My first time seeing Heinz Field SD 480p
Yes I know in 2024 it was named Acrisure Stadium.
The very first NFL game I watrched was the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Superbowl XXX, January 28, 1996. It floored me how Bettis moved, the bus in his biggest glory. I was mesmerized by the D, a loyal fan ever since.
I've dreamed of seeing this stadium in real life. Some amazing humans made that happen for me. Inside the gift shop I nearly fell to my knees. When Bettis retired I was a fairly new fan, I didn't know they stopped producing their jerseys when they retired. By the time I could afford to get myself a jersey #36 was way outside of my budget. I thought I would never wear his number.
I found that jersey here. It's now in my box of most treasured items. Along with the set of superbowl rings, with a scribbled note thanking me for loving my uncle/brother as much as I did. A sincere thank you for caring for him the best I could before he died. "I knew you would love these Punkin, I found almost all of them. I still need to find one." Rings my momma wore with a huge smile on her face, one of the last days before her palliative journey had her abilities dip so low. Her last good days in her home.
A wonderful road trip. Cherished memories.