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Notre Dame, Steelers legend Jerome Bettis reveals huge life decision

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•01/10/22•

ChandlerVessels

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Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Notre Dame running back Jerome Bettis made a big announcement Monday. The NFL standout posted on Twitter that he has returned to South Bend to finish his final semester of college.

“I have always told my kids that whatever you start, you finish,” Bettis wrote. “Today I started my final semester at the University of Notre Dame. I knew when I left 27 years ago to go to the NFL that I would be back one day. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and further your education.”

Bettis then posted a video of himself on campus, bundled up for cold weather as snow fell behind him.

“First day of school,” he said. “Just getting on campus and it’s cold as ever, but I’m excited. Here we go. Here goes nothing.”

Bettis played three seasons for the Fighting Irish from 1990-92. He opted to skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft, where the Los Angeles Rams selected him 10th overall. He set a Notre Dame record during his sophomore season with 23 total touchdowns.

The Rams traded him to Pittsburgh before the 1996 season, marking the beginning of history. “The Bus,” as Jerome Bettis was nicknamed, would go on to win a Super Bowl and make two Pro Bowl appearances with the Steelers. He is the second-leading rusher in franchise history with 10,571 yards and 78 touchdowns.

Bettis previously returned to Notre Dame in 1996 while he was in the middle of a dispute with the Rams. He took courses in history, philosophy, marketing and business, totaling a heavy 18 credit class load. He later returned to the league following his trade to the Steelers.

The running back was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, 10 seasons after he retired. After such a successful football career, it’s definitely a heartwarming sight to see him return