Bettis remembers friend, teammate Tim Lester after sudden death

PITTSBURGH — Jerome Bettis talked to Channel 11 about his former fullback and friend, Tim Lester, who died Tuesday from complications of COVID-19.

Lester was just 52-years-old, healthy and coaching when he got COVID. Doctors said a pulmonary embolism killed him on January 12.

“I’m so thankful to have had him in my life,” Bettis said. “He was a special special friend.”

Everyone knows Bettis as “The Bus”. Lester was known as “The Bus Driver.” As a fullback for the Steelers from 1995-1998, he led the way and opened the holes Bettis ran through. He ended his NFL career in 1999, opening those same holes for Hall of Famer Emmett Smith.

Bettis and Lester both ended up in the Atlanta area and stayed close friends in their retirement.

“He’s changed my life in more ways than I can speak of,” Bettis said.

Many other people in the Milton and Roswell communities outside of Atlanta echoed Bettis’ comments. Lester was one of the founders of the Milton Steelers, a youth football league that came at no or low costs to the families.

“He left a legacy, there’s no doubt about that,” said Lester’ friend and former Milton City Councilman Matt Kunz. “There are so many men who know how to be good husbands and fathers because of him, and that will live on.”

At the time of his death, Lester was a coach at Fellowship Christian High School. He met regularly with seniors on the football team helping them with devotions and character goals.

“He loved the game of football because of everything it afforded him. But he loved football. And he loved that football helped connect people,” said Fellowship Christian Athletic Director David Lowery.

Bettis told Channel 11 he took his son to some of Lester’s football camps and practices. He said this loss will be so great for so many.

“He’s going to be missed by so many young people because he had an influence in a lot of people’s lives, including mine.”

Bettis has set up a Go Fund Me to help Lester’s family. Lester leaves behind his wife, two sons and a daughter.

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