The free agent running back Le’Veon Bell admitted to smoking marijuana before NFL games.
Bell, who last played in the NFL in 2021opened on the “Steel Here” podcastwhich focuses on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bell played for Pittsburgh from 2013-17, then missed the 2018 season amid a contract battle with the team.
“Looking at this, that’s what I did,” Bell said. “When I was playing soccer, I used to smoke, bro. Even before the games, I would smoke and go out there and run for 150 (touchdowns).”
When Bell finally left the Steelers, he played for the New York Jets in 2019 and two games in 2020.
The Jets’ coach at the time was Adam Gass, who was criticized by Bell on the podcast.
“Brother, we get to New York, and that’s where you find out right away that head coaches make a huge difference,” Bell said. “Once I get to New York it feels like the first week. …
“Brother, the team wasn’t great, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like coach (Mike) Tomlin (from the Steelers) was coaching this team, we won at least nine games. It’s the point where Sam Darnold (former Jets quarterback) doesn’t even know the actual line protection because he’s so confused about our offense that the coach is confusing him.”
Bell, 31, added that Gase was “terrible” at calling plays.
The Jets went 7-9 in 2019, with Bell producing 789 yards and three touchdowns on 245 carries.
New York released Bell on October 14, 2020, after he had 19 carries for 74 yards that year.
He signed with the Chiefs three days later and added 254 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries in nine games with Kansas City.
Bell appeared in one playoff game during the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl, rushing twice for 6 yards.
In 2021, Bell played five games for the Baltimore Ravens and three games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, totaling 39 carries for 101 yards and two scores.
During his tenure with the Steelers, Bell was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time All-Pro.
In 96 NFL games (81 starts), Bell ran 1,595 times for 6,554 yards and 42 touchdowns.
