NFL legend surprises 'lucky' metro Phoenix Walmart shoppers with Super Bowl 2023 tickets

Glendale shoppers at a local Walmart were surprised with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Super Bowl 57.

On Wednesday, legendary Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, better known as "The Bus," helped gift free tickets to the big game in a sponsored event put on by Pepsi and Frito-Lay.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers is known for his powerful running style. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times and named first-team All-Pro twice in his career. Bettis is also widely considered one of the best power runners in NFL history.

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Before retiring from the game, he ended his career on a high note, helping the Steelers win their first Super Bowl in more than 20 years in 2006.

In an interview with ABC15, Bettis told reporters, "To be able to come back in the community where everything is happening, where everything is taking place, and to be able to provide an experience like this it just makes everything worthwhile."

Tyler Garra, a Phoenix resident and longtime fan of the Steelers, was one of the lucky customers who received the tickets.

“Just being lucky in shopping for my son’s birthday party and receiving these tickets,” Garra said in an interview. “Being able to go is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Couldn’t ask for anything else.”

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL star Jerome Bettis surprises fans with Super Bowl 2023 tickets