Career Timeline of Le'Veon Bell: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Le'Veon Bell, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Le'Veon Bell is a former American football running back and current professional boxer. He played college football at Michigan State before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. During his NFL career, Bell also played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is now pursuing a career in professional boxing.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2010: Enrolled in Michigan State University

In 2010, Le'Veon Bell enrolled in Michigan State University to play football for the Spartans.

2012: Played for Michigan State Spartans

From 2010 to 2012, Le'Veon Bell played football for the Michigan State Spartans under head coach Mark Dantonio.

2012: Decision to Enter NFL Draft

In 2012, after his junior season, Le'Veon Bell decided to forgo his senior year and entered the 2013 NFL draft.

2012: Increased Role and Performances

In 2012, as a sophomore, Le'Veon Bell's role increased significantly, contributing to the Spartans' 11-3 season with notable performances including multiple touchdown games and a strong showing in the Outback Bowl.

June 3, 2013: Signed Steelers Contract

On June 3, 2013, Le'Veon Bell signed a four-year, $4.12 million rookie contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including a $1.37 million signing bonus.

2013: Entered the NFL Draft

In 2013, Le'Veon Bell entered the NFL draft.

2013: Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2013, Le'Veon Bell was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL draft.

2013: Previous Season Performance

In 2013, Le'Veon Bell's averaged 3.5 rushing yards per carry (YPC).

2014: Breakout Season

In 2014, Le'Veon Bell had a breakout season, finishing second in rushing yards and setting a new single season franchise record with 2,215 yards from scrimmage. He was named FedEx Ground Player of the Year, made the Pro Bowl, and was ranked 16th in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

2014: Season Performance and Injury

In 2014, Le'Veon Bell had a season-high eight receptions for 159 yards against the New Orleans Saints, earning him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. Later in Week 14, Bell tied Walter Payton's NFL record. At the end of the season, on December 28, Bell hyperextended his knee in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals and was ruled out of the playoffs.

September 27, 2015: 2015 Season Debut

On September 27, 2015, Le'Veon Bell made his 2015 debut against the St. Louis Rams, scoring a rushing touchdown and contributing significantly in receiving yards.

2015: Drug Suspension and Solid Performance

In 2015, Le'Veon Bell missed several games due to drug-related suspensions but still put up solid numbers and was voted to the NFL Top 100.

2015: Season-Ending Injury

In 2015, Le'Veon Bell suffered a season-ending torn MCL during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals and was placed on injured reserve.

2016: Drug Suspension and Solid Performance

In 2016, Le'Veon Bell missed several games due to injuries but still put up solid numbers and was voted to the NFL Top 100.

2016: Turned Down Two-Year Deal

In 2016, Le'Veon Bell reportedly turned down a two-year deal worth $30 million, expressing his desire to be valued appropriately by the team.

January 8, 2017: First NFL Playoff Game

On January 8, 2017, in his first NFL Playoff game, Le'Veon Bell set a playoff franchise record with 167 rushing yards in a victory over the Miami Dolphins.

February 27, 2017: Steelers Placed Franchise Tag on Bell

On February 27, 2017, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell.

March 27, 2017: Released 16-Song Album on SoundCloud

On March 27, 2017, Le'Veon Bell, under the stage name "Juice", started his music career by releasing a 16-song album via SoundCloud.

2017: League Leader and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2017, Le'Veon Bell led the league in carries and made his third Pro Bowl appearance.

January 11, 2018: Considering Sitting Out or Retirement

On January 11, 2018, Le'Veon Bell stated that if the Steelers franchise tagged him again, he would consider sitting out the year or retiring from the NFL.

March 6, 2018: Steelers Placed Franchise Tag on Bell for Second Year

On March 6, 2018, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell for the second straight year with a value of $14.5 million, and Bell refused to sign it.

May 27, 2018: Released Single "Target"

On May 27, 2018, Le'Veon Bell released a single titled "Target", responding to critics regarding his contract dispute with the Steelers.

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2018: Bell Ineligible for 2018 NFL Season

In 2018, Le'Veon Bell missed the first nine regular-season games and did not report to the Steelers before the NFL's November 13 deadline, making him ineligible to play in the 2018 NFL season.

2018: Sitting Out Season Due to Franchise Tag

In 2018, Le'Veon Bell refused to sign the franchise tag placed upon him by the Steelers, resulting in him sitting out the entire season.

February 20, 2019: Steelers To Not Use Franchise Tag

On February 20, 2019, the Steelers announced that they would not use the franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell, making him a free agent.

March 13, 2019: Signed with the New York Jets

On March 13, 2019, Le'Veon Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets with $35 million guaranteed.

September 8, 2019: First Game with the Jets

On September 8, 2019, Le'Veon Bell played his first game with the Jets against the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 60 yards and catching six passes for 32 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

2019: 2019 Season Statistics

In the 2019 season, Le'Veon Bell finished with 245 carries for 789 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 66 receptions for 461 receiving yards and one touchdown in 15 games.

May 2020: Created The Box Tournament

In May 2020, Le'Veon Bell partnered with Juan "Hungrybox" DeBiedma and Team Liquid to create an online Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament called "The Box."

September 15, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 15, 2020, after suffering a hamstring injury in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills, Le'Veon Bell was placed on injured reserve by the Jets.

October 17, 2020: Signed with the Kansas City Chiefs

On October 17, 2020, Le'Veon Bell signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

2020: Signed with the Chiefs

In 2020, Le'Veon Bell finished the season with the Kansas City Chiefs after being released by the Jets.

September 7, 2021: Signed to Ravens Practice Squad

On September 7, 2021, Le'Veon Bell was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.

December 2021: Planned Boxing Career and Challenged Jake Paul

In December 2021, Le'Veon Bell planned to retire from the NFL to pursue a professional boxing career and challenged Jake Paul.

December 22, 2021: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On December 22, 2021, Le'Veon Bell signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reuniting with former Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.

2021: Final NFL Season

In 2021, Le'Veon Bell spent his last NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

January 22, 2022: Released by Buccaneers

On January 22, 2022, Le'Veon Bell was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

July 2022: Announced Boxing Pursuit and Exhibition Match

In July 2022, Le'Veon Bell announced he would sit out the 2022 NFL season to pursue boxing, starting with an exhibition match against Adrian Peterson.

October 29, 2022: Professional Boxing Debut

On October 29, 2022, Le'Veon Bell made his professional boxing debut against Uriah Hall at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, where Hall defeated Bell via unanimous decision.

2022: Pursuing Boxing Career

In 2022, Le'Veon Bell began pursuing a career in professional boxing.

March 4, 2023: Announced Fight Against JMX

On March 4, 2023, it was announced that Le'Veon Bell would face British YouTuber JMX as the headline bout for MF & DAZN: X Series 006 at the XULA Convocation Centre in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 21.

April 12, 2024: Participated in MFB Cruiserweight Title Tournament

On April 12, 2024, it was announced that Le'Veon Bell would participate in the MFB Cruiserweight Title Tournament, being matched up with Tristan Hamm.