Former Steelers Great Jerome Bettis Saved An Arrogant Rookie RB From An Exasperated Levon Kirkland In 1998

Former Pittsburgh Steelers players often talk about the “brotherhood” of playing for this franchise. It is the component of playing that they most often say they miss. It is common to hear stories about how players stay with the organization, even if they know they can make more money elsewhere. Many players have taken "team-friendly" deals to stay in the Steel City. Some players retired as Steelers, rather than signing with or being traded to a new team. 

Part of what helps that brotherhood develop is how the veteran players teach younger players or rookies about the “Steeler Way.” Unsurprisingly, this unspoken mentorship started about the same time the Steelers began to win championships. That teaching began with legends like Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, and Mike Webster, who would hold court in the team's sauna in the 1970s. Or to the whole offensive line of the early 2000s congregating at Maurkice Pouncey's house to bond. We've heard from our current defenders like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward that they learned to be Steelers from guys like Joey Porter Sr. and James Harrison. 

It is not uncommon for rookies to be tested or endure light hazing as part of this process. Harmless pranks, such as putting a rookie’s clothes in the ice bath, always take place. The rookies fetch lunch or pick up the tab at dinner; it is all part of the unspoken team rules. The younger guys have to learn their place and pay their dues. 

Sometimes, younger players overstep their boundaries. They might be excited to make it to the league and feel they have earned the right to something they haven’t. After all, they spent several years being the "big man on campus" at their high school and college. In the NFL, if they step out of line, the veteran players must put them back in their place. That is precisely what happened to running back Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala as a rookie.  

“I went out there and was just myself. But I think what put me over the top was my one-on-one with Levon Kirkland in training camp. I got an early jump and hit him and we ended up in a scuffle. I was naïve – I didn’t know he was the defensive captain! We were pushing and shoving, then all the linebackers came in and knocked me over."

Levon Kirkland was a linebacker drafted by Pittsburgh in the second round in 1992. By the time the young back joined the team, Kirkland had already been to a Super Bowl and two Pro Bowls. He was an imposing figure, huge for an inside linebacker, while still agile and fast. He earned the respect of his coach and teammates through his hard work and aggressive style of play. 

“I think the coaches saw then that I wasn’t afraid," said Fuamatu-Ma'afala. "But it was a long training camp after that. They all targeted me after that. You don’t touch the captain of the defense. But I didn’t back down. Jerome [Bettis] came in after the scuffle with Levon and pushed some folks back. He and [Fred] McAfee told me to keep my head on a swivel and told me who to watch out for. We’d watch film after practice and could see who was coming to get me and who to watch out for. It was a long five weeks.”

Fuamatu-Ma’afala eventually earned his spot and the respect of his teammates. He was appreciated, but never achieved the same star status as teammate Jerome Bettis. Whenever Fuamatu-Ma’afala made a big play or ran onto the field, the fans would greet him, screaming, “Fuuuuuu!”

For those reasons, he chose to stay in Pittsburgh for as long as he could. Pittsburgh released him in 2003, and he spent two seasons playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Steelers' Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala Blown Away By The Fans

Fuamatu-Ma'afala told Lippock that he couldn't believe how incredible Pittsburgh fans were. He appreciated their blue-collar, hard-working mentality. When he arrived at the stadium for camp, he said he was embarrassed to be driving a dented '92 Ultima with no air conditioning. Fuamatu-Ma'afala said he rode with his head down, hoping no one would notice him. But the fans did anyhow and began chanting, "FU!" He said he never expected any following. 

In 2010, he returned with his wife and kids, who had never been to Pittsburgh. His daughter and wife thought the fans were booing them when they walked out of the tunnel and onto the field. They couldn't believe it when he told them the "Fuuuu!" chants were a sign of respect and admiration. He was astonished that they would be so loyal after eight years away from the city that they would still show him love. 

Are you surprised to hear that Bettis would have been the peacemaker in this situation? Click to