Retirement From Football
Asked about the possibility of retirement, Bettis announced, "It's been an incredible ride. I played this game to win a championship. I'm a champion, and I think the Bus's last stop is here in Detroit." Thus, Jerome Bettis officially announced his retirement standing on the champions' podium, holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Hines Ward, the MVP of the game, said during the Super Bowl commercial, "I'm going to Disney World and I'm taking The Bus!"
While the Steelers no longer officially retire numbers, they have not reissued Bettis's #36 since he retired, and it is generally understood that no Steeler will ever wear that number again.
On January 31, 2006, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the City Council presented the key to the city to Bettis and declared the week "Jerome Bettis Week" for being "a shining example of what a kid with a dream from Detroit can accomplish with hard work and determination." Jerome moved to Atlanta, Georgia at the end of his career and is currently living there.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm of the State of Michigan declared February 1, 2006 to be Jerome Bettis Day.
On May 21, 2006 Bettis received an honorary Doctoral degree from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan.
Before the Steelers' home opener of the 2006 NFL season, a large school bus drove onto the field, and Bettis stepped out to a massive crowd ovation. He was one of several Steelers players being honored as part of the celebration of their five Super Bowl victories; Lynn Swann and Franco Harris were also present.
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