Le’Veon Bell’s agent invited some reporters to cover a business retreat that many of his clients attended this weekend in Miami. ESPN’s James Walker caught up with the Steelers’ running back and asked him about his newest rap single “Focus”, in which he indicates he’d like $15 million a year in his next contract.
“I’m not a real greedy guy,” Bell told Walker. “I don’t play football just for money or things like that. I just want to be valued. Wherever it is – whether it’s $15 million or lower or higher, whatever it is — I think we will get to an agreement eventually.”
Bell also makes it known his preference is to remain with the Steelers. Bell is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but the Steelers can place the franchise tag on him if they can’t come to a long-term agreement before the start of the season. The Steelers don’t negotiate contracts with players once the season begins.
“Obviously, I want to be a Steeler for my whole life,” Bell said. “My family grew up Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and it's crazy I even got drafted there. So I want to be with them and hopefully we'll reach an agreement. But that will take place once that time come.”
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Here is a good read from Ben Volin of the Boston Globe on why NFL player contracts pale in comparison from those in the other three major sports in this country. He makes some good points, but I disagree with his assertion that NFL players are the “least skilled” athletes among professional basketball, baseball and hockey players.
He cites the examples of Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and Julius Thomas. They are former college basketball players that made the successful transition to the NFL with little or no college football experience.
But for every Gates, Graham and Thomas there are thousands of Chevy Troutmans. The former Pitt power forward had a tryout with the Washington Redskins after his college basketball eligibility expired. Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs thought he might try to convert him to a tight end.
Well, Troutman lasted a day at Washington’s rookie minicamp. He was a fish out of water and had no idea what it took to play football.
The point is, there is so much more to playing football than being big, strong and athletic. NFL players must sacrifice their body much more than players in the NBA and MLB. And that’s exactly why so many NFL players voiced their dismay on social media over the over-sized NBA contracts.
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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin spent part of his summer vacation at his childhood home near Hampton Roads, Va., where he helped a local football camp celebrate 20 years with a fundraiser.
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First Published: July 11, 2016, 1:59 p.m.