Jerome Bettis Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Jerome Abram Bettis Sr. — born February 16, 1972 — is widely remembered as “The Bus,” a moniker earned from his powerful running style and unstoppable presence on the football field. His life story — from gritty Detroit beginnings to NFL glory and post-career influence — reads like a modern American-success saga.

From Detroit Streets to Gridiron Stardom

Bettis was born on February 16, 1972 in Detroit, Michigan.  Growing up in a neighborhood with limited resources, his early childhood was shaped by both adversity and family love. As he once reflected, though his family “didn't have much money,” his home was built on love and determination. 

Although he would one day dominate on the football field, during his youth bowling — taught to him by his mother — was his first passion. It wasn’t until high school at Mackenzie High in Detroit that he discovered football, quickly excelling as a linebacker and running back. 

His athletic success in high school earned him national attention and eventually a scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, where he played for the Fighting Irish. 

Crafting a Legendary NFL Journey

In the 1993 NFL Draft, Bettis was selected 10th overall by the Los Angeles Rams, marking the beginning of a career that would redefine what it means to be a power running back.

From his rookie season, Bettis showed why he was special: he rushed for 1,429 yards, earned first-team All-Pro honors, and carved out a place among the NFL’s elite backs. Over three seasons with the Rams (through their move to St. Louis), he remained the team's leading ground-gainer. 

In 1996, the Rams traded Bettis to the Pittsburgh Steelers in what has since been regarded as one of the more lopsided trades — a shift that allowed Bettis to fully flourish under a run-heavy offense.

During his time with Pittsburgh, “The Bus” logged eight 1,000+ yard seasons in his first nine years, including a career-high 1,665 rushing yards in 1997.  By the time he stepped away after the 2005 season — going out on top with a championship victory in Super Bowl XL — Bettis had cemented his legacy.

He retired having amassed 13,662 rushing yards and 91 rushing touchdowns, ranking among the NFL’s all-time greatest power backs. 

A Legacy Honored — From “The Bus” to The Hall

Bettis’s dominance on the gridiron earned him six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and countless “player’s player” nods — but perhaps his most enduring recognition came in 2015, when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

His Hall of Fame speech revealed not just gratitude but humility: he thanked coaches, teammates, and even mentors from his early years — acknowledging the collective effort that fueled his success. 

Off the field, Bettis returned to his educational roots. After leaving college early for the NFL, he went back and, on May 15, 2022, graduated from Notre Dame with a business degree. That commitment — to both family promise and personal growth — speaks volumes of his character beyond the football field.

Financial Footing & Post-Game Ventures

Among publicly available estimations, Bettis’s net worth is widely cited as approximately US$14 million. 

During his pro career and afterward, Bettis diversified his activities: he ventured into media work (as a commentator), launched business endeavors, and built a brand rooted in his personality and legacy. 

While $14 million may not rival the top earners in today’s NFL, it reflects a stable outcome for a player whose impact transcended mere numbers — combining longevity, brand value, and continued relevance.

A Family Man and Philanthropic Voice

In July 2006, after years of dating, Bettis married his longtime partner Trameka Boykin. The couple share children including Jerome Bettis Jr. and a daughter, Jada Bettis. 

Family — once a source of grounding during his challenging youth in Detroit — remains central to Bettis’s life. He often reflects on his upbringing as shaping not only the athlete he became, but the father and public figure he is now. 

Additionally, Bettis has harnessed his platform to give back. Through philanthropic efforts and public appearances, he combines his legacy with service — embodying the values of resilience and community uplift.

Why Jérôme Bettis’s Story Still Resonates

Bettis’s journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance. From humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming one of the NFL’s most formidable running backs — and ultimately earning a place in the Hall of Fame — his path speaks to grit, evolution, and reinvention.

He avoided the pitfalls that sometimes befall early-success athletes. Instead, he remained grounded, completed his education decades later, nurtured a family, and built a legacy that blends athletic greatness, business acumen, and social responsibility.

In an era where careers can rise and fall quickly, Bettis remains a blueprint — not just for athletic success, but for character, resilience, and life beyond the field.