Aug 3, 2006 3 min read

LATROBE, Pa. (AP) – Duce Staley wasn’t going to ruin what was likely to be Jerome Bettis’ last year in the NFL, even if it meant sacrificing one of his own final seasons. Staley, a three-time 1,000-yard rusher, willingly stayed on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sidelines most of last season so Bettis could take one last run – and it would prove to be a successful one – at the Super Bowl.

Despite being healthy most of the season, Staley did not complain when he played in only five games. He did not disrupt the Steelers’ off-field chemistry by saying he should be playing, not Bettis. He stayed in the background, though that had to be a difficult role for a player who was on pace for a 1,600-yard season when he got hurt the year before.

Maybe he scored only one touchdown last season. Maybe he didn’t play in the Steelers’ final seven games despite rushing for 76 yards, a 5.1 per-carry average and the team’s only offensive touchdown in the one game he started. Regardless, Duce Staley felt he earned the Super Bowl ring he received with the Steelers, and coach Bill Cowher did, too.

“He thanked me all the time, and I told him I didn’t need a thank you because I was part of the team, and that’s part of my duties,” Staley said.

Staley signed a $14 million, four-year contract with the Steelers in 2004 to become their primary running back. The signing sent Bettis, the No. 5 rusher in NFL history, to the bench, but Bettis openly welcomed Staley to the team and did not publicly criticize the signing.

That Bettis was classy and respectful in what had to be a difficult situation for one of the most productive running backs in NFL history impressed Staley, who was averaging 101 yards per game through seven games when he injured a hamstring in late October.

Staley rushed for only 123 yards the rest of that 2004 season, with Bettis stepping in to gain 941 yards despite playing little before the Staley injury in what would become a 15-1 season for the Steelers.

When Staley (knee) and Bettis (calf) were injured early in training camp last year, former undrafted free agent Willie Parker took advantage by gaining 1,202 yards during the season and another 225 yards in the playoffs.

When Bettis returned, he became the backup. Staley settled for being inactive most of the season.

Staley also remembered how Bettis did not express any unhappiness about being benched for him in 2004.

“I wasn’t going to be selfish, say I should be out there playing – that’s just not me,” Staley said. “I knew I had that respect from Jerome coming in, even when I wasn’t hurt. I carried the same respect when I got hurt. I was the same person throughout the whole deal.”

“It’s all about who fits our system the best,” said Staley, often used as a receiver out of the backfield in Philadelphia. “Of course, we’re going to go out there and continue to run the ball, it’s been our thing for years. It’s not going to change. I’m excited and I can’t wait to see what it brings.”

Parker understands his big year came only after Staley was hurt, and both he and Haynes admire how Staley did not speak out a year ago.

“To sacrifice like that takes a tremendous guy,” Haynes said. “That he could give it up because of the situation with Jerome, that shows a lot and speaks volumes about his character.”