Detroit mayor presents Bettis with key to the city

DETROIT - The city embraced its hometown Super Bowl heroes on Tuesday, even presenting Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis with a key to the city.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the City Council gave the ceremonial key to Bettis at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and declared this week "Jerome Bettis Week."

"Jerome is a shining example of what a kid with a dream from Detroit can accomplish with hard work and determination," Kilpatrick said in a statement. "He has carried his Detroit pride at every level of his career, always looking to give back to the city that gave him so much."

Bettis is the fourth person in Detroit's history to receive a key to the city, Kilpatrick said.

Bettis said he is proud to be an ambassador for his hometown.

"The key gives me the opportunity to unlock the hearts of all the people in Detroit," Bettis said. "The world gets an opportunity to see what Detroit is all about."

Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, another Detroit native, also was recognized.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm also issued proclamations Tuesday declaring Wednesday "Jerome Bettis Day" and Thursday "Larry Foote Day."

"It is with great pride that we recognize these two Michigan sons," Granholm said in a statement. "Their commitment to excellence inspires us all, and we wish them the very best in the championship game."

The Steelers face the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday's Super Bowl.