18 July 2023 , 16:34
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Former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell has publicly expressed regret for leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers and has issued an apology to the team's fans.
Bell, who was drafted by the Steelers in 2013, played for the franchise for five years before moving on to other teams. In hindsight, he now acknowledges that leaving the Steelers was a mistake.
The now-retired running back took to social media to address the fans and apologise for his holdout during the 2018 NFL season. He admitted that he had never apologised before and wanted to rectify that, reports the Express US.
In his statement, Bell said: "I never apologised to the fans for sitting out or leaving the Steelers. I never apologised. So I want to say I apologise for leaving the best damn fans there is in this damn world. I shouldn't have left. I apologise, I should never have left. That's my fault. That's on me."
The running back's departure from the Steelers marked a significant turning point in his career. After leaving Pittsburgh, Bell joined the New York Jets for a year before playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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In addition to his NFL career, Bell has also ventured into the world of boxing. He has competed in three boxing fights, including a match against fellow former NFL running back Adrian Peterson in September 2022, which Bell won with a TKO victory in the fifth round.
He then went on to participate in two more matches, losing to Uriah Hall in October 2022 but avenging the defeat by defeating British YouTube star Joel Morris in April 2023.
Bell expressed his satisfaction with his recent boxing win, saying: "I feel so good. It was an amazing win. I obviously couldn't do it by myself, shoutout to my team, my corner, my mum, my family, all my close ones that supported me with this whole journey and switching over.
Le’Veon Bell (L) has recently stepped into the world of boxing (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)"This wasn't easy, and much respect to JMX, he's tough as hell. I was hitting him with everything I had, and he was not going down - he was fighting back. Respect to JMX. From here on out, I'm trying to get better. The next person they put in front of me, I plan on being better than I was tonight."
While Bell's next boxing opponent has yet to be announced, he is eager to maintain his momentum following his victory over JMX. He has called for the support of his football fans as he embarks on this new career path. Bell said: "I need y'all's support now more than ever. Y'all supported me in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013... I need that same support in 2023, just in a different profession."
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