Jerome Bettis Reacts to Passing of Former Coach Lou Holtz

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Jerome Bettis Reacts to Passing of Former Coach Lou Holtz
Steelers RB Jerome Bettis
17 October 2004: Pittsburgh HB Jerome Bettis during the Steelers' 24-20 win over the Cowboys at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX. Mandatory Credit: Karl Wright/Icon SMI

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis penned an emotional tribute to his head coach at Notre Dame Lou Holtz, who passed away at the age of 89 on Wednesday.

“There are moments in life when words just aren’t enough. Losing Coach Holtz is one of those moments,” Bettis wrote in a statement on social media. “Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family.

“I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.

“Coach Holtz believed in people. He believed in building men, not just players. He welcomed my entire family into the Notre Dame family and always made sure we felt that love and support. That’s who he was. He cared deeply about the people around him, and he made every one of us feel like we mattered. The lessons he taught me went far beyond football. His faith, his discipline, his belief in doing things the right way shaped who I became as a man, a father, and a leader. My heart is broken today, but I’m also filled with gratitude for the time I had with him and for the impact he had on my life. Coach will always be with us—in the lessons he taught, in the lives he changed, and in the love he gave so freely. Thank you for everything, Coach. I love you. You will forever be in our hearts. Go Irish.”

Holtz had a record of 249–132–7 during his 33 seasons as a college football head coach. He also was the New York Jets head coach for one season in 1976, posting a 3-10 record.

Holtz was the head coach at Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, recording an impressive record of 100-30-2. Holtz led Notre Dame to a 12-0 season and a national championship in 1988.

Bettis played at Notre Dame from 1990-1992, rushing for 1,912 yards and 27 touchdowns (including bowls).

Bettis’ son, Jerome Bettis Jr., is currently a wide receiver at Notre Dame.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Jerome Bettis Reacts to Passing of Former Coach Lou Holtz

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