Le'Veon Bell: I'd smoke marijuana before games, then run for two touchdowns

• NFL

Le'Veon Bell reveals he used to smoke marijuana before NFL games. Bell, 31, came to the NFL in 2013 when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the second round. During his time with the Steelers, Bell became one of the best running backs in the league.

Between 2013 and 2017, Bell made three Pro Bowls and he was twice an All-Pro selection. "Looking back on this, that's what I did. When I was playing football, I smoked, bro. Even before the games, I'd smoke and I'd go out there and run for 150, two [touchdowns];" Bell said on the Steel Here podcast, via ESPN.

Bell on his tenure with the New York Jets

After forcing his way out of Pittsburgh, Bell signed with the Jets in 2018. But with the Jets, Bell's numbers weren't even close to the ones he had in Pittsburgh. At the time, the Jets were coached by Adam Gase.

Reflecting on his tenure with the Jets, Bell blamed coach Gase for him and the team not having success at the time. "Bro, we get to New York, and that's when you instantly find out that head coaches make a huge difference.

As soon as I get to New York I find that out like the first week. Bro, the team wasn't that great, don't get me wrong, but I feel like if Coach [Mike] Tomlin [of the Steelers] was coaching that team, we win nine games at least.

It's to the point where [ex-Jets quarterback] Sam Darnold don't even know like the actual line's protections because he's so confused about our offense because the coach is confusing him," Bell said. Bell last played in the NFL in 2021, when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After going unsigned in 2022, Bell is still a free agent. It remains to be seen if Bell will get another shot in the NFL.