Steelers RB duo get nickname from legendary Jerome Bettis

The Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled their running back room this offseason, forming one of the most fearsome duos in the league — and that isn't lost on NFL legend Jerome Bettis.

Speaking with Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh, Bettis said the Steelers have "two hammers" in running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, and referenced the duo as "Thunder and Lightning," a nickname that fits the pair well.

Football has seen some terrific running back duos dominate out of the backfield and earn some amazing nicknames in the process, such as the Detroit Lions from 2023–2025 with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, AKA Sonic and Knuckles.

Warren and Dowdle should more than live up to the Thunder and Lightning title this upcoming season, given both undrafted running backs have far exceeded expectations in their individual careers and are each coming off 1,000-yard performances in 2025.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle given nickname from Jerome Bettis