Tim Lester, the eight-year-old NFL veteran who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys, died unexpectedly of the aftermath of COVID-19 on Tuesday. He was 52 years old.
The city of Milton, Georgia, Lester’s adopted hometown, announced his death on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
“I’ve known Tim for many years and always thought of his world,” said Joe Lockwood, Milton Mayor. “He was sincere and passionate about helping people and making the world a better place, including here in Milton.”
Lester grew up in Miami as one of seven children and was one of the first in his family to enter college when he went to Eastern Kentucky University on a soccer scholarship. He played as a running back but switched to fullback after being drafted by the Rams in 1992.
Former Steelers, Rams and Cowboys full-back Tim Lester died Tuesday at the age of 52. (Photo by George Gojkovich / Getty Images)
He spent three seasons with the Rams, where he met Jerome Bettis. The two teamed up at the Steelers and that’s how Lester got his nickname “The Bus Driver” – by blocking for Bettis, known as “The Bus”.
Lester retired from the NFL after spending the 1999 season with the Cowboys. He settled in Milton, where he coached soccer at Milton High School and the Fellowship Christian School. He was heavily involved in community activities and the city’s Facebook post was a reminder of the many ways he contributed to the community.
Lester founded a nonprofit organization called Pigskin Academy to mentor, teach, train, and prepare for success in all walks of life. He went into service. He worked to feed the needy for Thanksgiving. With the “Toys for Tots” program, he helped over 5,000 children who live in social housing to beautify Christmas. Tim was a dedicated family man to his children and his wife Natalie.
“Tim was an absolutely amazing man,” Milton Parks and Recreation Manager Tom McKlveen said on Facebook. “He really cared about positively influencing the kids on and off the field.”
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