The final Bus stop featured a little trickery starring MVP Hines Ward, a bunch of help from the Seattle Seahawks and a huge boost from the Terrible Towels, a handful of football fortune that added up to One for the Thumb.

The Steelers’ 21-10 victory in the Super Bowl on Sunday was their record-tying fifth, but the first since 1980 and the first ever for Bettis and Cowher.

“It’s been an incredible ride,” Bettis said.

Moments after the Rolling Stones rocked a Ford Field that could easily have been Heinz Field — or Hines’ field — Willie Parker broke a record 75-yard touchdown run. The Steelers earned that elusive ring and completed a magic Bus ride that made Bettis’ homecoming — and farewell — a success.

“I’m a champion. I think the Bus’ last stop is here in Detroit,” Bettis said, “It’s official, like the referee whistle.”

It was sweet validation for Cowher, with a title in his 14th season as their coach, the longest tenure in the NFL.

“A lot of people tell you you can’t do it, but you know what, it doesn’t mean you don’t go out and try,” Cowher said. “History was not going to determine our fate. Our effort today decided this game and that’s what’s great,” Cowher said.