Le'Veon Bell
{{Short description|American football player (born 1992)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Le'Veon Bell
| image = LeVeon Bell 2019.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Bell with the New York Jets in 2019
| current_team =
| number = 26, 17, 6
| position = Running back
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|2|18}}
| birth_place = Reynoldsburg, Ohio, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 225
| high_school = Groveport Madison {{nowrap|(Groveport, Ohio)}}
| college = Michigan State (2010–2012)
| draftyear = 2013
| draftround = 2
| draftpick = 48
| pastteams =
- Pittsburgh Steelers ({{NFL Year|2013|2018}})
- New York Jets ({{NFL Year|2019|2020}})
- Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2020}})
- Baltimore Ravens ({{NFL Year|2021}})
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2021}})
| status =
| highlights =
- First-team All-Pro (2014)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2017)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2014, 2016, 2017)
- First-team All-American (2012)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2012)
- Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Offensive MVP (2012)
| statlabel1 = Rushing yards
| statvalue1 = 6,554
| statlabel2 = Rushing average
| statvalue2 = 4.1
| statlabel3 = Rushing touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 42
| statlabel4 = Receptions
| statvalue4 = 399
| statlabel5 = Receiving yards
| statvalue5 = 3,289
| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue6 = 9
| pfr = BellLe00
}}
Le'Veon Andrew Bell Sr. ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|eɪ|v|i|ɒ|n}} {{respell|LAY|vee-on}};{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2013 |title=Steelers Le'Veon Bell on Spending Money, Transition to Physical NFL |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx5Y3bcECLw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627095451/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx5Y3bcECLw |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |access-date=December 1, 2013 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=SB Nation |time=0:04}} born February 18, 1992) is an American professional boxer and former football running back. He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He also played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After a rookie season where he ran for over 800 yards, Bell broke out in his second season with the Steelers, totaling over 2,200 combined yards and made the Pro Bowl. Bell missed several games in the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to drug-related suspensions and injuries, but still put up solid numbers and was voted to the NFL Top 100 both times. In 2017, he had a league-high 321 carries for 1,291 yards, as well as 85 catches for 655 yards, and made the third Pro Bowl of his career. The next year, Bell refused to sign the franchise tag placed upon him by the Steelers, resulting in him sitting out the entire 2018 season. He signed with the New York Jets the following off-season, but never regained his old level of success, and following less than two seasons, he was released by the Jets. Bell then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs where he finished the 2020 season. He spent his last NFL season on the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 before pursuing a career in professional boxing in 2022.
Early life
Bell was born on February 18, 1992, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio,{{Cite web |last=Marczi |first=Matthew |date=January 28, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell, Roosevelt Nix Share Road From Reynoldsburg to Pittsburgh |url=https://steelersdepot.com/2018/01/leveon-bell-roosevelt-nix-share-road-reynoldsburg-pittsburgh/ |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=Steelers Depot |language=en-US}} later attending Groveport Madison High School in Groveport, Ohio, where he played football, basketball, and ran track.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=May 25, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell's enormous donation is helping his high school install turf |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/leveon-bells-enormous-donation-is-helping-his-high-school-install-turf/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193027/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2017/05/25/leveon-bell-enormous-donation-is-helping-his-high-school-install-turf.html |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}} He played running back for the Groveport Cruisers football team. As a sophomore, Bell ran for 789 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. As a junior, Bell ran for 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and as a senior, Bell ran for 1,333 yards on 200 carries with 21 touchdowns. He was selected first-team All-Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division as a senior. In basketball, Bell earned second-team All-OCC Ohio Division honors as a junior. He also participated in track & field while at Groveport, where he ran the 100 and 200-meter dashes and was one of the state's top performers in the high jump (personal-best of 6 feet and 8 inches or 2.03 meters).{{Cite web |last=Huston |first=Chris |date=September 5, 2012 |title=Q & A with Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/20062845/q--a-with-michigan-state-running-back-leveon-bell |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129025833/https://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/20062845/q--a-with-michigan-state-running-back-leveon-bell |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=CBSSports.com}}
Considered a two-star recruit by ESPN.com, Bell was listed as the No. 211 running back in the nation in 2010.{{Cite web |title=LeVeon Bell – Football Recruiting – Player Profiles – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/69440/leveon-bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406183750/http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/69440/leveon-bell |archive-date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}} Although he was a three-year starter in high school, Bell had limited scholarship offers from Bowling Green, Marshall, and Eastern Michigan, but he hoped to attend Ohio State.{{Cite web |last=Myerberg |first=Paul |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Michigan State heard about Le'Veon Bell from ... Ohio State? How rivals help one another |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2020/02/05/college-football-recruiting-rivals-helping-michigan-state-football-leveon-bell-ohio-state/4666204002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213141905/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2020/02/05/college-football-recruiting-rivals-helping-michigan-state-football-leveon-bell-ohio-state/4666204002/ |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en}} Bell's high school principal, Donis Toler Jr., believed he was under-recruited and reached out to Michigan State's head coach Mark Dantonio. Although Dantonio had heard of Bell, they had never scouted him personally or had thought of offering him a scholarship. With football season over, Dantonio sent his running back's coach to scout Bell at his high school basketball game.{{Cite web |last=Lueng |first=Diamond |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio's recruitment of Le'Veon Bell defined by generations old saying, "It's hard, but fair." |url=https://www.mlive.com/articles/8994116/michigan_states_recruitment_of.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090639/https://www.mlive.com/articles/8994116/michigan_states_recruitment_of.amp |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=January 10, 2017 |website=mlive.com}} After he finished his senior football season, he finally received a scholarship offer from Michigan State after some players got into trouble and Michigan State had open scholarships available with a need at running back.{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2015 |title=Le'Veon Bell went from Unwanted to Unstoppable |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/11/3/9664050/leveon-bell-video-interview-profile |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622150315/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/11/3/9664050/leveon-bell-video-interview-profile |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=July 4, 2016 |website=SBNation.com}} In 2010, he graduated from high school early and began attending Michigan State that spring semester.{{Cite web |last=English |first=Rachel |date=October 3, 2012 |title=Le'Veon Bell: A Style All His Own |url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100312aad.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612222043/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/100312aad.html |archive-date=June 12, 2015 |access-date=June 11, 2015 |website=Michigan State Spartans}}
College career
Bell enrolled in Michigan State University, where he played for the Michigan State Spartans football team from 2010 to 2012 under head coach Mark Dantonio.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193159/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1.html |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Solari |first=Chris |date=November 18, 2014 |title=Dantonio recalls seeing Le'Veon Bell's talent early |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2014/11/18/michigan-state-dantonio-leveon-bell/19238781/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617230756/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2014/11/18/michigan-state-dantonio-leveon-bell/19238781/ |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}
=2010 season=
Bell was an immediate contributor to the Spartans in their 11–2 campaign, which at the time was the most wins in a single season in school history.{{Cite web |title=2010 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2010-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628151321/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2010-schedule.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He made his collegiate debut in the Spartans' season opener against Western Michigan. In the 38–14 victory, he had 10 carries for 141 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Western Michigan at Michigan State Box Score, September 4, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-04-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020939/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-04-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later, against Notre Dame, he had 17 carries for 114 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 34–31 victory.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan State Box Score, September 18, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020932/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-18-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On September 25, against Northern Colorado, he had 11 carries for 92 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 45–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=Northern Colorado at Michigan State Box Score, September 25, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020916/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 6, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Overall, he appeared in 13 games, rushing for 605 yards on 107 carries with eight rushing touchdowns. He also added 97 yards on 11 receptions and returned six kickoffs for 142 yards. In total, he had 844 all-purpose yards.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201194635/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He received All Big-Ten Freshman honors from ESPN.com and Rivals.com.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State Spartans Player Bio: Le'veon Bell |url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/leveon_bell_716506.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806193056/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/leveon_bell_716506.html |archive-date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=June 11, 2015 |website=Michigan State Spartans}}
=2011 season=
As a sophomore, Bell's role increased for the Spartans in their 11–3 season.{{Cite web |title=2011 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2011-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628151323/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2011-schedule.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He started the 2011 season with nine carries for 40 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a 28–6 victory over Youngstown State.{{Cite web |title=Youngstown State at Michigan State Box Score, September 2, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-02-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020930/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-02-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On September 24, against Central Michigan, he had eight carries for 81 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in the 45–7 victory.{{Cite web |title=Central Michigan at Michigan State Box Score, September 24, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-24-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020908/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-24-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 5, against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, he had 165 all-purpose yards (96 rushing, 38 receiving, and 31 kickoff return yards) and two total touchdowns in the 31–24 victory.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota at Michigan State Box Score, November 5, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-05-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193211/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-05-michigan-state.html |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 12, against the Iowa Hawkeyes, he had 161 yards of total offense and a rushing touchdown in the 37–21 victory.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Iowa Box Score, November 12, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-12-iowa.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020841/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-12-iowa.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the Big Ten Championship Game against Wisconsin, he had 18 carries for 106 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 42–39 loss.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State vs Wisconsin Box Score, December 3, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-12-03-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527020907/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-12-03-michigan-state.html |archive-date=May 27, 2019 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Against #18 Georgia in the 2012 Outback Bowl, Bell rushed for 48 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns and had five receptions for 39 yards in Michigan State's 33–30 2OT victory. Bell's second touchdown came very late in the fourth quarter and allowed the Spartans to force overtime.{{Cite web |title=Outback Bowl – Michigan State vs Georgia Box Score, January 2, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-01-02-georgia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024011/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-01-02-georgia.html |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Bell led the Spartans in rushing with 948 yards on 182 carries and 13 touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1/gamelog/2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115222414/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1/gamelog/2011/ |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
=2012 season=
As a junior, Bell got a majority of the carries in the backfield for the Spartans in their 7–6 season.{{Cite web |title=2012 Michigan State Spartans Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2012.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628151548/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2012.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2012 Michigan State Spartans Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2012-schedule.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628151551/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2012-schedule.html |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He started the season with 44 carries for 210 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 55 receiving yards in a 17–13 victory over Boise State.{{Cite web |title=Boise State at Michigan State Box Score, August 31, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-08-31-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722172726/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-08-31-michigan-state.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Against Eastern Michigan on September 22, Bell ran for a career-high 253 yards on 36 carries in the 23–7 victory to earn the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week Award.{{Cite web |last=Rexrode |first=Joe |date=September 24, 2012 |title=Career high rushing and big ten offensive player of the week award. |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20120924/SPORTS07/120924026/michigan-state-football-le-veon-bell-big-ten |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927051748/http://www.freep.com/article/20120924/SPORTS07/120924026/michigan-state-football-le-veon-bell-big-ten |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |website=Detroit Free Press}} On October 6, against Indiana, he had 37 carries for 121 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 31–27 victory.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Indiana Box Score, October 6, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-06-indiana.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722132248/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-06-indiana.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the following week's game against Iowa, he had 29 carries for 140 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 19–16 loss.{{Cite web |title=Iowa at Michigan State Box Score, October 13, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-13-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722172728/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-13-michigan-state.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 3, against Nebraska, he had 36 carries for 188 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 28–24 loss.{{Cite web |title=Nebraska at Michigan State Box Score, November 3, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-03-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722172725/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-03-michigan-state.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later, against Northwestern, he had 32 carries for 133 rushing yards in the 23–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Northwestern at Michigan State Box Score, November 17, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-17-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722153855/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-17-michigan-state.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} On November 24, against Minnesota, he had 35 carries for 266 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 26–10 victory.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Minnesota Box Score, November 24, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-minnesota.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722172727/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-minnesota.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} In the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, against TCU, he had 32 carries for 145 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in the 17–16 victory.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl – Texas Christian vs Michigan State Box Score, December 29, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-29-michigan-state.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722154618/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-12-29-michigan-state.html |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |access-date=May 7, 2020 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} He earned Offensive MVP honors for the bowl game.
Bell finished the season with 382 carries for 1,793 rushing yards, which was the second most in the Big Ten Conference, and 12 rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Bell Named CFPA Elite Running Back Trophy Winner |url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120712aae.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212125213/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120712aae.html |archive-date=December 12, 2012 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Michigan State Spartans}}{{Cite web |last=Mansour |first=Josh |date=December 9, 2012 |title=Bell addresses NFL Draft rumors in accepting Elite Running Back award |url=http://statenews.com/article/2012/12/bell-addresses-nfl-draft-rumors-in-accepting-elite-running-back-award |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215802/http://statenews.com/article/2012/12/bell-addresses-nfl-draft-rumors-in-accepting-elite-running-back-award |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=State News}}{{Cite web |title=2012 Big Ten Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2012-leaders.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401144301/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/2012-leaders.html |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} His 1,793 rushing yards ranked second in school history for a single season, trailing only Lorenzo White's 2,066 rushing yards in the 1985 season.{{Cite web |title=2020 Michigan State Spartans Football Media Guide |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/msuspartans.com/documents/2020/10/28/Complete_Media_Guide_Final.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126064743/https://s3.amazonaws.com/msuspartans.com/documents/2020/10/28/Complete_Media_Guide_Final.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2021 |website=Michigan State Spartans Athletics}} He was voted to the First-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media, ESPN.com, College Football News, and Phil Steele. He won the George Alderton Award, which is given to the top male athlete at Michigan State.
After his junior season in 2012, Bell decided to forgo his senior season and entered the 2013 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Brian |date=January 3, 2013 |title=MSU's Le'Veon Bell to enter NFL draft |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/69241/msus-leveon-bell-to-enter-nfl-draft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205194249/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/69241/msus-leveon-bell-to-enter-nfl-draft |archive-date=February 5, 2016 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}
=College statistics=
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! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="6"| Rushing ! colspan="6"| Receiving ! colspan="5"| Kick returns | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Y/G | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Y/G | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |
| 2010 || Michigan State
| 13 || 0 || 107 || 605 || 5.7 || 75 || 8 || 46.5 || 11 || 97 || 8.8 || 35 || 0 || 7.5 || 6 || 142 || 23.7 || 32 || 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2011 || Michigan State
| 14 || 6 || 182 || 948 || 5.2 || 35 || 13 || 67.7 || 35 || 267 || 7.6 || 45 || 0 || 19.1 || 1 || 31 || 31.0 || 31 || 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2012 || Michigan State
| 13 || 13 || 382 || 1,793 || 4.7 || 40 || 12 || 137.9 || 32 || 167 || 5.2 || 20 || 1 || 12.8 || 4 || 46 || 11.5 || 31 || 0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/leveon-bell-1.html Total] | 40 | 19 | 671 | 3,346 | 5.0 | 75 | 33 | 83.7 | 78 | 531 | 6.8 | 45 | 1 | 13.3 | 11 | 219 | 19.9 | 32 | 0 |
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
Coming out of Michigan State, Bell was projected by the majority of analysts to be a second or third round selection. He was ranked as the fifth best running back by NFLDraftScout.com and ranked the best overall running back by NFL analyst Bucky Brooks.{{Cite web |last=Brooks |first=Bucky |author-link=Bucky Brooks |date=May 1, 2013 |title=Le'Veon Be.emerging as best running back in 2013 NFL Draft |url=https://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000146225/article/leveon-bell-emerging-as-best-running-back-in-2013-nfl-draft |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110163138/http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap1000000146225/article/leveon-bell-emerging-as-best-running-back-in-2013-nfl-draft |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=*Le'Veon Bell, DS #5 RB, Michigan State: 2013 NFL Draft |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105251&draftyear=2013&genpos=RB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042836/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105251&draftyear=2013&genpos=RB |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=nfldraftscout.com}} He received an invitation to the NFL Combine and participated in all workouts and positional drills.
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/pittsburgh-steelers/0ap2000000152146/Le-Veon-Bell-2013-Combine-Workout Le'Veon Bell's NFL Combine Workout]
}}
Bell was satisfied with his combine performance and only performed positional drills at Michigan State's Pro Day. Bell, Dion Sims, William Gholston, Johnny Adams, and five other Michigan State prospects worked out in front of scouts and representatives from 29 NFL teams. The only head coach that attended was Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin.{{Cite web |date=March 13, 2013 |title=Spartans hold annual Pro Day |url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031313aab.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726005607/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031313aab.html |archive-date=July 26, 2018 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=msuspartans.com}} Scouts considered Bell a big bruising back with quick feet and lower body strength and also gave him positive reviews for his ability to run north–south, for his strong cuts, and nice bursts through holes. The only negative reviews were based on his limited ball-carrier vision, inconsistent blocking, and his height that would possibly affect his speed and ability to dodge tacklers.
