Former Steelers RB1 Le'Veon Bell Details How His Unique Style Of Play Revolutionized The Game During Recent Podcast Interview

Former Pittsburgh Steelers' running back, Le'Veon Bell, was one of the most electrifying offensive players in the entire NFL during his time with the team. Over the course of his five playing seasons, (missed the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute), Bell amassed nearly 8,000 total yards both on the ground and in the air, and had 42 total touchdowns.  

In addition to his talents in both the rushing and passing game, Bell possessed a unique trait with his playing style that helped differentiate him from other running backs of his era. While this style of play may be difficult to encapsulate, it can perhaps best be described with one word, patience. 

During a recent appearance on the Steel Here podcast hosted by Barstool Sports personality, Jersey Jerry, and Steelers' super fan, Kevin Adams, the former Pro Bowl running back reflected on his accomplishments with the Steelers and detailed how he rose to prominence as one of the best players in the NFL. During this specific segment, Bell explains how his impressive sense of patience helped him become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. 

"People wanted to be like how I was. I would stand straight up in the backfield, that wasn't known for running backs to be doing. Guys would be in their stance with hands on their knees, I was standing straight up in the backfield," said Bell in regards to his style of play with the Steelers. 

The Steelers Had One Of The Most Uniquely Talented Running Backs Of All-Time In Bell

While it may have taken time for Steelers' fans to fully understand what Bell was doing when he was "dancing" behind the line of scrimmage, it did not take long for them to be in awe of his running style. During the podcast, Bell explained why he took the time in diagnosing a play before ultimately committing to a running lane. 

"Everybody be like, hit the hole, hit the hole hard. I see it, but I want to make that hole bigger," answered Bell. 

Additionally, Bell detailed why his patience worked well with the aggressive nature of NFL defenses. 

"That's literally how it be in football. There's two holes, I can choose this one or this one. Or, I can deviate this one and make this one bigger. That was my thing. A lot of guys didn't have the patience that I got," described Bell.

An Unfortunate Ending To A Once Promising Long-Term Career With The Steelers

While Steelers' fans may still hold a grudge against Bell for how he handled his final season in Pittsburgh, there is no denying that he provided some of the team's most memorable moments of the last decade. His rare combination of size, speed, and patience made him nearly impossible to game-plan for. He was an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. 

Since his departure from Pittsburgh, Bell has not had the same type of success as he did with the Steelers. He last appeared in a regular season game in 2021, and has since taken up a career in boxing. While Bell points out he has not officially retired from the NFL during the interview, it is difficult to tell whether or not he will ever get another shot at returning to the league. 

As with all things in life, time ultimately heals all wounds. Fortunately, it seems as if Bell is ready to let go of the past and re-kindle an ongoing relationship with his former team. Optimistically speaking, there will come a time when Steelers' fans remember the good things Bell did for the team as opposed to the way in which he left. 

Regardless, he should be applauded for his transparency in his answers during the podcast. It may finally provide the necessary closure for fans to truly appreciate how special he was in the black and gold. 

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check out the interview! Also, leave a comment below about your thoughts on Bell! Do you have a favorite moment of his time in Pittsburgh? Let us know! 

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