Challenges in the Life of Le'Veon Bell in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 6, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Le'Veon Bell. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

August 2014: Arrest and Initial Suspension

In August 2014, Le'Veon Bell was arrested with LeGarrette Blount on DUI and marijuana possession charges, leading to an initial suspension by the NFL.

August 20, 2014: Arrested for Marijuana Possession

On August 20, 2014, Le'Veon Bell was arrested for marijuana possession along with LeGarrette Blount and Mercedes Dollson after a traffic stop yielded 20 grams of marijuana. Bell was later sentenced to probation, license suspension, DUI education, and court costs.

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.

April 9, 2015: Suspension Reduced

On April 9, 2015, Le'Veon Bell's suspension was reduced to three games.

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.

August 19, 2016: Suspension for Substance Abuse Policy Violation

On August 19, 2016, Le'Veon Bell was officially suspended for the first three games of the 2016 regular season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy due to a missed random drug test.

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 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.

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.

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 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.