{{nfl predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1+3/8
| weight = 230
| dash = 4.60
| ten split = 1.57
| twenty split = 2.64
| shuttle = 4.24
| cone drill = 6.75
| vertical = 31+1/2
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 10
| bench = 24
| wonderlic = 17
| arm span = 31+1/2
| hand span = 9+5/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Profile: Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/le'veon-bell?id=2540175 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090757/http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/le'veon-bell?id=2540175 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=*Le'Veon Bell - Michigan State, RB : 2013 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105251&draftyear=2013&genpos=RB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003245/http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105251&draftyear=2013&genpos=RB |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2018 |website=www.draftscout.com}}
}}
=Pittsburgh Steelers=
{{external media
| video1 = [http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap2000000164455/Steelers-draft-RB-Le-Veon-Bell Steelers draft Le'Veon Bell 48th overall]
| video2 =
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap2000000161021/2013-Draft-profile-Running-Back-Leveon-Bell-Michigan-St NFL Draft Profile: Le'Veon Bell]
}}
==2013 season==
File:LeVeon Bell 26 practicing 2013.jpg
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Bell in the second round with the 48th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.{{Cite web |last=Berkes |first=Peter |date=April 26, 2013 |title=MSU RB Bell taken by Steelers in second round |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/4/26/4174624/2013-nfl-draft-results-leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508162945/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/4/26/4174624/2013-nfl-draft-results-leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}} He was the second running back to be selected that year, only behind Giovani Bernard (37th overall, Bengals).{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002095516/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/draft.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On June 3, 2013, the Steelers signed Bell to a four-year, $4.12 million rookie contract that included $2.27 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.37 million.{{Cite web |title=Sportrac.com: Le'Veon Bell contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/leveon-bell-12329/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214125304/http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/leveon-bell-12329/ |archive-date=December 14, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=sportrac.com}}{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell Salary |url=http://overthecap.com/player/leveon-bell/2258 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404004346/https://overthecap.com/player/leveon-bell/2258/ |archive-date=April 4, 2020 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=Over The Cap}}
Bell entered training camp competing with veteran Isaac Redman for the Steelers' starting running back position.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steeler's Depth Chart |url=http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/149/PIT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201020604/http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/149/PIT |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |access-date=January 7, 2017 |website=ourlads.com}} In his second preseason game against the Washington Redskins, Bell was tackled on a running play and suffered a mid-foot sprain. His injury did not require surgery, but forced him to miss the first three weeks of the regular season.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=August 20, 2013 |title=What we learned: Preseason injury plague spreads |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/what-we-learned-preseason-injury-plague-spreads-0ap1000000231961 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202173223/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000231961/article/what-we-learned-preseason-injury-plague-spreads |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
On September 29, Bell appeared in his first NFL game at Wembley Stadium in London and rushed for 57 yards on 16 carries and a season-high two rushing touchdowns while also catching four receptions for 27 yards in a 34–27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. His first professional touchdown came on an eight-yard run in the first quarter of the game.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Minnesota Vikings – September 29th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290min.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811182755/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290min.htm |archive-date=August 11, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Steelers chose to release Isaac Redman on October 21.{{Cite web |last=Roling |first=Chris |date=October 21, 2013 |title=Isaac Redman Released by Pittsburgh Steelers |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1819773-isaac-redman-released-by-pittsburgh-steelers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028153916/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1819773-isaac-redman-released-by-pittsburgh-steelers |archive-date=October 28, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} On November 28, Bell had 16 carries for 73 yards and ran for a season-long 43-yard touchdown, while also racking up a season-high seven catches for 63-yards during a 22–20 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – November 28th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311280rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193235/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311280rav.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During a Week 16 road matchup against the Green Bay Packers, Bell had a season-high 26 carries for 124 yards and a rushing touchdown in the 38–31 victory.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Green Bay Packers – December 22nd, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312220gnb.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193328/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312220gnb.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} For his Week 16 performance, Bell earned the Joe Greene Great Performance Award and the Pepsi Next NFL Rookie of the Week nomination.{{Cite web |title=2020 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide |url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/steelers/gcuonk6ed5hmcpa4kzms.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111195833/https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/steelers/gcuonk6ed5hmcpa4kzms.pdf |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=January 20, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} On December 29, in a Week 17 game against division rival Cleveland Browns, Bell broke Steelers legend Franco Harris's rookie record for total yards from scrimmage with 1,259 yards.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Scott |date=January 28, 2014 |title=Steelers' 2013 draft review: Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/4552/steelers-2013-draft-review-leveon-bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128213136/http://espn.go.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/4552/steelers-2013-draft-review-leveon-bell |archive-date=January 28, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}
Bell finished his rookie season with 244 carries, 860 rushing yards, and eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 45 receptions for 399 yards. He started the last 13 games of the season.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193152/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2013/ |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He became the first rookie to lead the team in rushing since Tim Worley in 1989. Among rookies, he finished third in rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Rookie rushing totals, 2013 season |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/ULP9j |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626164826/https://stathead.com/tools/tiny.fcgi?id=ULP9j |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2014 season==
File:Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (15530353245).jpg in 2014]]
Bell began his second season as a starter in the season opener against the Cleveland Browns and finished the game with 21 carries, 109 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and six receptions for 88 yards in a 30–27 home victory.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215111417/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070pit.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2017 |access-date=December 15, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On September 21, in Week 3, Bell and LeGarrette Blount both rushed for over 100 yards each against the Carolina Panthers. He finished the 37–19 road victory with 21 carries for 147 rushing yards, including a career long 81-yard run.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers – September 21st, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409210car.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193350/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409210car.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On October 20, Bell had eight catches for 88 yards and made his first NFL receiving touchdown in a 30–23 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 7.{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 20th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410200pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824233010/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410200pit.htm |archive-date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Bell became the first running back in Steelers' history to have seven consecutive games with 100 yards from scrimmage. He had his most productive rushing game of the season in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans, gaining 204 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown on a season-high 33 carries in the 27–24 victory.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans – November 17th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411170oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411170oti.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On November 30, Bell had a season-high eight receptions for 159 receiving yards while also accounting for 21 carries, 95 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown in a 35–32 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 13.{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193248/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300pit.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his effort against the Saints.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_14.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228132336/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_14.htm |archive-date=February 28, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next game, he rushed 26 times for 185 yards and made six catches for 50 yards while scoring three total touchdowns in a 42–21 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – December 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113150300/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412070cin.htm |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Bell tied Walter Payton's NFL record of three consecutive games with at least 200 yards from scrimmage after his performance against the Bengals.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Le'Veon Bell Records 200-Plus Scrimmage Yards in 3rd Consecutive Game |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2293492-leveon-bell-records-200-plus-scrimmage-yards-in-3rd-consecutive-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125115857/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2293492-leveon-bell-records-200-plus-scrimmage-yards-in-3rd-consecutive-game |archive-date=January 25, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} In Week 15, he had 20 carries for 47 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with five receptions for 72 receiving yards in the 27–20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons – December 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140atl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425135600/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140atl.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 28, Bell was injured against the Bengals in the Week 17 regular season finale when he hyperextended his knee while being tackled by safety Reggie Nelson.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Aaron |date=January 2, 2015 |title=Steelers rule out Le'Veon Bell due to hyperextended knee |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-steelers-rule-out-leveon-bell-due-to-hyperextended-knee-20150102-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204014322/https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-steelers-rule-out-leveon-bell-due-to-hyperextended-knee-20150102-story.html |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 3, 2019 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}} He was ruled out against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the 2014 playoffs.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 2, 2015 |title=Le'Veon Bell ruled out for Wild Card against Ravens |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/le-veon-bell-ruled-out-for-wild-card-against-ravens-0ap3000000452995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617231341/https://www.nfl.com/news/le-veon-bell-ruled-out-for-wild-card-against-ravens-0ap3000000452995 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}
