To the surprise of some, former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell has publicly expressed remorse for leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers and acknowledged that he regrets his decision to leave.
Bell infamously departed for the New York Jets in free agency following a very messy and ugly falling out with the Steelers.
Bell took to Snapchat to address the topic that many Steelers fans have been longing to hear his take on.
He revealed his true sentiments about leaving the city he once called home and the fans who had supported him throughout his career. His statements left no room for doubt as he offered a heartfelt explanation for his departure.
“No, I didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh,” Bell stated candidly. “Because, at the end of the day, that’s where I was at. It was like, that’s where I got drafted, right?”
The running back continued to reflect on his decision to join the Jets and acknowledged that he had received numerous requests to appear on podcasts and address his departure. However, he chose this moment to finally extend an apology to the devoted Steelers fanbase.
“You know, I’ve gotten requests to come on podcasts and all the know, but really you’re right. I never apologized to the fans and they really should know,” Bell admitted.
“For leaving the Steelers, I never apologized. I want to say that I apologize for leaving the best damn fans in this world. I shouldn’t have left. I should’ve never left. I apologize, that’s my fault, that’s on me.”
Bell’s tenure with the New York Jets didn’t pan out as expected, but the blame can’t be laid entirely at his feet. New York’s coaching staff and front office was a dysfunctional mess during that period.
While Bell’s departure from the Steelers might have left a bitter taste in the mouths of some fans, his recent admission of regret sheds new light on his true feelings about the situation.
It’s not every day that a professional athlete admits to such emotions, and this revelation has sparked plenty of conversation.
As of now, Bell’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but his honesty about the past has garnered mixed reactions from fans across the league. Some admire his willingness to confront his decisions, while others believe it is a mere attempt to mend bridges after a disastrous stint with the Jets.
Regardless, Bell’s open regret about leaving Pittsburgh will undoubtedly resonate with Steelers fans, who may find solace in knowing that the running back still respects and cherishes the memories of his time in the city.
How would things have turned out for Bell had he stayed in Pittsburgh and not left in free agency?