Le'Veon Bell: Hard to Be a Hero in a City That Paints You out to Be the Villain

While playing football for a living is a dream come true for those skilled enough to make it professionally, it's important to remember that the NFL is also a business. 

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has found out that there are pros and cons that come with the territory.

Bell took to Twitter on Thursday to share his latest thoughts:

That tweet comes just one day after NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported the dynamic running back—who has been hit with the franchise tag for the second straight year—wants to be paid like fellow Steeler Antonio Brown ($17 million per season). 

In 2017, Bell earned his third Pro Bowl nod, running or 1,291 yards, adding 655 yards on 85 catches and finding the end zone 11 total times. Those numbers put him among the best running backs in the league—and he wants to be paid as such...for more than just one year.

The 26-year-old has a number in mind, telling ESPN's Jeremy Fowler earlier this year that he won't "settle" for anything less than he believes he is worth. And if the Steelers aren't willing to meet his price, he's willing to sit out: "I just have to decide if I'm going to play when the time comes."

Bell confirmed to Fowler that he turned down an offer in 2017 that was worth $13.3 million per season. Some fans feel like that's more than enough money for any athlete, putting the Pittsburgh star in a negative light. Teams drive hard bargains all of the time, but when a player does it, there can be backlash, which can be unfair. He has to look out for not only himself and his family, but his peers as well. 

His injury history (he has averaged just 12 games per season) may have the Steelers nervous about committing big money to him for the future. On the other hand, the fact that he has put his body on the line for the team by being a workhorse has him wanting security.

Pittsburgh and Bell have until June 16 to try to find common ground in long-term talks. If not, the two sides will have to accept the fallout. As Bell is learning, a situation like this can be tough on a player.