Bell broke out in the 2014 season, going from rookie to All-Pro, finishing second in rushing yards, yards from scrimmage, and all-purpose yards to Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125134536/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/allpro.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He led all running backs in receiving yards and yards per reception.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Receiving - Pro-Football-Reference.com |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825191725/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/receiving.htm |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Player Rushing Stats – National Football League – ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/player |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306104812/http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/rushing/sort/rushingYards/seasontype/2 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016}} He finished the season averaging 4.7 rushing yards per carry (YPC), up from 3.5 YPC in 2013.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/Le'Veon-Bell/BEL474300 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831142958/http://www.steelers.com/team/roster/Le'Veon-Bell/BEL474300 |archive-date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Pittsburgh Steelers}} Bell finished his first complete regular season with a career-high 290 carries, 1,361 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 83 receptions, 854 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2014/ |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Bell's 2,215 yards from scrimmage set a new single season franchise record, breaking Barry Foster's 2,034 in 1992.{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2014 |title=Le'Veon Bell Breaks Steelers' Single-Season Record for Scrimmage Yards |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2301099-leveon-bell-breaks-steelers-single-season-record-for-scrimmage-yards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626170550/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2301099-leveon-bell-breaks-steelers-single-season-record-for-scrimmage-yards |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NFL Yards From Scrimmage Single-Season Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_season.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153953/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_season.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned FedEx Ground Player of the Week twice, once in Week 3 and once in Week 11. In addition, he was named FedEx Ground Player of the Year. He finished fourth in AP Offensive Player of the Year Voting.{{Cite web |title=2014 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605202019/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2014.htm |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named to the Pro Bowl and was ranked 16th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061701/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |archive-date=August 16, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2015': No. 16 Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2015/0ap3000000499580/Top-100-Players-of-2015-No-16-Le-Veon-Bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075659/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2015/0ap3000000499580/Top-100-Players-of-2015-No-16-Le-Veon-Bell |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
==2015 season==
After being arrested with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount on DUI and marijuana possession charges in August 2014, Bell was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2015 regular season.{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=March 1, 2015 |title=Le'Veon Bell faces a maximum suspension of four games |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/01/leveon-bell-faces-a-maximum-suspension-of-four-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208112740/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/01/leveon-bell-faces-a-maximum-suspension-of-four-games/ |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} On April 9, 2015, it was reported that the suspension was reduced to three games.{{Cite web |last=Bibber |first=Ryan Van |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Le'Veon Bell suspended 3 games |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/4/9/8376421/leveon-bell-suspended-marijuana-arrest-steelers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215154834/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/4/9/8376421/leveon-bell-suspended-marijuana-arrest-steelers |archive-date=December 15, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=SBNation.com |language=en}} On July 28, Bell's suspension was reduced from three games to two following a successful appeal.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=July 28, 2015 |title=Steelers' Bell has suspension cut to two games |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13331825/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-suspension-cut-two-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526150426/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13331825/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-suspension-cut-two-games |archive-date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=ESPN.com}}
Bell made his 2015 debut against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3 on September 27, 2015. He finished the game with 19 carries for 62 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season, while also accounting for seven catches for 70 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at St. Louis Rams – September 27th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270ram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005251/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509270ram.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he had 22 rushing attempts for a season-high 129 yards and a touchdown in a 23–20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 1st, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510010pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061523/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510010pit.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On October 12, Bell had 21 rushes for 111 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of regulation after taking a direct snap from the wildcat formation, helping the Steelers defeat the San Diego Chargers by a score of 24–20.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at San Diego Chargers – October 12th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510120sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202130540/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510120sdg.htm |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Chris |date=October 13, 2015 |title=Steelers top Chargers on Bell's last-second TD |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/13/leveon-bell-steelers-chargers-monday-night-football-michael-vick |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224054247/http://www.si.com/nfl/2015/10/13/leveon-bell-steelers-chargers-monday-night-football-michael-vick |archive-date=December 24, 2015 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Sports Illustrated}} During a Week 6 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, Bell rushed a season-high 24 times and finished the 25–13 victory with 88 rushing yards.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 18th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510180pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131025622/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510180pit.htm |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On November 1, Bell suffered a season-ending torn MCL during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals, after being tackled by linebacker Vontaze Burfict.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=November 2, 2015 |title=Source: Steelers' Bell tears MCL, likely out for '15 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14033261/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-tears-mcl-likely-rest-2015-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010123111/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14033261/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-tears-mcl-likely-rest-2015-season |archive-date=October 10, 2018 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The following day, the Steelers placed him on injured reserve, effectively ending his season. Bell finished the 2015 season with a total of 113 rushing attempts for 556 rushing yards and three touchdowns and 24 receptions for 136 receiving yards in six starts.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201192822/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2015/ |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On November 6, it was reported by NFL Network analyst Jason La Canfora that Bell had undergone successful surgery to repair the damage to his MCL/PCL.{{Cite web |last=La Canfora |first=Jason |title=Le'Veon Bell on target for 2016 opener after surgery to repair MCL, PCL |url=http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25366930/leveon-bell-on-target-for-2016-opener-after-surgery-to-repair-mcl-pcl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095828/http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/25366930/leveon-bell-on-target-for-2016-opener-after-surgery-to-repair-mcl-pcl |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=November 8, 2015 |website=CBSSports.com}} Despite the injury, he was ranked 41st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 41 Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000667953/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-41-Le-Veon-Bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090847/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000667953/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-41-Le-Veon-Bell |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}
==2016 season==
On August 19, 2016, Bell was officially suspended for the first three games of the 2016 regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Le'Veon Bell suspended three games by NFL for repeatedly missing drug tests |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-report-20160819-snap-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906032343/http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-report-20160819-snap-story.html |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} He stated in an apology on Twitter that the suspension was due to a missed random drug test in December. The original suspension was four games, but was reduced to three on appeal and as a part of a settlement between the league and the NFL Player's Association.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Steeler's Le'Veon Bell on 3-game suspension: 'It's all my fault' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17356137/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-says-own-everything-suspension-reduced-three-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220132425/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17356137/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-says-own-everything-suspension-reduced-three-games |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}
Bell played in his first game of the season on October 2 and recorded 18 carries for 144 rushing yards to go along with five receptions for 34 receiving yards in a 43–14 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 2nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130035023/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020pit.htm |archive-date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In a Week 7 matchup against the New England Patriots, Bell caught a career-high 10 passes for 68 receiving yards and had 21 carries for 81 rushing yards in a 27–16 loss.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 23rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610230pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021115/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610230pit.htm |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On November 13, Bell had 17 carries for 57 yards and scored his first rushing touchdown of the season during a 30–35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. In addition, he accounted for nine receptions for 77 receiving yards and caught his first receiving touchdown of the season.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 13th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611130pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114311/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611130pit.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next game, he had 28 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown during a 24–9 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.{{Cite web |title=NFL.com: Le'Veon Bell Game Logs |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/le'veonbell/2540175/gamelogs?season=2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090919/http://www.nfl.com/player/le'veonbell/2540175/gamelogs?season=2016 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns – November 20th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051504/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200cle.htm |archive-date=December 22, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On December 11, against the Buffalo Bills, Bell broke the Steelers franchise record for rushing yards in a game with 236 rushing yards on a career-high 38 carries while scoring three touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills – December 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612110buf.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201193212/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612110buf.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The previous record was set by Willie Parker when he rushed for 223 yards in 2006.{{Cite web |last=Bouchette |first=Ed |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Le'Veon Bell sets rushing record as Steelers defeat Bills, 27–20, in Buffalo |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/12/11/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Buffalo-Bills-December-11-New-Era-Field-Ben-Roethlisberger-Antonio-Brown/stories/201612110247 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927204549/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/12/11/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Buffalo-Bills-December-11-New-Era-Field-Ben-Roethlisberger-Antonio-Brown/stories/201612110247 |archive-date=September 27, 2018 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} Bell was named as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Bills.{{Cite web |last=Lam |first=Quang M. |date=December 14, 2016 |title=Le'Veon Bell, Rodgers among NFL Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000756727/article/leveon-bell-rodgers-among-nfl-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330021109/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000756727/article/leveon-bell-rodgers-among-nfl-players-of-the-week |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} He was named to his second Pro Bowl on December 20, 2016{{Cite web |date=December 20, 2016 |title=NFL announces 2017 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-2017-pro-bowl-rosters-0ap3000000760503 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117075658/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000760503/article/nfl-announces-2017-pro-bowl-rosters |archive-date=November 17, 2018 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} and was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Dave |date=January 5, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell Wins AFC Offensive Player Of The Month For December |url=https://steelersdepot.com/2017/01/leveon-bell-wins-afc-offensive-player-month-december/ |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Steelers Depot |language=en-US}} Bell finished the 2016 regular season with 261 carries for 1,268 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while also recording 75 catches for 616 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 12 games. He had a career-high four fumbles and lost only one. He recorded at least 100 yards from scrimmage in 11 of the 12 games he played in.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202130525/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2016/ |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Despite missing four games, he finished third in the NFL with 1,884 yards from scrimmage.