Tag: Le’Veon Bell

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) scores the winning touchdown during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, December 22, 2013 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Green Bay Packers 38-31.

Ex-Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell to attempt NFL comeback

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Pittsburgh Steelers star running back Le’Veon Bell is eyeing an NFL comeback.

Bell, who turns 32 later this month, has not played in the league since 2021.

The two-time All-Pro expressed his desire to return in a series of Snapchat videos Friday night, according to ESPN.

Bell said he will start training next month and that he will only play for “one team,” presumably Pittsburgh.

“And I’m gonna be honest with myself, I got to go out there and be like, I’m going to put my foot in the ground. Do I feel it? Am I hurting? Can I go out there and really play again?” he said. “And bro, I’m telling you all right now when I go out there and train in March and if I hit April and I make this decision to come back to play in the NFL again, mark my words down — I will be better than I ever was.

“And I will only come back for that one team. You all know who it is. I don’t have to say no team. You all know who it is.”

A comeback in Pittsburgh seems like a long shot for multiple reasons. The Steelers appear to be set at the position with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and Bell didn’t exactly leave on good terms.

Bell sat out the entire 2018 season after refusing to sign his franchise tag. He returned to play for the New York Jets (2019-20), Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Baltimore Ravens (2021) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) but never achieved the level of success he enjoyed in Pittsburgh.

Bell earned three Pro Bowl selections in five seasons with the Steelers (2013-17), rushing for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns in 62 starts during that span. His career totals include 9,843 yards from scrimmage and 51 touchdowns in 96 games (81 starts).

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Le'Veon Bell (6) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Le’Veon Bell says he smoked marijuana before games

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free agent running back Le’Veon Bell admitted that he smoked marijuana before NFL games.

Bell, who last played in the NFL in 2021, opened up on the “Steel Here” podcast, which focuses on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell played for Pittsburgh from 2013-17, then sat out the 2018 season amid a contractual battle with the team.

“Looking back on this, that’s what I did,” Bell said. “When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games, I’d smoke and I’d go out there and run for 150, two (touchdowns).”

When Bell finally left the Steelers, he played for the New York Jets in 2019 and two games in 2020. The Jets’ coach at the time was Adam Gase, who came under criticism from Bell on the podcast.

“Bro, we get to New York, and that’s when you instantly find out that head coaches make a huge difference,” Bell said. “As soon as I get to New York I find that out like the first week. …

“Bro, the team wasn’t that great, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like if Coach (Mike) Tomlin (of the Steelers) was coaching that team, we win nine games at least. It’s to the point where (ex-Jets quarterback) Sam Darnold don’t even know like the actual line’s protections because he’s so confused about our offense because the coach is confusing him.”

Bell, 31, added that Gase was “terrible” at calling plays.

The Jets went 7-9 in 2019, with Bell producing 789 yards and three touchdowns on 245 carries.

New York released Bell on Oct. 14, 2020, after getting 19 carries for 74 yards that year. He signed with the Chiefs three days later and added 254 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries in nine games with Kansas City. Bell appeared in one playoff game during the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl, rushing twice for 6 yards.

In 2021, Bell played five games for the Baltimore Ravens and three for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 39 carries for 101 yards and two scores.

During his Steelers tenure, Bell was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro. In 96 career NFL games (81 starts), Bell ran 1,595 times for 6,554 yards and 42 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Le'Veon Bell (17) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Le’Veon Bell signing with Bucs; Leonard Fournette to IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to sign veteran free agent running back Le’Veon Bell pending a physical, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

The move comes amid an ESPN report that starting RB Leonard Fournette was likely headed to injured reserve for the rest of the regular season following a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday’s loss to New Orleans.

The move would reunite Bell with Antonio Brown after their time together as a potent 1-2 offensive punch in Pittsburgh.

Fournette, 26, leads the team in carries (180), rushing yards (812) and rushing touchdowns (eight). He also has provided an impact in the passing game with 69 receptions for 454 yards and two touchdowns. The Bucs expect Fournette back for the playoffs, per the report.

Ronald Jones II likely will assume the bulk of the workload in the backfield with Fournette sidelined.

Bell, 29, appeared in five games earlier this season with the Baltimore Ravens. He rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries.

Overall, Bell is a two-time All-Pro who has rushed for 6,536 yards and 42 touchdowns in 93 games.

He and Brown played together with the Steelers from 2013-17.

The Buccaneers on Tuesday also placed wide receiver Chris Godwin and defensive lineman Pat O’Connor on IR.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Le'Veon Bell (17) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

RB Le’Veon Bell says Ravens releasing him

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The Baltimore Ravens are releasing running back Le’Veon Bell, the former All-Pro announced on social media Tuesday.

The Ravens, who saw their top three running backs go down to injury before the season started, signed Bell as a free agent in October.

