Steelers former All-Pro issues an apology to Pittsburgh
Many players have come and gone from the Pittsburgh Steelers. In some cases, they get the compensation they feel they deserve, or the ring they are desperately chasing. But most of the time, they quickly learn leaving Pittsburgh is a mistake, with one former All-Pro recently admitting he messed up: “I Apologize:” Le’Veon Bell Objectively […]
Many players have come and gone from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In some cases, they get the compensation they feel they deserve, or the ring they are desperately chasing.
But most of the time, they quickly learn leaving Pittsburgh is a mistake, with one former All-Pro recently admitting he messed up:
“I Apologize:” Le’Veon Bell
Objectively one of the best backs in the league when wearing the black and gold, Bell was a three-time Pro Bowler, and two-time All-Pro during his tenure with Pittsburgh. One of the most unique skill sets the league has seen at the position, Bell had a virtuoso running style and was every bit a slot receiver, evident by his 2200 yards from scrimmage in 2014.
But then Bell wanted to be paid, something you can't fault any player for, as his situation presents a Deja vu moment given the landscape of the league nearly a decade later. Today (July 17th, @ 4:00 P.M. est) is the deadline for players like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard to come to long-term deals with their respective teams.
Bell opted out of that exact situation in 2018, sitting out the entire season after failing to reach a long-term extension with Pittsburgh, then signing a lesser deal with the New York Jets before becoming a journeyman back across the league.
And now he knows that was a mistake:
"I never apologized to the fans for really sitting out or leaving the Steelers," said Bell via Snapchat. "I never apologized. So, I'm gonna say I apologize for leaving the best fans there is in this damn world. I shouldn't have left. I apologize."
That ship may have sailed for the majority of Steelers fans, but I for one accept the apology. Bell was one of the best players to play for Pittsburgh in the past two decades. He made a mistake searching for more money at a fungible position, losing leverage and the glory days of his career.
But Bell is wiser now, more mature, and understands there is only one fanbase that loves harder than any other, and they play in Pittsburgh, PA. And I think Bell is sending a life message out for everyone to follow:
The grass is greener where you water it.
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Featured image via: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
