25 best Offensive Rookie of the Year winners ranked by playing career

25 best Offensive Rookie of the Year winners ranked by playing career: 13. Jerome Bettis – Los Angeles Rams

“The Bus” was one of the most bruising backs in the history of the game. Jerome Bettis was great for two franchises and is still a legend in Pittsburgh to this day. He ran for 1,429 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie year for the Los Angeles Rams, but the love there did not last long. The rushing focuses offense quickly turned into a passing focused offense, and it was clear it wasn’t best for Bettis or the Rams to continue their partnership in St. Louis. So, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This is where Bettis became one of the best in the league. He broke 1,000 yards in eight of his first nine seasons. Then, he accepted a step back in the latter parts of his career as the Steelers moved on to their next era. Bettis was still around, and he provided the thunder when the team needed a drag out run for short yardage. From 2002 to 2005, he didn’t hit 1,000 yards but he still broke into the endzone a minimum of 7 times each year. He actually scored 13 touchdowns in his second to last season because of his goalline presence.

Bettis is a Hall of Famer, he has multiple legendary performances including ending his career in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan winning the Super Bowl. On his way to the Super Bowl, Bettis scored a touchdown in each of the three games getting into the Big Game. He showed up when it mattered. That’s why he is so well regarded even today.