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Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff Writer
It's been nearly 32 years since Jerome Bettis played football at Notre Dame, but in 2025, a new Bettis will be wearing a Fighting Irish uniform.
Jerome Bettis Jr., the son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer, will commit to the University of Notre Dame on Sunday, following in his father's footsteps.
Bettis, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound prospect from Woodward Academy in Georgia, chose the Irish over Texas A&M, Duke and Ole Miss. He understands that playing at Notre Dame will naturally draw comparisons to his father. They hug each other, but he also says he wants to make his own way.
His journey began in youth football as a running back, wearing the same number 36 that his father wore. He said he changed positions to wide receiver in his seventh grade and moved to No. 4 in his eighth grade in order to make a name for himself on his own.
“One of the biggest things was changing my number and being able to actually separate my number from his number. It was a big part of me being my own man at the end of the day. It was a big step in understanding,” Bettis told ESPN. “I love my dad and everything that comes with being a dad, but at the same time I create my own legacy and my own journey.”
Bettis said he still has great respect for what his father accomplished during his NFL career, playing 12 years for the St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. He said he has used the knowledge and experience his father brought to his own growth and learning.
During the recruitment process, Betis wanted the coaches to understand that they were recruiting someone else and that they were not hiring him just because of his last name on the shirt. Told. That was what immediately drew him to Notre Dame.
“They made sure very early on that they hired me for me and not my dad,” Bettis said. “They want me to know that they want Jerome Bettis Jr. to Notre Dame not just for me and what's attached to my name, but for what he can bring. That was really important to me because I wasn't like that.'' I'm sure that's how they saw me and my dad and the whole situation, so I think they reassured me. I'm really glad they did. ”
Bettis Sr. was also involved in the process, but Bettis Jr. said he made the choice himself. But when her son told her he would continue her family's legacy at Notre Dame, Bettis Sr. was thrilled.
“I weighed the pros and cons and took it to my dad and asked him what he thought about it and what he thought about my decision,” Bettis said. “At first, he wanted to make sure I was completely sure. After that, he was so happy. His first reaction and the joy I saw on his face was a great moment for me. It was something very special to witness.”
Although there will be comparisons due to name and uniform, Bettis will line up as a receiver and play a completely different role within the Irish offense. He is looking forward to the opportunity to bring his skill set to Notre Dame's offensive line.
“They're getting a big target that can play down the field,” Bettis said. “I can catch any ball thrown my way. That's the new offense we're going to see this year with Coach.” [Mike] Denbrock is going to be exciting. ”
