I think they will get over it when they look down at their "one for the thumb" ring.
You are right, he wasn't quite the same in his later years, but he also had to share the backfield with Kordell Stewart and Tommy Maddox. He was also the clubhouse leader and paved the way for Willie Parker. While Jerome signed a 5 year deal for 30 million in 01, he chose to take a big paycut to stay with the Steelers in 04 and 05 cutting about 25% off the contract. He was never part of the problem, and was a big part of the solution in 05.