New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Le'Veon Bell issues apology to Steeler fans

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 7/17/23

Running back Le'Veon Bell, a member of the Steelers' "Killer B's," (along with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown) took to social media Sunday and admitted he should have never left Pittsburgh.

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

Le’Veon Bell apologizes to all Steelers fans #steelers pic.twitter.com/jsDHxdcjBe
— matthew luciow (@Luciow1992) July 16, 2023

Bell finished with the fourth-most rushing yards (5,336) and third-most rushing touchdowns (35) in franchise history. He added an incredible 312 catches for 2,660 yards and seven touchdowns during the five-year span as well.

The relationship came to an end in 2018 when Bell sat out the entire season. However, issues began in 2017 during contract talks.

In 2019, Bell went to the Jets as a free agent. He played on four teams from 2019-21 and had just 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns.

If things had not ended the way they did, Roethlisberger, Brown and Bell may have gone down as the best QB-RB-WR trio of all time. But now, fans are just left asking a lot of what ifs.

Bell did hint at a return to Pittsburgh in May saying, "I'm trying to retire with Pittsburgh. But before I do that, I might be like, 'Hey, let me get a couple carries in the preseason so I can show you all something.'"

However, that seems less and less likely by the day as we near closer to the start of the 2023 season. Perhaps Bell can sign a ceremonial deal to officially retire as a Steeler.

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