January 31, 2006

LANSING – In proclamations issued today, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm officially declared Wednesday, February 1, 2006, Jerome Bettis Day, and Thursday, February 2, 2006, Larry Foote Day in Michigan.  The proclamations honor the athletes’ participation in Super Bowl XL being held in Detroit.

Bettis and Foote, both native to Detroit, are teammates on the 2005 AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers football team and have returned to Detroit to play in Super Bowl XL on Sunday, February 5.

“It is with great pride that we recognize these two Michigan sons,” Granholm said.  “Their commitment to excellence inspires us all, and we wish them the very best in the championship game.” 

Bettis is a graduate of McKenzie High School in Detroit and played for the University of Notre Dame. He has played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 years and is the league’s fifth leading career rusher with 13,662 yards. Bettis has proven to be more than just an extraordinary athlete, participating in numerous community service activities which earned him the NFL’s “Walter Payton Man of the Year” award in 2002.
 
Foote is a graduate of Pershing High School in Detroit and played for the University of Michigan. He has been a member of the NFL for four years plays a significant role with the Steelers’ defensive and special teams.