Le’Veon Bell Apologizes to Fans for Bad Breakup With Steelers

The former running back held out during the entire 2018 season prior to signing with the Jets as a free agent.

Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell did his best to make amends with Steelers fans over the weekend by posting a video of himself apologizing for how his tenure with the team ended.

Pittsburgh drafted Bell in 2013, and he quickly became a star there, earning three Pro Bowl selections in five seasons. He earned first-team All-Pro status in 2017, rushing for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on a league-leading 321 carries.

However, in 2018, Bell decided to sit out the entire season instead of signing the franchise tag with the Steelers. In 2019, Bell signed with the Jets in free agency.

Steelers fans were salty with Bell at the time, and some still hold a grudge. Bell tried to smooth over some of those feelings with the recent video.

• Get your seats to Pittsburgh Steelers games at SI Tickets

“I never apologized to the fans for really sitting out, or leaving the Steelers. I never apologized,” Bell said. “So I want to say I apologize for leaving the best damn fans there is in this damn world. I shouldn’t have left. I apologize. I should never have left. I apologize. That’s my fault. That’s on me.”

it’s all love 🖤💛🐝 https://t.co/FEqAQknHmd

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) July 16, 2023

It sounds as if Bell has some regret about his decision to leave Pittsburgh. Regardless, fans seemed to be grateful for Bell’s message, even years later.

The 31-year-old went on to play one full season with the Jets, rushing for 789 yards in 2019. After that, he played briefly for the the Chiefs, Ravens and Buccaneers. He hasn’t played since the 2021 season.