not gone in my favor. I can deal with it, having been on the better side of most of them.”
I love Jerome Bettis, but even Stevie Wonder can tell he has lost a step. I hope the front office manages to find a place for him- people outside the region probably have no idea how loved Bettis is- and I definitely hope he does not go the way of Emmitt Smith and Franco Harris and end his career elsewhere.
Speaking of Emmitt Smith, his former team, the Cowboys, is in the ‘Burgh tonight for a pre-season game. I am not exxagerating when I say I hate the Cowboys almost as much as I loathe Osama. Put it this way- if the Browns and Cowboys were in the Superbowl, I would root for injuries.
greg
Where did Franco end his career? Seattle rings a bell but I’m not positive.
Lesmorte
Franco finished his career with the Seahawks.
All I can say is it’s about time football started again.
Go Steelers!!
Steve Malynn
John, I live just south of Cleveland, and we love Bettis even here in Browns country (of course I was at ND Law in ’93 when he had a great Sr. year).
Speaking of Franco, Karma sent him to Seattle so the Raiders could beat him in just retribution.
(Live in Cleveland, Born in Oakland – I really should not talk to you during the season.)
cameron
Wathced the game tonight.
Tommy looked sharp.
Plex and hines haven’t lost a step.
The OL will get better the more time they play together.
But why, oh why, can you still park a semi lengthwise between our corners and the line of scrimage?
GO STEELERS!
Johno
John,
Being a born and bred Cleveland fan, albeit one who married a Pittsburgh gal and prefers Squirrel Hill to Shaker Heights any day, I should gibber, spit and throw feces (or batteries) at the very mention of the Steelers (or the Broncos…).
But, it’s true. Jerome Bettis is a class act and a great competitor, and it’s good to see him go to the bench gracefully. Here’s hoping he can play enough to get exactly 770 yards.
As long as Bettis doesn’t go the way of Rod Woodson, everything will be dandy in the ‘burgh. Remember when Woodson’s was the hot spot on the South Side? Then he left town! Jerk.