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Scrimmage Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/scrimmage.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626165846/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/scrimmage.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On January 8, 2017, Bell started in his first NFL playoff game and finished with 29 carries for a playoff franchise-record 167 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 30–12 victory over the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card Round. His first career playoff touchdown came on a one-yard run in the second quarter and he also caught two passes for seven yards.{{Cite web |title=NFL Game Center: Week 18-2016: Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelees |url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017010800/2016/POST18/dolphins@steelers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110015124/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017010800/2016/POST18/dolphins@steelers |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |access-date=January 9, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 8th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701080pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015050119/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701080pit.htm |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The next week, he broke his own team playoff record with 170 rushing yards on 30 carries in an 18–16 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs – January 15th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701150kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701150kan.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} As the first NFL player to rush over 150 yards in his first two playoff games, he also set a record for most rushing yards in a player's first two playoff games, became one of four players to ever rush for 150+ yards in back to back playoff games, and one of three players with two 160+ yard playoff games in a career.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=January 16, 2017 |title=Steelers' Bell sets postseason rushing record |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18484413/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-sets-postseason-rushing-record |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616203806/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18484413/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-sets-postseason-rushing-record |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} However, he suffered a groin injury late in the game, which grew unmanageable during the AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots, and he was forced to leave in the second quarter.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship – Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – January 22nd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701220nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110114517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701220nwe.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Deardo |first=Bryan |date=February 3, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell (groin) says he would have played in Super Bowl LI |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/Article/Pittsburgh-Steelers-LeVeon-Bell-groin-said-he-would-have-played-in-Super-Bowl-LI-51088963/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626164824/https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/Article/Pittsburgh-Steelers-LeVeon-Bell-groin-said-he-would-have-played-in-Super-Bowl-LI-51088963/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} He finished tied for sixth in the AP Offensive Player of the Year Voting.{{Cite web |title=2016 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2016.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626170007/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2016.htm |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Bell was ranked #9 by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2017': No. 9 Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000817531/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-9-Le-Veon-Bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322014124/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000817531/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-9-Le-Veon-Bell |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
==2017 season==
On February 27, 2017, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=February 27, 2018 |title=Steelers place franchise tag on Bell |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-place-franchise-tag-on-Bell/3e6e65fa-81dd-4364-a799-545ee66a1819 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207225523/https://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-place-franchise-tag-on-Bell/3e6e65fa-81dd-4364-a799-545ee66a1819 |archive-date=February 7, 2018 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |website=Steelers.com}}{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 27, 2017 |title=Steelers place franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-place-franchise-tag-on-le-veon-bell-0ap3000000788116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928003256/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000788116/article/steelers-place-franchise-tag-on-leveon-bell |archive-date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=September 27, 2018 |website=NFL.com}} On September 24, Bell had six receptions for 37 receiving yards, 15 carries for 61 rushing yards, and scored his first touchdown of the season on a one-yard run as the Steelers lost to the Chicago Bears by a score of 23–17.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears – September 24th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709240chi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723190225/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709240chi.htm |archive-date=July 23, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he had a season-high 35 carries for 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns during the Pittsburgh Steelers 26–9 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens – October 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407210535/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010rav.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 6, Bell rushed for 179 yards on 32 carries in a 19–13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=October 15, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell proves prescient with 179 yards in win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21036838/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-redeemed-179-yards-touchdown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016162008/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21036838/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-redeemed-179-yards-touchdown |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=October 15, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bittner |first=Adam |date=October 15, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell flagged for boxing with the goalpost after TD versus Chiefs |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/10/15/leveon-bell-touchdown-celebration-boxing-penalty-nfl/stories/201710150175 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016174312/http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2017/10/15/leveon-bell-touchdown-celebration-boxing-penalty-nfl/stories/201710150175 |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=October 15, 2017 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2017 |title=Adrian Peterson among the NFL Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/adrian-peterson-among-the-nfl-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000863396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720195139/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000863396/article/adrian-peterson-among-the-nfl-players-of-the-week |archive-date=July 20, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 7, against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had 35 carries for 134 rushing yards in the 29–14 victory.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 22nd, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710220pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202094500/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710220pit.htm |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12, against the Green Bay Packers, he had 20 carries for 95 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards on a career-high 12 receptions.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 26th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711260pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330162027/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711260pit.htm |archive-date=March 30, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, Bell recorded 182 total yards of offense, with 106 receiving yards, 76 rushing yards, and a touchdown as the Steelers won 23–20.{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – December 4th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712040cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331093735/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712040cin.htm |archive-date=March 31, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 14, against the Baltimore Ravens, he had 13 carries for 48 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 39–38 victory.{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712100pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603120024/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712100pit.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 19, Bell was named to his third Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2017 |title=NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220125215/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000895772/article/nfl-announces-2018-pro-bowl-rosters |archive-date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=December 23, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} Bell was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell wins AFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for December |url=https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/04/leveon-bell-wins-offensive-player-of-the-month-honors-for-december/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116155125/https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/04/leveon-bell-wins-offensive-player-of-the-month-honors-for-december/ |archive-date=January 16, 2021 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Steelers Wire |language=en-US}} In addition, he was also named as a First-team All-Pro for the second time in his career.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/allpro.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329105114/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/allpro.htm |archive-date=March 29, 2018 |access-date=March 31, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The Steelers secured a first round bye for the playoffs after going 13–3 in the regular season.{{Cite web |title=2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2017.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127204755/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2017.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |access-date=February 1, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, he finished the 2017 season with a league-high 321 carries for 1,291 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns to go along with 85 receptions for 655 yards and two receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Rushing & Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/rushing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127193737/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/rushing.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2018 |access-date=February 23, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked fifth by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2018': Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2018/0ap3000000938441/Top-100-Players-of-2018-Le-Veon-Bell-No-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920184012/http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2018/0ap3000000938441/Top-100-Players-of-2018-Le-Veon-Bell-No-5 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
On January 11, 2018, Bell said that if the Steelers franchise tagged him again, he would definitely consider sitting out for the year or retiring from the NFL. In 2016, Bell reportedly turned down a two-year deal worth $30 million. Bell said he was not concerned about making the most money possible, but instead wanted to be paid in relation with his value to the team, reportedly saying, "I just want to be valued where I'm at" and "Just get the numbers straight, exactly where we want them. I'm not going to settle for anything. I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I'm not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I'm not getting what I feel I'm valued at." After news broke across the internet, Bell tweeted: "I'm trying to win a super bowl...I can care less about what happens after this season...my biggest thing I'm focused on is this team I'm on right now, playing for/with my brothers, & bringing back a 7th ring! what happens next year is irrelevant to my goals".{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=January 12, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell says he'd consider sitting out or retiring if tagged again |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22044556/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-sit-2018-retire-tagged-again |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113222217/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22044556/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-sit-2018-retire-tagged-again |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} On January 14, Bell sent a tweet before playing in the AFC Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars saying "I love round 2's...we'll have two round 2's in back to back weeks...",{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Jose |date=January 14, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell Writes Tweet Predicting Patriots Rematch, But Steelers Don't Make the AFC Title Game |url=http://www.complex.com/sports/2018/01/leveon-bell-makes-tweet-predicting-patriots-rematch-steelers-dont-make-it |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124805/http://www.complex.com/sports/2018/01/leveon-bell-makes-tweet-predicting-patriots-rematch-steelers-dont-make-it |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2018 |website=Complex.com}} referring to their rematch against the Jaguars, along with a possible rematch against the Patriots. The Steelers ended up losing to the Jaguars in a high scoring 45–42 affair in which Bell carried the ball 16 times and had 67 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to go along with nine receptions for 88 yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 14th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115214635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140pit.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=January 15, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference}}
