The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a nice run when running back Le’Veon Bell was in the Steel City. Bell was on track to be one of the greatest running backs ever, arguably, at least in Pittsburgh, that was certainly how he was being viewed by fans and analysts alike. His combination of power, vision, and patience in the backfield made him a nightmare for defenses. What truly set Bell apart was his skill as a receiver out of the backfield. Few backs in the NFL could match his ability to catch the ball, turn short passes into big gains, and consistently create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs. That dual-threat ability made him not just a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense but one of the most dynamic players in football at the time.
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
Former Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell runs to the outside as the team participates in a professional football game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Ironically, what made Bell so valuable ultimately played a part in his departure from Pittsburgh. After sitting out the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute, Bell joined the New York Jets, a move that many believe was the beginning of the end of his NFL career. The Jets stint never reached the heights of his time with the Steelers, and over the years, Bell has admitted he regrets leaving Pittsburgh. Looking back, it is clear that his time in the Steel City represented not only his peak performance but also a period where he had the best fit for his unique skill set.
During a recent appearance on The White House with Michael Irvin, Bell provided some insight into the internal dynamics behind his exit. He made a revealing comment about Kevin Colbert, the Steelers’ former general manager, suggesting that Colbert’s decisions at the time contributed to the situation that led him to sit out a season. Bell then articulated that Omar Khan, the current GM of the Steelers, would have handled things differently. According to Bell, Khan would never have allowed the same mistakes to happen, implying that the circumstances that pushed him out in 2018 would have been avoided under the current leadership.
"I feel like they didn't want it to work," Bell said while speaking on The White House with Michael Irvin. "At the time, it was Kevin Colbert, I think the GM now, Omar Khan, if that exact situation happened again, I think it gets done. I think the deal gets done, Killer Bs is still there… the GM at the time and my agent, they had a [problem]."
Bell’s agent was arguing that his client deserved to be paid like both a receiver and a running back, and they wanted a higher annual salary to match. The Steelers, however, did not meet those demands, and tensions between Bell’s agent and Colbert were clear during negotiations. That conflict played a major role in Bell leaving and ultimately sitting out the entire 2018 season. His agent, Adisa Bakari, was also the one who advised Bell to take that path, a decision that would change the course of his career.
steelers.com
Steelers former General Manager Kevin Colbert hangs out on the field during a training camp back when he was the head of the team's front office.
It is interesting to see how Bell’s career ultimately turned out when you look back at his first five seasons with the Steelers. His trajectory was skyrocketing, and he was on pace to be remembered as one of the greats. His time in Pittsburgh will never be forgotten, but it will always carry the sense of what could have been. Perhaps if Colbert and Bell’s agent had been able to reach an agreement, Bell would have stayed, played in 2018, and the results might have been entirely different.
Steelers Fans Know How Fast Things Can Change In The NFL
For now, Bell’s career is a story of incredible talent and what-ifs. The Steelers gave him the platform to shine, but the contract dispute and split with management serve as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. Fans will always remember Bell not just for his on-field skills but for the fleeting era of dominance he brought to Pittsburgh.
Don Wright / AP Photo
Former Steelers stars Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell run towards the end zone.
What remains is a legacy full of highlights, unforgettable plays, and a lingering question about what might have been if negotiations had gone differently.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.
#SteelerNation