The Pittsburgh Steelers often engage in intense battles within the AFC North, usually characterized by confrontations between the offenses and defenses going against each other on the field. However, a notable rivalry developed off the field between former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell and former Bengals running back Joe Mixon.
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Former Bengals running back Joe Mixon gets tackled by the Steelers defense.
The tension began after a Week 7 game in the 2017 season when the Bengals lost to the Steelers 29-14. Mixon, who had only seven touches that game, expressed frustration, stating that he couldn't make an impact without the ball. He went on to claim that he could do more than Bell.
One of the Bengals' more controversial players, Vontaze Burfict, supported Mixon, saying he believed Mixon had better qualities than Bell since he practiced against him every day.
Burfict added fuel to the fire by stating that he knew Mixon was way better than Bell. Bell was surprised by Mixon's comments and wasn't pleased to have his name brought up. He defended himself on social media. Fast forward to 2024, Bell addressed the situation on Snapchat, sharing his perspective on the beef with Mixon.
“Yeah, me and Joe [Mixon] cool. I think. Ever since that happened man we had our little back and forth about it. I don’t even think everybody realized what the issue was. The issue was Joe was talking crazy. He was on the Bengals and I was on the Steelers and it’s a rivalry or whatever but still running backs can lowkey respect each other regardless of team.”
In the game that left Mixon so upset, he was particularly frustrated watching Bell receive 35 carries, rush for 134 yards, and haul in 58 receiving yards on just three catches. In contrast, Mixon had only seven carries and three catches, totaling 68 scrimmage yards.
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Steelers Le'Veon Bell stares down Bengals' Vontaze Burfict.
It was clear that Mixon was envious of Bell's workload. His reaction was unusual and took Bell by surprise.
“He was basically downplaying my skill and talent… I had to rebuttal because I don’t say nothing bad about nobody else but he’s talking crazy about me," Bell said. "Yo Joe you are sitting here talking bad about me but you are literally copying my whole entire swag.”
Bell responded to Mixon with several posts on social media. He found it amusing that Mixon criticized him, but seemed to emulate his playing style and swagger.
“When you try to stand up straight in the backfield. Peep that how all the running backs try to stand like that now by the way. The two different color gloves with the one arm sleeve. That’s what I told him. The only thing that was different was his number… Me and Joe cool now bro but that was just the backstory of it and why we had that falling out because he was being he*** disrespectful. I think we cool now. I love Joe. I think he’s a good running back. I ain’t got no problem with Joe.”
Bell was an outstanding running back for the Steelers. His career in Pittsburgh ended when he sought more guaranteed money and compensation for his dual skills as a running back and receiver.
After leaving the Steelers, his career never reached the same heights. Despite his rapid career decline, Bell believes he set several trends for the running back position. Though his tenure with the Steelers lasted only five seasons, his influence on the team was substantial. Bell has since admitted he regrets his choice to leave Pittsburgh.
Steelers' Le'Veon Bell Dominated During His Five Seasons In The Steel City
During his time in Pittsburgh, Bell rushed 1,229 times for 5,336 yards and scored 35 rushing touchdowns in 62 games. He was also a formidable receiver, accumulating 312 receptions for 2,660 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
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Pittsburgh Steelers former running back Le'Veon Bell runs with the football during a home game.
Mixon was just beginning his career when he downplayed Bell's talents, displaying a strange moment of jealousy. Mixon has since developed into a solid running back and, this offseason, left the Bengals to join the Houston Texans. Hearing Bell's thoughts on the past beef with Mixon is intriguing. It seems the two are cordial now, with Bell expressing support for Mixon and acknowledging him as a talented running back.
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