It has been eight years since former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The nine-year NFL legend was drafted by the organization in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and stayed through the 2018 season. After bouncing around between the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he retired at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Now a professional boxer, Bell has made waves on social media after agreeing to terms on a blockbuster boxing match with known influencer and professional wrestler Logan Paul.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers Star Le’Veon Bell to Fight for Sixth Time
GettyLe’Veon Bell is fourth all-time in Steelers rushing yards.
Since retiring from the gridiron, Bell has made his way into the boxing ring in a big way. The former Michigan State star has fought in a total of five boxing matches. That includes both professional and exhibition matches. In total, he has a record of 4-1.
Bell’s response to Paul’s boxing proposal on social media was simple:
“I box, never claimed anything else…send the contract.”
Perhaps his most notable boxing match was his first one, which was an exhibition against future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson. Bell ended up winning the match by TKO. This upcoming match with Paul, assuming the two sides can come to terms on a date, will be Bell’s fourth professional fight. He is 2-1 in non-exhibition bouts.
Le’Veon Bell is a Pittsburgh Legend
GettyLe’Veon Bell helped the Steelers win three AFC North titles in his Steelers career.
Aside from Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, there hasn’t been a more dynamic running back to take the field for the Steelers this century than Bell. He averaged 86.2 rushing yards per game with the franchise, which is the best in team history. The three-time Pro-Bowler rushed for over 1,200 yards in three separate seasons and recorded at least 1,200 scrimmage yards in four of his six years in the Steel City.
Perhaps his best season came in 2014 when he rushed for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns, along with securing 84 catches for 854 receiving yards, and three touchdowns through the air. His 2,215 scrimmage yards were a big reason why the Steelers brought home the AFC North title that season.
In four of his first five seasons with the organization, the team won at least 10 games and made the playoffs. His connections with future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown made this offense one of the toughest in the league to defend.
While the ending of Bell’s time could have been less ugly, as he sat out the entire 2018 season while still being under contract with the team, he should still be recognized as one of the best players in franchise history.
Although he recorded 1,250 scrimmage yards during the 2019 season when he went to play for the Jets, that would be his last productive season in the NFL. It was proof that he will always be remembered as a Pittsburgh Steeler. His career and abilities were both that special and on full display week in and week out.
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