He wrote: “this hurts, but it’s been a blessing to be here to say the least, i’ve enjoyed every second of this short period & gotta whole new meaning of what this city is like & it’s a great place to be.” He added that he appreciated head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta giving him the opportunity.

Bell was sparingly used by the Ravens, who also signed free agents Devonta Freeman and Latavius Murray after injuries to J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill and Gus Edwards before Week 1.

The 29-year-old Bell appeared in five games for Baltimore. He carried the ball 31 times for 83 yards (2.7 yards per carry) and scored two touchdowns.

Freeman (223 yards) and Murray (212 yards) have emerged as the top running backs, but the ground game in Baltimore still runs through quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has gained 639 rushing yards and scored two TDs this season.

Bell was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers before forcing his way out of Pittsburgh by sitting out the entire 2018 season. He ultimately signed with the Jets in 2019 but lasted just 1 1/2 seasons in New York before he was cut in October 2020.

The Kansas City Chiefs added him to their roster in 2020, and he played in nine games, gaining 254 yards.

–Field Level Media

Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens promote RB Le’Veon Bell to active roster

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The Baltimore Ravens promoted running back Le’Veon Bell from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday.

Bell, 29, joins fellow former Pro Bowl running backs Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman in the backfield for the Ravens (2-1), who will visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Ty’Son Williams also is part of the backfield.

Bell was signed to the practice squad on Sept. 7. He last played with the Kansas City Chiefs in their 22-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC divisional round on Jan. 17.

The Ravens lost running backs J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill to season-ending injuries. Dobbins tore his ACL in Baltimore’s preseason finale in August, while Hill sustained a torn Achilles tendon in practice.

Bell was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers before he forced his way out of Pittsburgh by holding out for the entire 2018 season. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent, but was cut last October after 1 1/2 seasons with the team.

Bell then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and ran for 254 yards and two touchdowns over nine games in the regular season.

Bell has rushed for 6,453 yards and 40 touchdowns in 88 career games. He also has 3,259 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches.

–Field Level Media

Aug 18, 2020; Owings Mills, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Ellis (71) stands on the field during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens elect not to elevate RBs Le’Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman

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The Baltimore Ravens elevated two players from the practice squad for their season opener Monday night, just not the pair people were expecting.

The Ravens elevated defensive tackle Justin Ellis and safety Anthony Levine for the Ravens’ game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.

Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman were in the running to be elevated after the Ravens incurred a third injury to their decimated backfield last week. Gus Edwards, in line to be the starter after J.K. Dobbins went down, suffered a season-ending ACL injury.

The Ravens will go with starting RB Ty’Son Williams being backed up by Latavius Murray and Trenton Cannon.

The team signed Murray and Cannon last week. Murray was let go by the New Orleans Saints and Cannon was released by Carolina Panthers.

The Ravens also lost Justice Hill to a torn Achilles on Sept. 2.

Levine, 34, has played in 129 games (four starts), all with the Ravens. He has two career interceptions and four sacks over the previous 10 seasons..

Ellis, 30, has played in 83 games (45 starts) for the Raiders and Ravens. He is entering his eighth NFL season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens CB Marcus Peters, RB Gus Edwards injured in practice

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The Baltimore Ravens shut down practice early on Thursday after running back Gus Edwards and two-time All-Pro cornerback Marcus Peters suffered significant knee injuries on back-to-back plays, ESPN and NFL Network reported.

The Ravens fear Edwards has a torn ACL, per the reports.

Edwards was elevated as the team’s No. 1 running back after J.K. Dobbins tore his ACL on Aug. 28 in a preseason game. The team also lost reserve RB Justice Hill to a torn Achilles last Thursday.

Tests are being conducted on both Edwards and Peters.

Peters, 28, came to the Ravens in the middle of the 2019 season and has started 23 of 24 games for the club. He made the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro after the 2019 campaign. Peter also made All-Pro in 2016 with the Kansas City Chiefs, who selected him No. 18 overall in the 2015 draft.

Peters was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2015 after intercepting eight passes, which stands as his career high.

Edwards has played in 43 games (13 starts) for the Ravens since joining the club as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He has rushed for 2,152 yards and 10 touchdowns in a mostly backup role.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said before practice that the team was considering elevating running back Le’Veon Bell to their active roster against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.

Now it might be essential.

“I think there’s a chance,” Harbaugh said before practice. “He’s excited. He’s learning and we’ll see where it goes.”

After losing Dobbins, Hill and apparently Edwards to season-ending injuries, the Ravens have a backfield of Ty’Son Williams and Trenton Cannon.

Bell, 29, was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers before he forced his way out of Pittsburgh by holding out for the entire 2018 season. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent, but was cut last October after 1 1/2 seasons with the team.

Bell then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and ran for 254 yards and two touchdowns over nine games in the regular season. He was not active on the Chiefs’ game day roster for the AFC Championship Game and did not see the field during their loss in Super Bowl LV.

In seven NFL seasons, Bell has totaled 6,453 rushing yards, 40 rushing touchdowns, plus 3,259 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches.

–Field Level Media

Sep 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell (26) walks off the field following the game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ravens sign RB Le’Veon Bell to practice squad

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Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is joining one of his old team’s biggest rivals.

The Baltimore Ravens are signing Bell to their practice squad Tuesday, with plans to eventually add him to their 53-man roster, ESPN reported.

Bell worked out for Baltimore on Monday, along with free agent running back Devonta Freeman, reports said. Reports also indicate that running back Trenton Cannon was under consideration to help the Ravens, mainly on special teams.

The Ravens lost running backs J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill to season-ending injuries. Dobbins tore his ACL in Baltimore’s preseason finale in August, while Hill reportedly suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a recent practice.

That left Baltimore with only two healthy running backs ahead of Week 1: fourth-year pro Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams. Williams has no NFL experience.

Bell, 29, was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers before he forced his way out of Pittsburgh by holding out for the entire 2018 season. He signed with the New York Jets as a free agent, but was cut last October after 1 1/2 seasons with the team.

Bell then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and ran for 254 yards and two touchdowns over nine games in the regular season. He was not active on the Chiefs’ game day roster for the AFC Championship Game and did not see the field during their loss in Super Bowl LV.

In seven NFL seasons, Bell has totaled 6,453 rushing yards, 40 rushing touchdowns, plus 3,259 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches.

–Field Level Media

Aug 14, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) rushes during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Short on RBs, Ravens work out Le’Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens’ running back depth chart grew even thinner with Justice Hill lost for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon during a recent practice, NFL Network and ESPN reported Monday.

In an effort to plug the holes, the Ravens brought in Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman for workouts Monday, according to ESPN and NFL Network. ESPN also reported that Elijah Holyfield got a workout, too.

The news about Hill comes on the heels of the Ravens losing fellow running back J.K. Dobbins for the year after Dobbins tore his ACL in the Ravens’ 37-3 preseason win over the Washington Football Team on Aug. 28.

The Ravens, who parted with veteran Mark Ingram over the offseason, are down to two running backs on the current roster: Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams. Williams has no NFL experience.

Hill, 23, was expected to contribute in the wake of Dobbins’ injury, making the 53-man roster. He rushed for 285 yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 receptions for 90 yards in two seasons.

Dobbins, 22, rushed for 805 yards with nine touchdowns last year as a rookie.

Bell, 29, was a two-time All-Pro with the Steelers before forcing his way out of Pittsburgh by sitting out the entire 2018 season. He ultimately signed with the Jets in 2019 but lasted just 1 1/2 seasons in New York before he was cut in October.

Bell then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, for whom he produced 254 rushing yards and two touchdowns in nine regular-season games (two starts). He had 6 yards on two carries in the Chiefs’ first playoff game, then was inactive for the AFC Championship Game and did not play in the Super Bowl.

Freeman, 29, began his NFL career by playing six years with the Atlanta Falcons, topping 1,000 rushing yards and making the Pro Bowl in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He spent last season with the New York Giants, logging 172 yards and a touchdown in five games (four starts) before landing on injured reserve in November due to ankle and hamstring injuries.

–Field Level Media

Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sidelines in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Andy Reid on Le’Veon Bell: ‘I wish him the best’

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Chiefs coach Andy Reid took the high road Thursday when it came to former Kansas City running back Le’Veon Bell.

Over the weekend, Bell took to social media to talk about Reid.

“I’ll never play for Andy Reid again,” Bell wrote. “I’d retire first.”

In follow-up comments on Twitter, Bell said he had a “personal problem” with Reid because of something the coach said to him without revealing what that was.

Reid made a brief remark to reporters Thursday.

“I enjoyed my time with him. I’m pulling for him,” the veteran coach said. “That’s how I roll. I wish him the best.”

Bell joined the Chiefs last season on Oct. 17 — three days after his release from the New York Jets.

The 29-year-old rushed for 254 yards and two touchdowns in nine games with the Chiefs. He had two carries for 6 yards in the AFC Divisional playoff win over the Cleveland Browns before being inactive for the AFC Championship Game vs. the Buffalo Bills.

Bell did not play in Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bell was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro with the Pittsburgh Steelers before sitting out the entire 2018 season on the franchise tag in a contract dispute.

After signing a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets in March 2019, Bell gained 1,250 yards from scrimmage and scored four touchdowns in 15 starts with the team that season.

Bell has rushed for 6,453 yards and 40 touchdowns and caught 394 passes for 3,259 yards and eight scores in 88 games (81 starts) with the Steelers (2013-17), Jets (2019-20) and Chiefs (2020).

Bell is a free agent.

–Field Level Media