==2018 season==
On March 6, 2018, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell for the second straight year worth $14.5 million.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 6, 2018 |title=Steelers use exclusive franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/steelers-use-exclusive-franchise-tag-on-le-veon-bell-0ap3000000919812 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226052616/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919812/article/steelers-use-exclusive-franchise-tag-on-leveon-bell |archive-date=December 26, 2019 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} Bell refused to sign the franchise tag and did not attend any team activities after contract negotiations stalled on July 16.{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell refuses to sign tag, out for 2018 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/11/13/steelers-rb-leveon-bell-a-no-show-as-deadline-approaches/38517357/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229075853/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/11/13/steelers-rb-leveon-bell-a-no-show-as-deadline-approaches/38517357/ |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=USA TODAY |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=July 16, 2018 |title=Agent: 2018 likely Bell's final season as Steeler |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24114399 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122145039/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24114399 |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}
Bell missed the first nine regular season games, and then did not report to the Steelers prior to the NFL's November 13 deadline to sign his franchise tender, therefore making him ineligible to play in the 2018 NFL season.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=September 13, 2018 |title=Steelers 'moving forward,' but will welcome Le'Veon Bell when he returns |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24664734/pittsburgh-steelers-linemen-absolutely-welcome-back-leveon-bell-comes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916065458/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24664734/pittsburgh-steelers-linemen-absolutely-welcome-back-leveon-bell-comes |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}}{{Cite web |last=La Canfora |first=Jason |date=September 16, 2018 |title=Agent for Le'Veon Bell attends Steelers opener but no progress made on new deal |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agent-for-leveon-bell-attends-steelers-opener-but-no-progress-made-on-new-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806233841/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agent-for-leveon-bell-attends-steelers-opener-but-no-progress-made-on-new-deal/ |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=September 17, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com}}
On February 20, 2019, the Steelers announced that they would not use the franchise tag on Bell, making him a free agent at the start of the new official NFL year on March 13.{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Steelers' Le'Veon Bell: Won't be tagged |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/steelers-leveon-bell-wont-be-tagged/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221112017/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/steelers-leveon-bell-wont-be-tagged/ |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |website=CBSSports}}{{Cite web |last=Rutter |first=Joe |date=March 5, 2019 |title=Tag deadline passes, Steelers' Le'Veon Bell officially becomes free agent |url=https://triblive.com/sports/tag-deadline-passes-steelers-leveon-bell-officially-becomes-free-agent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044724/https://triblive.com/sports/tag-deadline-passes-steelers-leveon-bell-officially-becomes-free-agent/ |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2019 |website=triblive.com}}
=New York Jets=
==2019 season==
On March 13, 2019, Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets with $35 million guaranteed, making him the second highest paid running back in the NFL.{{Cite web |last=Brinson |first=Will |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Le'Veon Bell saga finally reaches the end, as RB agrees to sign a four-year deal with Jets |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/leveon-bell-saga-finally-reaches-the-end-as-rb-agrees-to-sign-a-four-year-deal-with-jets/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327135657/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/leveon-bell-saga-finally-reaches-the-end-as-rb-agrees-to-sign-a-four-year-deal-with-jets/ |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric |date=March 14, 2019 |title=Jets Ring in Free Agency with Signing of RB Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-ring-in-free-agency-with-signing-of-rb-le-veon-bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719080442/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-ring-in-free-agency-with-signing-of-rb-le-veon-bell |archive-date=July 19, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |website=NewYorkJets.com}}
After holding out for the preseason, Bell played his first game with the Jets on September 8, 2019, against the Buffalo Bills where Bell rushed 17 times for 60 rushing yards and caught six passes for 32 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown as the Jets lost 17–16.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Allen, Bills overcome 16-point deficit, stun Jets 17–16 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127963 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909065830/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127963 |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Dealing with shoulder soreness, Bell played in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football, where he finished with 68 rushing yards and a lost fumble as the Jets lost 23–3.{{Cite web |last=Costello |first=Brian |date=September 17, 2019 |title=Jets manhandled in 'Monday Night Football' loss to Browns |url=https://nypost.com/2019/09/16/jets-are-manhandled-in-week-2-loss-to-browns/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917050323/https://nypost.com/2019/09/16/jets-are-manhandled-in-week-2-loss-to-browns/ |archive-date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=September 17, 2019 |website=New York Post}} In Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, Bell rushed 14 times for 50 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the season in the 24–22 win.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Darnold throws 2 TDs in return, Jets edge Cowboys 24–22 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128130 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015131724/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128130 |archive-date=October 15, 2019 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 16 against his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell rushed 25 times for 72 yards and caught four passes for 21 yards during the 16–10 win.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2019 |title=Bell, Jets damage Steelers' playoff hopes with 16–10 victory |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223212234/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127933 |archive-date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=December 22, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}} Overall, in the 2019 season, Bell recorded 789 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 66 receptions for 461 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820225601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2019/ |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |access-date=January 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
==2020 season==
Bell entered the 2020 season as the Jets starting running back. In Week 1, he suffered a hamstring injury against the Buffalo Bills and was placed on injured reserve on September 15, 2020.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Eric |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Jets Place RB Le'Veon Bell, WR Denzel Mims and ILB Blake Cashman on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-place-rb-le-veon-bell-wr-denzel-mims-and-ilb-blake-cashman-on-injured-reser |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005115638/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-place-rb-le-veon-bell-wr-denzel-mims-and-ilb-blake-cashman-on-injured-reser |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} He was activated on October 10.{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Ethan |date=October 10, 2020 |title=Jets Activate RB Le'Veon Bell from IR, Sign OL Jimmy Murray to Active Roster |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-rb-le-veon-bell-from-ir-sign-ol-jimmy-murray-to-active-roster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029155554/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-activate-rb-le-veon-bell-from-ir-sign-ol-jimmy-murray-to-active-roster |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=NewYorkJets.com}} In his return in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Bell rushed for 60 yards and caught one pass for seven yards during the 30–10 loss.{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals at New York Jets – October 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110nyj.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016200917/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110nyj.htm |archive-date=October 16, 2020 |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} After the game, Bell liked a tweet suggesting that the Jets should trade him. When asked about the social media interaction, Jets' head coach Adam Gase said that "I hate that's the route that we go with all of this instead of just talking to me about it, but it is the way guys want to do it nowadays."{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=October 12, 2020 |title=Jets' Adam Gase hates the route Le'Veon Bell took liking tweets: 'Seems to be the way guys want to do it nowadays' On October 13th, 2020, the Jets released him. |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-adam-gase-hates-route-190810393.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012233027/https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-adam-gase-hates-route-190810393.html |archive-date=October 12, 2020 |access-date=October 13, 2020 |website=www.sports.yahoo.com}} Bell was released by the Jets on October 13 after the team failed to find a trade partner.{{Cite web |last=Zucker |first=Joseph |date=October 13, 2020 |title=Le'Veon Bell Released by Jets After NY Failed to Trade RB |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2836969-leveon-bell-released-by-jets-after-ny-failed-to-trade-rb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014062143/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2836969-leveon-bell-released-by-jets-after-ny-failed-to-trade-rb |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}
= Kansas City Chiefs =
On October 17, 2020, Bell signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=October 17, 2020 |title=Chiefs make Le'Veon Bell signing official but his KC debut might not come this week |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article246527743.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028085719/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article246527743.html |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |website=KansasCity.com}} In Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Bell rushed for 25 yards and a touchdown during the 35–31 win. This was Bell's first touchdown as a Chief.{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders – November 22nd, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011220rai.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202085734/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011220rai.htm |archive-date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Overall, Bell finished the 2020 regular season with 82 carries for 328 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns to go along with 16 receptions for 138 receiving yards.{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108104608/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2020/ |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Baltimore Ravens=
On September 7, 2021, Bell was signed by the Baltimore Ravens to their practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=September 7, 2021 |title=RB Le'Veon Bell signing with Ravens practice squad |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rb-le-veon-bell-signing-with-ravens-practice-squad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907224409/https://www.nfl.com/news/rb-le-veon-bell-signing-with-ravens-practice-squad |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |access-date=September 7, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} He was activated for Week 4 against Denver Broncos and for Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers, scoring his first touchdown of the season in the latter game.{{Cite web |last=Hensley |first=Jamison |date=October 2, 2021 |title=Le'Veon will make his Ravens debut vs. Broncos |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32325329/baltimore-ravens-very-impressed-leveon-bell-promote-rb-practice-squad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027185958/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32325329/baltimore-ravens-very-impressed-leveon-bell-promote-rb-practice-squad |archive-date=October 27, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Jelani |date=October 2, 2021 |title=Ravens activate practice squad RB Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-activate-practice-squad-rb-le-veon-bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002234244/https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-activate-practice-squad-rb-le-veon-bell |archive-date=October 2, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} He was signed to the active roster on October 19, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Mink |first=Ryan |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Le'Veon Bell Promoted to 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/le-veon-bell-promoted-to-53-man-roster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020224931/https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/le-veon-bell-promoted-to-53-man-roster |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} He was released on November 16, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Ravens Release Le'Veon Bell, Who Tweets His Appreciation |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/reports-ravens-release-le-veon-bell-who-tweets-his-appreciation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116191230/https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/reports-ravens-release-le-veon-bell-who-tweets-his-appreciation |archive-date=November 16, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}}
=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=
