Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, who had right knee surgery last November, is confident he is on schedule for training camp next month.
Bell, who suffered a torn MCL and PCL in Week 8, told ESPN his leg is “probably stronger than it ever was” after rehabbing the right knee injury before the Steelers’ camp opens on July 28.
The 24-year-old fourth-year running back played five games last year and rushed for 556 yards with three touchdowns.
“I’m going to be ready,” Bell told ESPN of training camp, while attending a business retreat in Miami on Saturday. “The biggest thing for me is getting mentally ready for getting hit and things like that, and I don’t think I’ll really get tackled until a preseason game or maybe in the regular season. I don’t think I’ll actually hit the ground or get tackled. But when that does happen, I’ll be ready for it. But cutting, running routes, picking them and putting them on my feet, everything is back to normal.”
Bell said there were some tough times early on during his rehab.
“It’s crazy because, in November when it happened, I never realize I’d be back at this point,” Bell said. “I remember it was times when I couldn’t walk up the steps, walk down the steps, really couldn’t sit down by myself, even go to the restroom. I’m just thinking now I’m right back to form how I was when I left. Obviously, it’s more of a mental thing for me now. I know my knee is strong enough now. I know it’s probably stronger than it ever was, my legs are.”
Bell is entering the final year of his rookie contract and he recently suggested in the lyrics of a rap song that he wants $15 million per year.
Bell said Saturday that he freestyled the line in the song, which was made about three or four months ago.
“I’m not a real greedy guy. I don’t play football just for money or things like that,” Bell told ESPN. “I just want to be valued. Wherever it is — whether its $15 million or lower or higher, whatever it is — I think we will get to an agreement eventually.
“Obviously, I want to be a Steeler for my whole life. My family grew up Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and it’s crazy I even got drafted there. So I want to be with them and hopefully we’ll reach an agreement. But that will take place once that time come.”
Bell earned All-Pro honors in 2014 after rushing for 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns.