LE'VEON BELL ON BOXING, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN PITTSBURGH & COULD HE PLAY NOW?! | IIWII S.2 EP.13

In a recent episode of the podcast "It Is What It Is," the hosts had the privilege of hosting NFL running back Le'Veon Bell. Throughout the discussion, Bell opens up about his experience with team sports, his admiration for athletes in individual sports, and his journey through the NFL. In this blog post, we will explore the key points and insights shared by Bell during this thought-provoking conversation.

1. The Shift to Individual Sports:

Growing up playing team sports, Bell revealed that he eventually transitioned to an individual sport, boxing. He explained that this shift brought a greater sense of personal responsibility and showcased his unique skills and mindset as an athlete. Bell expressed his admiration for renowned athletes like Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and Floyd Mayweather, who excel in individual sports, highlighting the special qualities they possess.

2. The Tumultuous NFL Journey:

Throughout his NFL career, Bell has faced numerous challenges and made difficult decisions. He reflects on his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers and admits that in hindsight, he should have stayed with the team for another year to see what would happen under the new coach. Leaving the Jets after they released him, he acknowledges his regret and praises Joe Douglas, the GM of the Jets, for understanding and supporting his coaching style.

3. The Desire to Return to Pittsburgh:

Bell expresses his desire to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team where he felt most at home and performed exceptionally well. He mentions being released from the Chiefs but shares that they were never his first choice, as he had always aspired to play for the Steelers. While acknowledging that the Jets initially placed more faith in him, Bell implies that the Chiefs were not the right fit for him.

4. The Decision to Sit Out:

One of the significant turning points in Bell's career was his decision to sit out during his fourth year. He explains that it was primarily due to a lack of respect in contract extension negotiations, as he had already played on his full contract extension and expected a deal in the year prior to his fourth year. Although talks of an extension were underway, it did not materialize, leading to his choice to sit out, despite his eventual return for training camp.

5. The Dedication to Self-Care and Boxing:

During his time away from football, Bell prioritized healing and taking care of his body. He discusses his dedication to daily workouts, including boxing, to prepare himself physically for the future. Reflecting on a previous holdout, Bell realizes the importance of proper body maintenance and shares his commitment to avoiding the same mistakes.

6. Long-Term Goals and Regaining Confidence:

Bell emphasizes his focus on long-term goals, confident in his abilities to make a significant impact and regain the success he achieved earlier in his career. Addressing concerns about money, he assures listeners that his focus lies in showcasing his football skills and achieving personal and team success.

Think you know?

1. How do you think Le'Veon Bell's decision to sit out during his fourth year impacted his career trajectory and relationship with the teams he played for?

2. Can you empathize with Le'Veon Bell's frustrations with contract negotiations and feeling undervalued? How do you think teams should approach these delicate conversations with players?

3. What do you think about Le'Veon Bell's transition from team sports to individual sports, and his admiration for athletes in individual sports? Do you agree with his view that individual sports showcase an athlete's skills and mindset more effectively?

4. How do you think Le'Veon Bell's experiences with criticism and being labeled a "diva" impacted his mental and emotional well-being? How can the media and fans contribute to a toxic environment for athletes?

5. Do you think Le'Veon Bell made the right decision in prioritizing a guaranteed contract over other considerations? How important is financial security for professional athletes?

6. What are your thoughts on Le'Veon Bell's approach to caring for his body during his time off and his dedication to boxing as part of his training routine? Do you think this will benefit his football career?

7. How do you perceive Le'Veon Bell's mindset regarding his future in football? Do you think he still has the ability to perform at a high level? How important is confidence for athletes in their comeback journeys?

8. Reflecting on Le'Veon Bell's experiences with different teams, how much impact do you think coaching changes and the people surrounding a player can have on their performance and overall experience with the team?

9. How do you think Le'Veon Bell's decision to join the Jets after leaving the Chiefs reflects his priorities and the lessons he learned from his previous experiences in the NFL?

10. Based on Le'Veon Bell's insights, what lessons can other athletes, particularly young athletes, take away from his career journey? What advice would you give to athletes facing similar challenges in their respective sports?

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Le'Veon Bell's candid conversation on the "It Is What It Is" podcast offers valuable insights into his NFL journey, his admiration for individual sports, and his commitment to personal growth and success. As fans and listeners, we can anticipate Bell's resurgence in the NFL and eagerly watch as his determination and dedication propel him to new heights in his career.