On December 22, 2021, Bell signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting with former Pittsburgh Steelers teammates Antonio Brown, Ross Cockrell, and Steve McLendon.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=December 22, 2021 |title=Bucs Add Le'Veon Bell to Depleted Backfield |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-sign-veteran-running-back-le-veon-bell-roster-moves |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223033626/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-sign-veteran-running-back-le-veon-bell-roster-moves |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Buccaneers.com}} He played in three total games for the Buccaneers and caught a touchdown from Tom Brady in Week 18 against the Carolina Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=January 9, 2022 |title=Tom Brady hits Le'Veon Bell for record-breaking TD pass |url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/09/nfl-highlights-week-18-tampa-bay-buccaneers-carolina-panthers-tom-brady-leveon-bell-touchdown-video-franchise-records/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328105739/https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/09/nfl-highlights-week-18-tampa-bay-buccaneers-carolina-panthers-tom-brady-leveon-bell-touchdown-video-franchise-records/ |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Bucs Wire |publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Le'Veon Bell 2021 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123070142/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/2021/ |archive-date=November 23, 2021 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was released on January 22, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=January 22, 2022 |title=Leonard Fournette Activated from Injured Reserve |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-activate-leonard-fournette-injured-reserve-roster-moves |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123043044/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-activate-leonard-fournette-injured-reserve-roster-moves |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |website=Buccaneers.com}}
Playing style
Bell was known for his unconventional running style. While not the fastest runner, he was still considered elusive due to his patience in waiting for his blockers to create running lanes before suddenly accelerating for a big gain, despite coaches and analysts advising running backs to "hit a hole with authority". CBS sportscaster Phil Simms nicknamed Bell the "Great Hesitator" due to his running style.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Scott |date=January 22, 2017 |title=Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is on an unreal tear, utilizing a style many coaches hate |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/leveon-bell-running-style-steelers-2017-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517231213/https://www.businessinsider.com/leveon-bell-running-style-steelers-2017-1 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019 |website=Business Insider}}{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=January 17, 2017 |title=Has Le'Veon Bell created a new rushing style? |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/has-le-veon-bell-created-a-new-rushing-style-0ap3000000772625 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219073048/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000772625/article/has-leveon-bell-created-a-new-rushing-style |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |access-date=February 18, 2019 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league |
| Bold
| Career high |
=Regular season=
| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2013 | PIT
| 13 || 13 || 244 || 860 || 3.5 || 43 || 8 || 45 || 399 || 8.9 || 43 || 0 || 1 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2014 | PIT
| 16 || 16 || 290 || 1,361 || 4.7 || 81 || 8 || 83 || 854 || 10.3 || 48 || 3 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2015 | PIT
| 6 || 6 || 113 || 556 || 4.9 || 42 || 3 || 24 || 136 || 5.7 || 20 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2016 | PIT
| 12 || 12 || 261 || 1,268 || 4.9 || 44 || 7 || 75 || 616 || 8.2 || 32 || 2 || 4 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| 2017 | PIT
| 15 || 15 || style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"| 321 || 1,291 || 4.0 || 27 || 9 || 85 || 655 || 7.7 || 42 || 2 || 3 || 2 | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | PIT
| 0 || 0 || colspan="12"| Did not play due to holdout | |||||||||||||
| 2019 | NYJ
| 15 || 15 || 245 || 789 || 3.2 || 19 || 3 || 66 || 461 || 7.0 || 23 || 1 || 1 || 1 | |||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|2020 | NYJ
| 2 || 2 || 19 || 74 || 3.9 || 13 || 0 || 3 || 39 || 13.0 || 30 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| KC
| 9 || 2 || 63 || 254 || 4.0 || 16 || 2 || 13 || 99 || 7.6 || 18 || 0 || 1 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|2021 | BAL
| 5 || 0 || 31 || 83 || 2.7 || 12 || 2 || 1 || −1 || −1.0 || −1 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| TB
| 3 || 0 || 8 || 18 || 2.3 || 7 || 0 || 4 || 31 || 7.8 || 15 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm Career] | 96 | 81 | 1,595 | 6,554 | 4.1 | 81 | 42 | 399 | 3,289 | 8.2 | 48 | 9 | 10 | 5 |
=Playoffs=
| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Rushing ! colspan="5"| Receiving ! colspan="2"| Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum | Lost | |
| 2016 | PIT
| 3 || 3 || 65 || 357 || 5.5 || 38 || 2 || 4 || 3 || 0.8 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2017 | PIT
| 1 || 1 || 16 || 67 || 4.2 || 21 || 1 || 9 || 88 || 9.8 || 22 || 1 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2020 | KC
| 1 || 0 || 2 || 6 || 3.0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | |||||||||||||
| 2021 | TB
| 0 || 0 || colspan="12"| {{abbr|DNP|Did not play}} | |||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00/gamelog/post/ Career] | 5 | 4 | 83 | 430 | 5.2 | 38 | 3 | 13 | 91 | 7.0 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
=NFL records=
- First NFL player to rush over 150 yards in his first two playoff games
- Most rushing yards in a player's first two playoff games: 337{{Cite web |last=Marczi |first=Matthew |date=January 16, 2017 |title=Le'Veon Bell's 337 Rushing Yards In Two Games The Best Start To Postseason Career In NFL History |url=https://steelersdepot.com/2017/01/leveon-bells-337-rushing-yards-two-games-best-start-postseason-career-nfl-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220617225618/https://steelersdepot.com/2017/01/leveon-bells-337-rushing-yards-two-games-best-start-postseason-career-nfl-history/ |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Steelers Depot |language=en-US}}
==Steelers franchise records==
- Most rushing yards per game: 86.1{{Cite web |title=Most rushing yards per game, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/QyuJC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202439/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=QyuJC |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most receptions by a running back: 307{{Cite web |title=Most receptions by a running back, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/IGqla |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202431/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=IGqla |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most receptions by a running back in a season: 85 (2017){{Cite web |title=Most receptions by a running back in a single season, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/37XG8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202421/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=37XG8 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most receiving yards by a running back in a season: 854 (2014){{Cite web |title=Most receiving yards by a running back in a single season, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/JThZN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202532/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=JThZN |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most receiving yards in a single game by a running back: 159 (November 30, 2014, against the New Orleans Saints){{Cite web |title=Most receiving yards by a running back in a single game, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/SBhiC |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202215/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=SBhiC |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most scrimmage yards in a season: 2,215 (2014){{Cite web |title=Most yards from scrimmage in a single season, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/J9pJj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727202204/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=J9pJj |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most rushing yards in a game: 236 (December 11, 2016, against the Buffalo Bills){{Cite web |title=Most rushing yards in a single game, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/Igtvh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728192819/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=Igtvh |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most rushing yards in a playoff game: 170 (January 15, 2017, in the Divisional Round against the Kansas City Chiefs){{Cite web |title=Most rushing yards in a playoff game, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/T3BtP |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727201454/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=T3BtP |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
- Most games with at least 200 rushing yards: 2 (tied with Willie Parker){{Cite web |title=Most games with at least 200 rushing yards, Pittsburgh Steelers |url=http://pfref.com/tiny/fYz17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727201110/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tiny.fcgi?id=fYz17 |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Television and film career
In 2022, Bell competed in season eight of The Masked Singer as "Milkshake". He was eliminated on "90s Night" alongside Joey Lawrence as "Walrus".{{Cite web |last=Butler |first=Karen |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Joey Lawrence, Le'Veon Bell get the boot on 'Masked Singer' |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2022/11/07/masked-singer/1371667822763/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107125014/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2022/11/07/masked-singer/1371667822763/ |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |website=UPI |language=en}}
Personal life
Bell was born February 18, 1992, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, to Lisa A. Bell. His mother and grandfather have been lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fans.{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=May 9, 2013 |title=Early Mother's Day Present for Bell's Mom |url=http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/An-early-Mothers-Day-gift-for-Bells-mom/93160ca8-51f2-484d-9684-2a5300442a28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306144920/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/An-early-Mothers-Day-gift-for-Bells-mom/93160ca8-51f2-484d-9684-2a5300442a28 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Steelers.com}} Throughout his childhood, his mother raised Bell and his siblings by herself and struggled financially.{{Cite web |last=Fenech |first=Anthony |date=November 27, 2014 |title=Ex-Michigan State RB Bell Gives Thanks to Mom |url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2014/11/27/former-msu-rb-bell-gives-thanks-mom/19603333/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063642/http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2014/11/27/former-msu-rb-bell-gives-thanks-mom/19603333/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=Detroit Free Press}} Bell has two older sisters and two younger brothers, both of whom also play football. He cites his high school principal, Donis Toler Jr., and his mother as the two people responsible for helping him achieve his success. Toler was a father figure in Bell's life and helped him get noticed by Michigan State.
He has numerous tattoos, including quotations from Christian scriptures. He has Jeremiah 1:5 on his left arm with a picture of his mother embracing him after Michigan State suffered a loss in the Big Ten Championship.{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Diamond |date=August 9, 2013 |title=Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell adds meaningful tattoo with chip on his shoulder |url=https://www.mlive.com/articles/8814142/michigan_states_leveon_bell_ad.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090654/https://www.mlive.com/articles/8814142/michigan_states_leveon_bell_ad.amp |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=January 9, 2017 |website=mlive.com}} Bell also has John 3:16 on his left arm, along with "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."{{Cite web |last=Rollett |first=Rebecca |date=December 12, 2014 |title=Character (Ac)Counts: RB Le'Veon Bell |url=https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/pittsburgh-steelers-nfl-features-news-blog-long-form/2014/12/12/7383007/character-ac-counts-rb-leveon-bell |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218063222/http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/platform/amp/pittsburgh-steelers-nfl-features-news-blog-long-form/2014/12/12/7383007/character-ac-counts-rb-leveon-bell |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=Behind the Steel Curtain |publisher=SB Nation |language=en}}
On August 20, 2014, Bell was driving with his then-Steelers teammate LeGarrette Blount and Bell's girlfriend at the time, Mercedes Dollson, when he was pulled over by the police. The officer searched the car after he claimed to notice the smell of marijuana.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2014 |title=Steelers' Le'Veon Bell, LeGarrette Blount arrested for marijuana possession |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/steelers-le-veon-bell-legarrette-blount-arrested-marijuana-possession-article-1.1911141 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061943/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/steelers-le-veon-bell-legarrette-blount-arrested-marijuana-possession-article-1.1911141 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=New York Daily News |agency=Associated Press}} The search yielded 20 grams of marijuana, and the three were arrested for marijuana possession. Bell was sentenced to 15 months of probation, a 60-day suspension of his driver's license, DUI education classes, and $2,400 in court costs.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Bill |date=February 6, 2015 |title=Steelers Le'Veon Bell focused on becoming a role model |url=http://m.wpxi.com/news/news/local/steelers-leveon-bell-focused-becoming-role-model/nj6Nh/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054557/http://m.wpxi.com/news/news/local/steelers-leveon-bell-focused-becoming-role-model/nj6Nh/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=August 22, 2016 |website=WPXI}}
