The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History

Pittsburgh Steelers:  The Jerome Bettis trade

Offensive scheme shifts made the situation for running back Jerome Bettis difficult in 1995 with the St. Louis Rams. A more pass-heavy attack, combined with a desire to move him to fullback compelled him to request a trade rather than continue to see the production that made him a two-time Pro Bowler drop. The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a bigger back with power after their own Bam Morris was arrested for marijuana possession. They flipped 2nd and 4th round picks to the Rams in exchange for Bettis.

It was a move that paid dividends right away. Showcasing his remarkable mix of power and agility, Bettis carried the Steelers ground attack for the next six seasons, rushing for at least 1,000 yards every year. His bruising style earned him the affectionate nickname “the Bus” from the Pittsburgh faithful. By 2005 he had reached four Pro Bowls but still had not been able to win a championship. That changed thanks to a miracle run late in the season sparked by some big runs he delivered. The Steelers won three-straight road games to reach Super Bowl XL and defeated the Seattle Seahawks to win their fifth championship in Bettis’ home town of Detroit. He retired shortly afterward and would end up in the Hall of Fame a few years later.

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