Le’Veon Bell did not achieve the same level of success that he did with the pittsburgh steelers when he signed with the New York Jets in 2019, but the three-time Pro Bowl running back apparently pointed the finger at former head coach Adam Gase during an interview last week in which he also admitted to smoking marijuana before NFL games. nfl.
Bell, who is currently a free agent, opened up about his lackluster career with the jets, that lasted less than two seasons, during an appearance on the «Steel Here» podcast on Friday.
Le’Veon Bell of the New York Jets before the Pittsburgh Steelers game at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
«Bro, we got to New York, and that’s when you instantly find out that head coaches make a world of difference,» he said. «As soon as I get to New York, I realize that like the first week.»
ALL-PRO RB LE’VEON BELL ADMITS HE WAS ‘PETTY’ AND MADE A MISTAKE BY NOT RE-SIGNING WITH STEELERS
Bell was once an All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowl selection out of the Steelers backfield. But after a contract dispute, he headed to New York, where he signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal, including $35 million guaranteed.
But the move did not turn out as Bell had hoped.
«The team wasn’t that good, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like if the coach [Mike] Tomlin was coaching that team, we won nine games at least. Because the team wasn’t that bad, it just seems so.»
New York Jets head coach Adam Gase and running back Le’Veon Bell talk before a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on December 12, 2019 in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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Bell criticized their lack of use during games and even criticized play calls, revealing that the Jets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, quarterback sam darnold, he was «confused» by Gase.
«It’s to the point where Sam Darnold is like: He doesn’t even know the royal line protections because he’s so confused about our offense because the coach is confusing him.»
The Jets went 7-9 in Bell’s first season with the team, which also coincided with Gase’s first season. The following year they went 2-14, but Bell was released in October.
Bell also opened up about his marijuana use, admitting to smoking regularly, even before NFL games.
Zach Cunningham and Chunky Clements of the Houston Texans trip up Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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«That’s what I did. When I played soccer, I smoked, bro,» he said. «Even before games, he’d smoke and go out and run for 150 (yards), two (touchdowns).»
Bell was twice suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy while playing for the Steelers, a team he says he would like to retire with.
«The day I retire, it’s going to be with Pittsburgh. Like, I’m trying to retire with Pittsburgh. But before I do, I might say, ‘Hey, let me get a couple carries in the preseason so I can show you guys something.'»
Associated Press contributed to this report.