One of the most durable and captivating running backs of a generation will be arriving in Huntsville with golf clubs along for the ride. Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, who retired as the sixth-most prolific rusher in NFL history, will be among the participants in the 16th annual John Stallworth Celebrity Golf Tournament, presented by Electrolux, on June 8 at Hampton Cove.
Returning for the third straight year is another Steelers great, Hines Ward, the record-breaking receiver who has gained off-field renown for his “Dancing With The Stars” win, his NFL analysis and his work with CNN’s Headline News. Bettis, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, is one five Pro Football Hall of Fame members in the tournament, including the host. The others are Mel Blount, Andre Reed and Dwight Stephenson. The festivities begin with a pairings party at the Huntsville Botanical Garden on June 7 that is open to sponsors, players and the general public. Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple. There is no walk-up admission. Spots in the tournament are available for $1,000 for a foursome, $250 for individuals. Deadline for registration is May 25.
Players may register online at johnstallworth.com or contact the Foundation office at 256-536-8050. Tournament sponsors are paired with celebrity golfers who rotate among teams. Among others planning to join Stallworth are a number of former Steelers: John Banasak, Blount, Randy Fuller, Reginald Garret Sr., Louis Lipps, Greg Lloyd, Michael Merriweather, Donnie Shell, Cliff Stoudt, Yancey Thigpen, Mike Wagner and Ward.
Also committed are Dwight Stephenson, a Hall of Famer for both his college career at Alabama and pro career with the Dolphins; former Auburn great Joe Cribbs; ex-Dolphins’ DB Bobby Lee Harden; former University of North Alabama standout and 10-year NFL veteran Ronald McKinnon; former PGA Tour pro Spike McRoy; and ex-Buffalo Bills’ receiver Andre Reed.
Two recently retired NFL players who are making their homes in the Huntsville area will also return. Jeraud Powers was a defensive back at Auburn and Rashad Johnson played DB for Alabama, and both spent eight years in the NFL.
Proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the Foundation’s work in providing scholarships for students at Alabama A&M, Stallworth’s alma mater, and other colleges.