In May 2020, Bell partnered with professional Super Smash Bros. player Juan "Hungrybox" DeBiedma and esports organization Team Liquid to create an online Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament, The Box. At 8,192 participants, it was the largest Super Smash Bros. tournament of all time.{{Cite web |last=Ocal |first=Adra |date=April 26, 2020 |title=Jets' Le'Veon Bell teaming with Liquid's Hungrybox for Smash tourney |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/29099554/jets-leveon-bell-teaming-liquid-hungrybox-smash-tourney |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617061802/https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/29099554/jets-leveon-bell-teaming-liquid-hungrybox-smash-tourney |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=April 25, 2020 |title=Hungrybox and NFL star Le'Veon Bell to host new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament THE BOX |url=https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/hungrybox-and-nfl-star-leveon-bell-to-host-new-super-smash-bros-ultimate-tournament-the-box |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617100520/https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/hungrybox-and-nfl-star-leveon-bell-to-host-new-super-smash-bros-ultimate-tournament-the-box |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |website=Dot Esports}} Bell had an overall record of 7–2, finishing just before the round of 256. He used Mega Man throughout the tournament.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Michael |date=May 10, 2020 |title=NFL star Le'Veon Bell shines at his first Smash Ultimate major |url=https://picksandbans.net/2020/05/10/nfl-star-leveon-bell-shines-at-his-first-smash-ultimate-major/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617102850/https://picksandbans.net/2020/05/10/nfl-star-leveon-bell-shines-at-his-first-smash-ultimate-major/ |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |website=Picks and Bans |language=en}}
Bell endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 United States presidential election.{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=2024-10-24 |title=Ex-NFL star says Trump is a 'real one,' gushes about rally experience with former president |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ex-nfl-star-says-trump-real-one-gushes-about-rally-experience-former-president |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}
In February 2025, an Ohio jury found Bell liable for $25 million in compensatory and punitive damages related to a sexual abuse case brought by a female relative for events which occurred when she was a minor. His brother La'Vonte, a co-defendant in the case, was ordered to pay $11 million.{{cite web |last1=McCarriston |first1=Shanna |title=Jury orders ex-NFL player Le'Veon Bell to pay $25 million in damages in sexual abuse case |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jury-orders-ex-nfl-player-leveon-bell-to-pay-25-million-in-damages-in-sexual-abuse-case/ |website=CBS Sports |access-date=May 22, 2025 |date=March 14, 2025}}{{cite web |last1=Bruner |first1=Bethany |title=Ex-NFL star, Ohio native Le'Veon Bell ordered to pay $25 million in sexual abuse case |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2025/03/11/ohio-jury-says-ex-nfl-star-leveon-bell-owes-25-million-for-sexual-assault-columbus-pittsburgh/81989159007/ |website=The Columbus Dispatch |access-date=May 22, 2025 |date=March 11, 2025}}
Musical career
Bell, going by the stage name "Juice", started his music career with a 16-song album released via SoundCloud on March 27, 2017.{{Cite magazine |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=March 27, 2017 |title=Pittsburgh Steeler Le'Veon Bell (A.K.A. Juice) Releases New Album 'Post Interview': Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7736719/pittsburgh-steelers-leveon-bell-post-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113183142/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7736719/pittsburgh-steelers-leveon-bell-post-interview |archive-date=November 13, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |magazine=Billboard}} On May 27, 2018, Bell released a single titled "Target" responding to critics in regards to his contract dispute with the Steelers among other things.{{Cite web |last=Fowler |first=Jeremy |date=May 27, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell responds to his critics in new rap song |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23622980/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-raps-being-target-critics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508013909/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23622980/leveon-bell-pittsburgh-steelers-raps-being-target-critics |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}} He followed up "Target" with a four-song project titled "My Side of Things" telling his side of the story regarding his second straight contract hold out with the Steelers.{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=August 3, 2018 |title=Le'Veon Bell's Hip-Hop Album 'My Side of Things' Drops |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789352-leveon-bells-hip-hop-album-my-side-of-things-drops |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327210217/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2789352-leveon-bells-hip-hop-album-my-side-of-things-drops |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=February 21, 2019 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}} On March 13, 2019, Bell released an album called "Life is a Gamble".{{Cite web |last=Heck |first=Jordan |date=March 12, 2019 |title=Amid free agency, Le'Veon Bell announces mixtape featuring possible Steelers diss |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/free-agency-leveon-bell-announces-mixtape-featuring-possible-steelers-diss/aydj2mmbgnn91dp2mj7m545b5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190315153544/http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/free-agency-leveon-bell-announces-mixtape-featuring-possible-steelers-diss/aydj2mmbgnn91dp2mj7m545b5 |archive-date=March 15, 2019 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=Sporting News}}
Boxing career
{{Infobox boxer|nickname = The Juice
|weight_class=Cruiserweight{{cite web |title=BoxRec: Le'Veon Bell |url=https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/1118047 |website=BoxRec |access-date=22 June 2024}}
|stance=Orthodox
|total=3
|wins=2
|losses=1
}}
Bell had expressed interest in boxing as an alternative career. In December 2021, before the Buccaneers signed him, Bell had planned to retire from the NFL to pursue a professional boxing career. He tweeted a challenge to Jake Paul, accusing him of fighting "small dudes who can't box".{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Madison |date=December 22, 2021 |title=Le'Veon Bell contemplated retiring from football, starting boxing career before Buccaneers signed him |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/leveon-bell-buccaneers-retiring-football-boxing/1ie0szemlir781cxxl02h9loux |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144231/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/leveon-bell-buccaneers-retiring-football-boxing/1ie0szemlir781cxxl02h9loux |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=The Sporting News |language=en}}
= Bell vs. Peterson =
In July 2022, Bell announced that he would sit out the 2022 NFL season to pursue boxing, starting with an exhibition match against fellow NFL veteran Adrian Peterson.{{Cite news |last=Camenker |first=Jacob |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Le'Veon Bell explains why he's focused on boxing, won't return to the NFL in 2022 |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/leveon-bell-boxing-nfl-2022/aoiuf21fn6jegvfgn3pgwqes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144229/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/leveon-bell-boxing-nfl-2022/aoiuf21fn6jegvfgn3pgwqes |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=The Sporting News |language=en}} The fight was originally scheduled for July 31 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but was postponed after AnEsonGib, a fighter in the card's main event, had medical issues.{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Charean |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Fight between Adrian Peterson, Le'Veon Bell postponed |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/07/25/fight-between-adrian-peterson-leveon-bell-postponed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911144236/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/07/25/fight-between-adrian-peterson-leveon-bell-postponed/ |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports}} On September 10, at Banc of California Stadium, Bell defeated Peterson in a fifth-round technical knockout after knocking Peterson down and Peterson being unable to continue.{{Cite news |last=Medcalf |first=Myron |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Bell TKO's Peterson in clash of former NFL RBs |url=https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/34567767/leveon-bell-tko-adrian-peterson-clash-former-nfl-running-backs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911062024/https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/34567767/leveon-bell-tko-adrian-peterson-clash-former-nfl-running-backs |archive-date=September 11, 2022 |access-date=September 11, 2022 |work=ESPN.com |language=en}}
= Bell vs. Hall =
On October 29, 2022, Bell made his professional boxing debut against American mixed martial arts fighter Uriah Hall at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.{{Cite news |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Le'Veon Bell will box Uriah Hall later this month |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/10/06/leveon-bell-will-box-uriah-hall-later-this-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006153559/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/10/06/leveon-bell-will-box-uriah-hall-later-this-month/ |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |work=ProFootballTalk}} Hall defeated Bell via unanimous decision.{{Cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Jared |date=October 6, 2022 |title=Le'Veon Bell making pro boxing debut on Jake Paul card after vicious KO |url=https://nypost.com/2022/10/06/leveon-bell-making-pro-boxing-debut-after-vicious-ko/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006230005/https://nypost.com/2022/10/06/leveon-bell-making-pro-boxing-debut-after-vicious-ko/ |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |work=New York Post}}
= Bell vs. JMX =
{{Main|JMX vs. Le'Veon Bell}}
On March 4, 2023, it was announced that Bell would face British YouTuber JMX as the headline bout for MF & DAZN: X Series 006 at the XULA Convocation Centre in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 21.{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2023 |title=Ex-NFL star Le'Veon Bell to fight JMX at Misfits Boxing 6 on April 21 |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/5/23625473/ex-nfl-star-leveon-bell-to-fight-jmx-at-misfits-boxing-6-on-april-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309150359/https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/3/5/23625473/ex-nfl-star-leveon-bell-to-fight-jmx-at-misfits-boxing-6-on-april-21 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=MMA Fighting}} Bell defeated JMX via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Montoya |first=Erika |date=April 22, 2023 |title=Le'Veon Bell picks up a great W in MF & DAZN: X Series |url=https://www.dazn.com/en-DK/news/mma/leveon-bell-live-updates-results-and-highlights/1sxy7u5c9l8dt15a145sgjjqho |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=DAZN}}
= MFB Cruiserweight Title Tournament =
==Bell vs. Hamm==
On April 12, 2024, it was announced that Bell would participate in the MFB Cruiserweight Title Tournament, where the winner would be crowned the new MFB cruiserweight champion. He was matched up with Canadian influencer Tristan Hamm for the quarter-final of the tournament.{{Cite web |last=Misfits Boxing |date=April 12, 2024 |title=MFB Cruiserweight Title Tournament: 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐩 ✅ |url=https://twitter.com/MisfitsBoxing/status/1778819124719767861 |website=Twitter}} On April 19, it was announced that the bout would be the co-main for MF & DAZN: X Series 15 at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas, on May 25.{{Cite web |last=Roff |first=Ed |date=April 20, 2024 |title=ELLE BROOKE AND PAIGE VANZANT COLLIDE AT X SERIES 15 ON MAY 25, LIVE ON DAZN |url=https://misfitsboxing.com/elle-brooke-and-paige-vanzant-collide-at-x-series-15-on-may-25-live-on-dazn/ |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=Misfits Boxing |language=en-GB}} Bell defeated Hamm via unanimous decision.{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Bryan |date=2024-05-25 |title=Misfits Boxing 15 Results: Brooke vs. VanZant |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2024/5/25/24164052/misfits-boxing-15-results-brooke-vs-vanzant |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}
Boxing record
= Professional =
{{BoxingRecordSummary|draws=|nc=|ko-wins=|ko-losses=|dec-wins=2|dec-losses=1|dq-wins=|dq-losses=}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
| 3
|{{Yes2|Win}} |2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Tristan Hamm |UD |5 |style="text-align:left;"| {{Small|NRG Arena, Houston, Texas, US}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{Small|MFB cruiserweight tournament quarter-final}} |
| 2
|{{yes2}}Win |1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|JMX |UD |4 |style="text-align:left;"| {{small|XULA Convocation Centre, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.}} | |
| 1
|{{no2}}Loss |0–1 | style="text-align:left;" |Uriah Hall |{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} |4 | style="text-align:left;" |{{small|Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona, U.S.}} | |
= Exhibition =
{{BoxingRecordSummary|draws=|nc=|ko-wins=1|ko-losses=|dec-wins=|dec-losses=|dq-wins=|dq-losses=}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |
| 1
|{{yes2}}Win |1–0 | style="text-align:left;" |Adrian Peterson |{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} |5 (5), {{small|0:30}} |Sep 10, 2022 | style="text-align:left;" |{{small|Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.}} | |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Footballstats|nfl=Le-Veon-Bell|espn=15825|yahoo=26671|pfr=B/BellLe00}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20170118131104/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/bell_leveon00.html Michigan State Spartans bio]
- {{Twitter}}
- {{Boxrec|1118047}}
{{Steelers2013DraftPicks}}
{{FedEx NFL Players}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bell, Leveon}}
Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players
Category:American football running backs
Category:African-American male rappers
Category:21st-century American male rappers
Category:Michigan State Spartans football players
Category:New York Jets players
Category:Kansas City Chiefs players
Category:Baltimore Ravens players
Category:People from Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Category:Players of American football from Ohio
Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players
Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players
Category:21st-century American rappers
Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players
Category:21st-century American male musicians
Category:21st-century African-American musicians