PITTSBURGH, PA — Former Steelers running back Tim Lester, perhaps best known for blocking for Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, has died. Lester, 52, died of coronavirus complications.
Lester played in Super Bowl XXX in 1996, which the Steelers lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 27-17.
The Eastern Kentucky University graduate was a 10th round draft choice of the Los Angeles Rams 1992, spending three seasons with the team. He was with the Steelers from 1995-98 and was known as the "bus driver" for blocking for Bettis, whose nickname was "The Bus." Lester concluded his NFL career in 1999 with the Cowboys.
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“Tim, you were more than my fullback, you were my brother," Bettis stated in an Instagram post. "You paved the way for me. I can’t express how much I am going to miss you. My condolences go out to Natalie, your beautiful children, and the entire Lester family. May you rest in peace and power."
After retiring, Lester started a youth football program in Milton, GA.
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The EKU Football family is heartbroken by the passing of Tim Lester. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family. #MatterOfPride pic.twitter.com/NDWIojaIpE
— EKU Football (@EKUFootball) January 12, 2021
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