NFL legend sets up memorial fund for teammate, Milton coach who died of COVID-19

MILTON, Ga. — A NFL legend is making sure the memory of a former teammate and beloved football coach who died from COVID-19 complications lives on.

Tim Lester, 52, died unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Lester played for several seasons in the NFL as a fullback and retired to metro Atlanta area to coach youth football.

Lester’s nickname was “The Bus Driver” for his time spent in Pittsburgh with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis.

In memory of his close friend and teammate, Bettis organized a GoFundMe for Lester’s family. As of Sunday night, more than $50,000 has been raised.

“Thank you for visiting the Tim Lester family memorial donation page. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and want to support Tim’s wife Natalie and children Tim Jr., Tristan and Tony in any way we can. I , Jerome Bettis, with the help of my family, friends and former teammates of mine and Tim’s have set up this memorial fund to help the Lester family with funeral costs. We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, well wishes and generous donations in lieu of flowers.”

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Football fans of a certain may remember “The Bus Driver” during his time as a fullback for the Steelers. But around Milton, he was simply known as Coach Lester.

“He loved the game of football, because of everything it afforded him. But he just loved people,” said David Lowery, athletic director at Fellowship Christian School where Lester worked with players.

“Really trying to help us be the leaders of young men and showing them our faith and how important it is to us,” Lowery told Channel 2′s Mike Petchenik.

It’s faith the players and community are now leaning on as they mourn Lester’s death.

Former Milton City Councilman Matt Kunz worked with Lester when he ran the Milton Steelers youth football program.

“His whole mantra was making sure that kids not only just one on the field, but off the field as well bring in a faith component.”

His contributions went far beyond the field at Fellowship Christian.

“Lester founded a non-profit organization called the Pigskin Academy to mentor, tutor, train and prepare at-risk athletes for success in all walks of life. He went into the ministry. He worked to feed those in need for Thanksgiving,” the City of Milton wrote in a tribute. “He helped brighten Christmas for over 5,000 children living in public housing through the ‘Toys for Tots’ program. Closer to home, Tim was a dedicated family man to his children and wife Natalie. In other words, he made a difference.”

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Mayor Joe Lockwood told Petchenik Lester leaves behind a huge legacy.

“He was teaching them not only the game of football, but life lessons. He was a strong, faithful man,” he said.

“He’s running touchdowns with Jesus and I can’t wait to see him again,” Lowery said.

Lester’s friends said he’ll be buried in his native Miami, Florida but they are planning for a memorial in metro Atlanta. The City of Milton also plans to commemorate him at an upcoming council meeting.