Notable Steelers of the past have not been very welcoming to notable rookies.
Former Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell reacted Wednesday to a video of new quarterback Justin Fields working out with James Everett Jr., better known as the RootGod, a football coach who specializes in receiver performance.
“That ball arrived late!” Bell wrote to X.It has garnered more than 22,000 likes. “I know this is an on-air route, but this says a lot.”
In the video, Fields’ receivers appeared to complete routes that included corners, curls and outsides, then waited for several minutes for the ball to arrive.
Everett defended the 25-year-old quarterback late Wednesday night, writing to The X that Fields is focused on practicing making multiple reads before making a pass to his target.
“The ball wasn’t delayed‼️His QB trainer was there and they were working on the progression. He was a great Q, everything was perfect🎯” Posted by Everett.
Bell, 32, is likely still keeping an eye on his former team, which acquired Fields in a trade this offseason after three eventful seasons with the Bears.
The former first-round draft pick accumulated 2,220 rushing yards from 2021-2023, but his passing ability never fully developed, never surpassing 2,600 yards or 18 touchdown passes in a single season.
Turnovers remain an issue for Fields, who had 30 interceptions and 38 fumbles in Chicago.
in reply In his original post, Bell added that Fields “definitely has a lot of room for improvement…and that’s also scary considering the talent he has.”
Bell played for the Steelers from 2013-2017 and recorded 5,336 rushing yards, third-highest total among all players.
The three-time Pro Bowler sat out the 2018 season after opting not to sign the franchise tag offered by Pittsburgh for a second straight season before signing a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets.
Bell’s career stalled from there, playing just 17 games with New York before effectively retiring in 2021.
The Michigan State University product has competed in a few boxing matches but has hinted at a return to football, including a stint with Pittsburgh.
Last year, Bell reflected on leaving Pittsburgh and said he “probably could have really afforded” the difference in guaranteed money before joining the Jets.
Fields and the Steelers have 34 more days to work with outside coaches before the players gather in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on July 24 for the start of training camp.
The Pittsburgh camp is particularly intriguing as veteran Russell Wilson and Fields are battling for the QB1 spot, but it seems like it’s Wilson who has the lead.
