How did you become a Pittsburgh Steelers fan?

When it comes to fandom, many of us gravitate to the team within our geographical lines. Some of us are drawn to the glitz of championships and winning, and others connect so strongly with a player they follow him to whatever franchise they play for.

For each of us the reason may differ, but on Sundays we unite to cheer on our favorite team.

In my case, a kid from Vancouver, Canada, I became a lifelong member of Steeler Nation because of one player. In a place where everyone is usually a syrup sucking, Canucks crazed hockey nut, I was drawn to Jerome Bettis, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It all started one day at recess when a game of touch football got a little out of hand when I put my shoulder down into the chest of a classmate, another kid exclaimed ‘wow that was just like ‘The Bus’.

After spending some time in detention I rushed home to the early days of YouTube and watched some grainy Jerome Bettis highlights, and from that moment I was hooked. The next two years also happened to be the final of Bettis’ career and watching such a dominant Steelers team set a fire in my heart and made my veins pump black and gold, and they will be that way forever.

All because of one detention worthy hit, and Jerome Bettis.

What’s your story? What made you twirl the terrible towel above your head and bellow ‘Here We Go Steelers’? Let us know in the comments below.