Le’Veon Bell apologizes to Steelers fans for leaving Pittsburgh
Le’Veon Bell is trying to work his way back into the good graces of Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The former NFL running back released an apology video to the city and fans for the way he sat out of the 2018 season and eventually left the organization.
Bell famously refused to play on a franchise tag in 2018, sitting out the entire season because of the concerns over contract negotiations. Following that season, the Steelers announced they would not place the tag on the running back, making him a free agent.
In a video posted on Twitter, Bell apologized to Steelers fans for his actions.
“I never apologized to the fans for really sitting out — or leaving the Steelers,” Bell said. “I never apologized. So, I wanna say, I apologize for leaving the best damn fans there is in this damn world. I shouldn’t have left, I apologize. That’s my fault, that’s on me.”
What do you think, Pittsburgh? Is Bell’s apology enough for forgiveness? Or is there still some animosity there about how he handled the franchise tag and eventual departure from the team?
After leaving Pittsburgh, Bell had stops with the New York Jets (2019-20), Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Baltimore Ravens (2021) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021). But the running back is best remembered for his time in the Steel City.
Bell earned three Pro Bowl selections in his career, all three coming while with the Steelers. The former second-round pick out of Michigan State was also a three-time All-Pro selection.
In his career in the NFL, Bell rushed for 6,554 yards, with 5,336 coming with the Steelers. He also scored 35 of his 42 rushing touchdowns while with the Steelers.
Bell last played for the Buccaneers in 2021. Since his exit from the NFL, the former running back has pursued a career in boxing. That included a fight against another former running back, Adrian Peterson.
The two former NFL stars sparred on September 10 in an exhibition fight. Bell defeated Peterson in the fifth round due to a technical knockout (TKO). Bell dropped Peterson to the canvas and he was then unable to continue the fight.
Overall, Bell owns a 2-1 record in the boxing ring. He also defeated British YouTuber JMX by unanimous decision on April 21. The ex-running back’s only loss came against mixed martial arts fighter Uriah Hall. Bell lost the fight by unanimous decision.
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