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Ron Cook: Jerome Bettis No. 1 leader in Steelers history

CANTON, Ohio — The Pro Football Hall of Fame made it official Saturday night, welcoming Jerome Bettis through its hallowed doors with open arms. But the ceremony wasn’t necessary to validate Bettis’ greatness. He goes down as the Steelers’ best leader and second-most popular player.

Just one man’s opinion, of course.

People of a certain age will argue Joe Greene was the best leader in Steelers history. That is a legitimate argument. Greene stood above teams that won four Super Bowls in the 1970s and sent eight other players to the Hall of Fame. He is widely regarded as the franchise’s best player.