Le’Veon Bell Screams At Steelers Fans: “Why Didn’t Y’all Tell Me Not To Leave?”; Bell Returns For Terrible Tailgate

Pittsburgh Steelers former star running back, Le’Veon Bell, made an exciting return to Pittsburgh Friday, and he didn't twist his words about his regret for leaving the team in 2019.

Bell's return to Pittsburgh is in conjunction with the Terrible Tailgate event hosted by Kevin Adams and SteelerNation.com for the Steelers' Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Bell made his presence known by attending the Steelers' walk-through practice and exploring the UPMC Sports Rooney Complex. While Bell's appearance might have ignited fantasies of a reunion with the team that drafted him, at 31 years old, he is only back in Pittsburgh to support his former teammates and interact with fans at the Terrible Tailgate.

During his time in Pittsburgh, Bell was a dynamic and versatile running back. However, he left the team in controversial fashion, opting for a high-stakes holdout in 2018 when contract negotiations faltered. This holdout resulted in Bell sitting out the entire season, creating shockwaves throughout the NFL. His departure was marked by high hopes for a lucrative contract in free agency, which he did get. However, that hasn’t stopped Bell from regretting his decision to leave.

At the heart of Bell's departure from Pittsburgh was a contract dispute. He believed that his unique role as a hybrid wide receiver and running back should have been rewarded with a more substantial contract. The Steelers offered him a deal they deemed fair, but Bell wasn't satisfied with the terms. As a result, he took a gamble on free agency.

Bell's post-Steelers journey was marked by turbulence. He signed with the New York Jets in 2019, convinced that he would finally secure the financial compensation he believed he deserved. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Jets was far from stellar, and the team moved on from him less than two seasons into his contract. 

In his quest to resurrect his NFL career, Bell had brief stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he couldn't recapture the success he enjoyed in Pittsburgh. His NFL journey took a nosedive, and the promise he once held began to quickly fade.

While Bell's career took a downturn after leaving the Steelers, one relationship remained strong and unbroken—his connection with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Bell emphasized the enduring nature of their relationship.

"Me and Coach T, we’re still like this, bro," while crossing his fingers to symbolize their close bond.

Bell's return to Pittsburgh may not involve wearing the black and gold on the field, but it's clear that he still holds a special place in his heart for the city, the team, and the coach who stood by him throughout his tumultuous NFL journey.

Bell's return to Pittsburgh serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of NFL careers and the decisions players make along the way. While his time with the Steelers was marked by brilliance on the field, his departure and subsequent struggles illustrate the fine line between ambition and regret in the world of professional football. Nevertheless, it's incredibly heartwarming to witness Bell's return to the city where he once reigned supreme, dismantling opposing defenses and contributing to the Steelers' victories.

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