There are some former Pittsburgh Steelers that cannot just go quietly into their retirement. This isn't about players that continue to work or be involved in the NFL, this is about players that can't seem to stay out of the drama. One of those players is Le'Veon Bell, the Steelers' former star running back.
Photo Credit: Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Le'Veon Bell tucks the football away and runs.
Since leaving the NFL, after the Steelers refused to be held hostage by his contract demands, Bell has been doing some boxing. Recently he was on the Misfits Boxing 007 podcast and was asked who he would most like to see in the ring. Bell immediately surprised listeners by naming someone who isn't a boxer. Bell points out that "true Steelers fans" will know to whom he is referring, saying this player hurt him intentionally.
The player is surely Vontaze Burfict from the Cincinnati Bengals. Burfict was almost unilaterally considered a "dirty" player by everyone that wasn't a Bengal. There were numerous instances where he was called out by other teams for attempting to maliciously injure someone. In 2015, Burfict tackled Bell in such a way that his leg contorted and he tore his MCL. Bell, along with several teammates called Burfict out for the dirty hit. Of course, Burfict denied it saying that the two are "friends" and it was clean.
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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was suspended/fined by the NFL multiple times for illegal hits on opponents.
It sure doesn't sound like they are friends now. Bell sounds bitter and angry and Burfict sounds like he is itching for a fight. He responded to Bell via Pacman Jones, a former Bengals teammate. Jones said that Burfict would fight Bell in the octagon, meaning an MMA-style fight versus the boxing match Bell had suggested.
I just talk to Tez , he said fuck boxing but he will fight you in the octagon 🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐 I got a 100k on Vontez we air it on @PatMcAfeeShow show !!! @LeVeonBell 🧐🧐🧐🧐 have your people call me !!!! https://t.co/358uLyS6tY
— ADAm Pacman Jones (@REALPACMAN24) May 15, 2023
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Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has become the spokesperson for Vontaze Burfict.
Now Steelers' Le'Veon Bell Chirps Back At Pacman Jones
As if all of that wasn't enough. Bell just can't help himself and responds back to Jones. Bell declines the offer of an octagon, saying he is a boxer and he is sticking to the boxing ring.
I throw hands, I don’t wrestle .. tell em step in the squared circle tho & i’ll beat the dog shit out of him … & you can put whatever you want on dude, it’s yo money to lose https://t.co/qNYAbO0DAp
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) May 15, 2023
On the heels of Bell's response, another former Steeler offers up his thoughts about who will win and even has a possible fun undercard match.
Steelers' Arthur Moats Has A Lot To Say About Bell vs. Burfict
Former linebacker, Arthur Moats knows both Bell and Burfict, as well as Jones, from his time with the Steelers. Moats now hosts a podcast called The Arthur Moats Experience with his friend Deke. In a recent episode, the two discuss the fight.
"A lot of people could get behind this one and it's in a professional setting. We're talking either octagon or boxing ring. I do like that. It's not talking about street fighting, it's not talking about painting that boy on site, we're talking about legitimately hopping in an organized sporting event."
Moats feels like Bell's chances to win partially hinge on what kind of fight it is. He thinks with a straight boxing match that Bell will win, but is less sure of an MMA-style fight.
"The fact he's been doing it is a massive advantage. In fact, he probably knocks him out. But if it's in an octagon, totally different. I don't like the chances for Bell here. I don't know Vontaze's background, but if he has any type of wrestling background, which a lot of football players typically do, he is going to know how to grab."
Deke points out that this is how Bell can get back in the good graces of Steelers fans. Many fans were frustrated and disappointed by his contract demands and felt he was selfish. He adds that this could be his "retirement" from the Steelers.
"If [Bell] beats him? We go crazy," says Moats.
Moats even jokes that he has an idea for the undercard fight, "Najee vs TG." He is referring to current Steelers running back Najee Harris vs former Steelers linebacker and frequent guest of Moats show, Terence Garvin. Garvin, who retired from football in 2020, often jokes that he is still ready to go for some "backs vs. backers."
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris.
Backs vs. backers is a drill where running backs go up against their own team's linebackers. By being the "back" that wins that battle in practice, you get some bragging rights. Garvin quips often that he would have loved to have gone up against Harris who is incredibly strong with legs the size of tree trunks.
"Give me TG versus Najee. TG said he is still in shape enough for that backs on backers. Just throwing that out there. We need to see if [Harris] would be open to the backs or backers versus a retired linebacker. We need to make sure it's very clear the retired Steelers linebacker is not Arthur Moats. I don't want any smoke."
Moats thinks fans from all over would be into it. Both Moats and Deke think this will be like Pacquiao and Mayweather where they just go back and forth for a year or two while the anticipation builds. Moats ends with a prediction.
"Shout out to L-Bell and Vontaze. If it's boxing, he's gonna whoop Vontaze."
What do you think? Who is your money on - Bell or Burfict? Do you have different predictions for the octagon vs boxing ring? Click to comment below.
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