Le’Veon Bell to attempt NFL return, eyes Steelers reunion،
Le'Veon Bell says he's going to attempt a return to the NFL and only wants to play for one team.
The running back, who has not played in the NFL since 2021 and has pursued a boxing career in recent years, has expressed his intention to return to the NFL. in a series of Snapchat videos posted Friday evening.
Bell, who turns 32 later this month, said he will begin training for his return in March, and while he didn't mention the only team he'll play for, it's clear that he is referring to the Pittsburgh Steelers based on his past comments.
“And I'm going to be honest with myself, I have to go in there and say to myself, I'm going to put my foot in the ground. Do I feel it? Do I hurt? Can I go out and really play again? And my brother, I'm telling you right now when I go out there and practice in March and if I reach April and I make the decision to come back and play in the NFL again, mark my words – I will. be better than I ever was.
“And I'll only come back for this team. You all know who it is. I don't need to say no, you all know who it is.”
The Steelers seem intent on running backs with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren under contract, so it's unclear if they would be interested in a reunion.
Bell had a rocky outing, sitting out the 2018 season after refusing to sign his franchise tag. But last year, in a video posted to social media, he apologized to Steelers fans.
“I never apologized to the fans for being away or leaving the Steelers,” Bell said in the video. “I never apologized. So I want to apologize for leaving the best fans in the damn world. I shouldn't have left. I apologize, I should never have left. I I apologize. It's my fault. It's on me.”
Bell was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was a two-time first-team All-Pro with the Steelers and is ranked fourth in franchise history with 5,336 rushing yards. However, after missing the 2018 season, he never regained that form. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2019 before being released the following season and playing for three more teams in 2020 and 2021.
He said last year on the “Steel Here” podcast that joining the Jets made him realize “head coaches make a huge difference” and made him appreciate Mike Tomlin's impact on the Steelers.
In 2022, he faced compatriot Adrian Peterson in a boxing match and scored a fifth-round technical knockout.
