The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some incredible running backs throughout the history of the franchise. There are almost too many to name, but there is a certain someone who had the potential to be one of, if not, the best the Steelers have ever employed as a ball carrier. Back in 2013, Le'Veon Bell was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft and became a star rather quickly as he went on to score eight touchdowns in his rookie season. He didn't wear the black and gold forever as he held out looking for a lucrative contract extension in 2018.
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, (#26) looks on during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 16, 2017, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. | Photo Credit: Mark Alberti / Icon Sportswire
The former running back, who is seemingly retired, joined the Steel Here podcast with Barstool Sports personality, Jersey Jerry as well as Steelers super fan and hometown hero, Kevin Adams. The group discussed several different topics and mainly focused on the ball carrier's time in Pittsburgh. He was extremely open throughout the entire dialogue.
Steelers Former Star Running Back Owns Up To Unusual Pregame Activity
One of the more interesting things came early on in the discussion. It was a hot topic back in 2014 when Bell and teammate LeGarrette Blount were pulled over and charged with possession of marijuana. Bell wasn't shy on the podcast when he blatantly admitted that it wasn't just that summer day in 2014 that he had smoked, but even prior to professional games.
"Looking back on this, that's just what I did. When I was playing football, I smoked. Even before the games I would smoke."
Former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (#26) carries the ball during an away game. | Photo Credit: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
It didn't phase him, though. He was quick to acknowledge the fact that the extracurricular activities did not negatively affect his performance on the field. It actually may have done the opposite.
"I'd go out there [and] run for 150, two [touchdowns]."
Taken back by the comment, Jerry wanted to confirm that it occurred in the NFL. Bell was blunt (no pun intended) in saying 'yes' immediately after. Adams wasn't surprised, however, and he and Bell agreed that it was not abnormal.
"A lot of dudes smoke before the game," Adams said as Bell intensely shook his head in agreement."
Steelers former Pro Bowl running back, Le'Veon Bell joins the Steel Here podcast with Jersey Jerry and Kevin Adams. | Photo Credit: Steel Here Podcast
Bell eluded to the fact that he had always smoked, but it wasn't until he and Blount were charged in 2014 that it was not only put into the public eye but on the radar of the league.
"With me, it was never failing drug tests. That instance happened and I got caught. So then it was a public thing. Now I'm in a program. It's like whatever."
He did express some regret though. He told Jerry and Adams that he should have made better decisions and wasn't exactly going about things the right way off the field.
"I wish I was just smarter about it. The whole situation."
Steelers former running back, Le'Veon Bell carries the football looking for extra yards during a regular season game. | Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Bell was electrifying when he was on the field for the Steelers. No one can prove any activity prior to games affected his on-field performance because of how dominant he was. The only negative about his time in Pittsburgh was that he didn't hang around long enough. If the two sides would have been able to agree to a contract extension, he could be recognized in 2023 as a top-three ball carrier in franchise history.
Are you surprised to learn about what Bell did before games while with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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