Tim Lester

Tim Lester showed what it meant to be a team player as he was a dependable and selfless fullback that would do whatever the team needed. Lester had an eight-season career playing with the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys.

Born in Miami, Florida, Lester attended Miami Southridge High School, where he was a star athlete. He decided to play college football at Eastern Kentucky University, where he had a great college career helping to lead the Colonels to three Ohio Valley Conference championships. Lester rushed for over 3,600 yards during his collegiate career and scored 37 touchdowns. Lester was also a First Team All-OVC selection during his time in Richmond. He was inducted into the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

Lester was selected in the 10th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent his first three professional seasons establishing himself as a rugged, reliable fullback.

In 1995, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers and quickly became an indispensable part of their bruising, run-first offense. Lester earned the nickname "The Bus Driver" for his role as the lead blocker for star running back Jerome Bettis ("The Bus") clearing lanes with punishing hits and unselfish play. His blocking was a key factor in Bettis rushing for more than 1,400 yards in both 1996 and 1997, helping Pittsburgh maintain one of the league’s most feared ground attacks.

Lester’s contributions were especially vital during the 1995 season, when the Steelers made a memorable playoff run that culminated in a trip to Super Bowl XXX where they faced the Dallas Cowboys. His physical presence set the tone for the offense and embodied the Steelers’ tough, blue-collar identity of the era.

After his successful run in Pittsburgh, Lester finished his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999 bringing to a close a respected eight-year professional journey defined by toughness, team-first play, and postseason impact. He was also awarded the NFL's "Unsung Hero Award" twice for his community service.

A man of great faith and religious conviction, the husband and father of three was also an ordained minister. He coached youth and high school football in the Atlanta, Georgia area after his retirement.

Tragically, Tim Lester passed away January 12, 2021 at the age of 52 due to complications from COVID-19. His death was mourned across the football world, with former teammates and fans remembering him and how played the game the right way.

Photo WKYT-TV. Upper Deck Trading Card. Biography by John T. Broome.