A Draft Day STEEL for Pittsburgh

The 1996 trade (April 20) that sent Jerome Bettis from the St. Louis Rams to the Pittsburgh Steelers is considered one of the most lopsided in NFL history. The Rams, under a new coaching regime, were shifting to a passing offense and had just drafted Lawrence Phillips. They traded Bettis and a 3rd-round pick to Pittsburgh for a 2nd and 4th-round pick.

The trade's impact was significant. Bettis revitalized his career in Pittsburgh, becoming a beloved figure and a key component of their offense. He rushed for over 10,000 yards as a Steeler, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XL victory. Bettis's powerful running style and leadership solidified his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In contrast, the Rams' decision to move on from Bettis proved detrimental. Off-field issues marred Lawrence Phillips' career, and he failed to live up to expectations. While the Rams did find success later with the "Greatest Show on Turf," the Bettis trade is often cited as a missed opportunity. The Steelers, on the other hand, gained a legendary player who contributed to their success for a decade.