Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis Ready to Rumble on the Pickleball Court After Wife and Son Spark His Passion

What's the Score?

NFL Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis has embraced pickleball, thanks to the enthusiasm of his wife, Trameka, who takes weekly lessons, and his 17-year-old son, Jerome Bettis Jr., a wide receiver at Notre Dame and the family's top player. While currently sidelined by a lower-body injury, the 53-year-old Bettis is eagerly anticipating matches against both his wife and son, who enjoys some good-natured trash talk. Bettis' appreciation for pickleball was further solidified after attending his first professional event, MLP Atlanta, in May 2024. He enjoys the fast-paced, stop-start nature of the game, reminiscent of his younger days playing racquetball, and values its inclusivity.

Hit it deeper!

Jerome Bettis, a name synonymous with power running in the NFL, has found a new athletic pursuit in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball. The Super Bowl XL champion credits his wife, Trameka, for introducing him to the game. Trameka is an avid pickleball player who takes weekly lessons in Atlanta, where the couple resides. Bettis playfully admits to learning about pickleball through his wife's constant updates and social media posts, including messages urging him to watch specific plays.

While Bettis enjoys playing pickleball recreationally, especially during vacations with friends, he acknowledges that his 17-year-old son, Jerome Bettis Jr., a wide receiver at the University of Notre Dame, is currently the most skilled pickleball player in the family. Bettis Jr.'s athleticism allows him to cover the court effectively. Unfortunately, the 53-year-old former running back has been hampered by a lower-body injury for the past six to seven months, limiting his time on the pickleball court.

Despite his injury, Bettis is looking forward to future matchups, particularly challenges from his wife and son. He revealed that Trameka feels confident she can beat him, setting the stage for a competitive head-to-head match once he's ready. He also eagerly anticipates playing against his son, acknowledging their competitive household and the "smack talk" that ensues. Bettis jokingly referred to his son as the "king of the hill" and the "mayor" of their pickleball games until he recovers and can challenge for the title.

Bettis' interest in pickleball was significantly boosted after he attended his first professional event, MLP Atlanta, at Life Time Peachtree Corners in May 2024. He was thoroughly impressed by the fast-paced action and the engaging atmosphere of the matches. He noted the high level of skill, particularly the spin on the ball and the strategic shot placement of the professionals. This experience inspired him to want to learn those techniques and incorporate them into his own game.

For Bettis, pickleball offers a familiar quick-paced, stop-start activity that he enjoyed in his younger years playing racquetball. He also appreciates the inclusivity of pickleball, highlighting that it's a fun game that people of all abilities can play together.

The World Pickleball Verdict

Jerome Bettis' enthusiastic entry into the world of pickleball underscores the sport's growing appeal to athletes from diverse backgrounds. His connection to the game through his family and his positive experience at a professional event highlight pickleball's ability to create shared experiences and captivate even those who have reached the pinnacle of other sports. Bettis' anticipation of competitive matches with his wife and son adds a personal and relatable dimension to his pickleball journey. Furthermore, his appreciation for the game's accessibility reinforces one of its key strengths. Bettis' role as a prominent figure embracing pickleball will likely further contribute to its increasing popularity and visibility.