A notable Steeler of the past isn’t giving a warm welcome to a prominent new face.
Former Pittsburgh running back Le’Veon Bell reacted Wednesday to a video of new quarterback Justin Fields training with James Everett Jr., who goes by RouteGod — a football coach specializing in receiver performance.
“That ball gettin there lateeeeeeeee ” Bell wrote on X, attaining more than 22,000 likes. “I know it’s routes on air, but this is telling you a lot.”
In the clips, Fields’ receivers appeared to complete their routes — including corners, curls and outs — and then waited for several moments before the ball arrived.
Everett defended the 25-year-old quarterback late Wednesday night, writing on X that the focus was for Fields to work on making multiple reads before firing to a target.
“The Balls Ain’t Late ‼️ His QB Trainer Was There And They Was Working Progressions He A Great Q And Everything Was on The Money 🎯,” Everett posted.
It would appear that Bell, 32, is still keeping tabs on his former team, which traded for Fields this offseason following three topsy-turvy seasons with the Bears.
The former first-round pick accrued 2,220 rushing yards from 2021-23 but never fully developed as a passer, never eclipsing 2,600 yards or 18 passing touchdowns in a complete year.
Turnovers remained an Achilles’ heel for Fields, who tossed 30 interceptions and fumbled 38 times in Chicago.
In a reply to the original post, Bell added that Fields “definitely gotta bunch of room improve .. which can also be scary with all the talent he has.”
Bell starred with the Steelers from 2013-17, where he racked up 5,336 rushing yards, which ranked third among all players.
The three-time Pro Bowler infamously missed the 2018 season after not signing a second consecutive franchise tag offered by Pittsburgh, then signed a four-year, $52.5 million deal with the Jets.
Bell’s career stalled from there, playing only 17 games in New York before effectively hanging it up in 2021.
The Michigan State alum has participated in several boxing matches but hinted at a return to football, including with Pittsburgh.
Last year, Bell reflected on his exit from Pittsburgh, saying he “probably could’ve really ate” differences in guaranteed money before leaving for the Jets.
Fields and the current Steelers will have 34 more days to train with external coaches until players report to Latrobe, Pa., on July 24 for the beginning of training camp.
Pittsburgh’s camp offers particular intrigue due to the competition between veteran Russell Wilson and Fields for QB1 status, though Wilson appears in the driver’s seat.
