Jerome Bettis Sr. made a name for himself at Notre Dame, scoring 20 total touchdowns during the 1991 season and averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He also did pretty well for himself in the NFL, ranking second all-time on the Pittsburgh Steelers in rushing yards and rushing TDs. That is all in the past as far as “The Bus” is concerned, however. He is completely immersed in his son's career now.

Almost 33 years after Bettis charged into the end zone for the final time as a member of the Fighting Irish, his son recorded his first collegiate touchdown, and did so for the same historic program. Jerome Bettis Jr. left his man in the dust and connected with Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr for a 31-yard score in last Saturday's 35-13 win versus Navy. His old man is still beaming with joy.

“It was incredible, it was a moment that I'll never forget,” the Super Bowl 40 champion and Hall of Fame running back told ESPN's Jess Sims on College GameDay, several hours before Notre Dame's season-defining showdown with Miami. “People ask me, ‘what about your first touchdown?' I don't even remember my first touchdown.

“It was so much about him and his opportunity. And to go out and see him score a touchdown with that helmet on, it was one of the proudest moments I've had as a dad.”

"It was one of the proudest moments I've had as a dad." 🥹

Notre Dame legend Jerome Bettis telling @jess_sims what it was like watching his son score his first TD with the Fighting Irish last week ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dqLGGoH14g

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 7, 2026

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Fatherly pride at its finest. Jerome Bettis Jr. entered that Navy game with only four receptions on the season, but he surpassed that total in one afternoon. The 19-year-old wide receiver notched six catches for 78 yards and the aforementioned TD. While it is probably true that the scoreboard provided him with more playing time, Bettis seized his chance and forced head coach Marcus Freeman to take notice. Will he get a look versus No. 1 Miami?

A 6-foot-2 target could be mighty valuable in the red zone. Jerome Bettis Sr. is already on cloud nine. Imagine how he will react if his son helps his Alma mater firmly establish itself as a College Football Playoff team and legitimate championship contender.

Open kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET inside Notre Dame Stadium.