Le’Veon Bell is one of the most talented running backs to play in the NFL over the past decade. After a standout career at Michigan State, Bell was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2nd round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Over his first five seasons with the Steelers, Bell made three Pro Bowls and was named First-Team All-Pro twice while establishing himself as the best all-around running back in football.
However, Bell has also been hampered by injuries and controversies throughout his career. He missed significant time in 2015 and 2018 due to suspensions and held out the entire 2018 season due to a contract dispute with the Steelers. After sitting out 2018, Bell signed a lucrative free agent deal with the New York Jets in 2019 but has struggled to perform at the same elite level he showed during his peak years in Pittsburgh.
So does Le’Veon Bell have a strong enough resume to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Let’s take a deeper look at his career achievements thus far and his chances of being enshrined in Canton.
Career Accomplishments
In just 5 seasons in Pittsburgh, Bell put up impressive numbers that rank among the best ever for a running back in his first 5 years:
- 5,336 rushing yards (20th all-time through 5 seasons)
- 2,660 receiving yards (3rd all-time for a RB)
- 42 total touchdowns
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection
- Two-time First Team All-Pro
- Steelers team MVP (2014)
Bell was a unique offensive weapon for the Steelers – a runner who was also elite as a pass catcher. His patient running style behind Pittsburgh’s strong offensive line allowed him to reel off many highlight-reel runs. And his route running and hands out of the backfield made him a trusted target for QB Ben Roethlisberger, especially on third downs.
In addition to his great production, Bell racked up some impressive awards and accolades during his Pittsburgh tenure:
| Year | Awards & Accolades |
|---|---|
| 2013 | PFWA All-Rookie Team |
| 2014 | Pro Bowl First Team All-Pro Steelers MVP |
| 2016 | Pro Bowl |
| 2017 | Pro Bowl First Team All-Pro |
Bell was recognized as the best running back in the NFL in 2014 and 2017. And he was a Pro Bowler three times in his first five seasons, putting him on a Hall of Fame pace.
Comparison to Other HOF Running Backs
One way to judge Bell’s chances of making the Hall of Fame is to compare his early career accomplishments to other running backs already enshrined in Canton. Here is how Bell stacks up against a few all-time greats through their first 5 seasons:
| Player | Rushing Yards | Total TDs | First Team All-Pro | Pro Bowls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le’Veon Bell | 5,336 | 42 | 2 | 3 |
| LaDainian Tomlinson | 5,194 | 54 | 3 | 4 |
| Adrian Peterson | 5,782 | 52 | 1 | 4 |
| Walter Payton | 5,337 | 61 | 1 | 4 |
Bell’s early numbers are right in line with many all-time greats. He trails Peterson and Tomlinson slightly in yards and TDs but matches up very well with Payton. And he made just as many Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams through 5 years as these established HOF backs.
Chances of Making the Hall of Fame
Based solely on his phenomenal start to his career, Le’Veon Bell looked to be on a path to Canton. His patient running style and immense pass catching ability made him arguably the most complete back in the NFL during his prime.
However, there are a few factors working against his Hall of Fame case:
- Declining production after leaving Pittsburgh – Bell has struggled to match his statistics from 2014-2017 since joining the Jets.
- Too few elite seasons – Bell only has 2 consensus All-Pro seasons so far.
- Off-field issues and suspensions have marred his reputation.
- No playoff success – Bell’s Steelers lost their only postseason game with him active.
For Bell to strengthen his Hall of Fame resume, he will need to regain his All-Pro form and keep compiling stats over the next 4-5 seasons. If he can reach or exceed 10,000 career rushing yards and 75 total TDs, his case would look much stronger.
Bell may also need to repair his reputation by avoiding further suspensions and controversies. And finally, he will need to break his playoff drought and win some postseason games to fully validate his individual accomplishments.
Overall, if Bell retired today, he would likely fall just short of Hall of Fame consideration. But at only 27 years old, he still has time to add to his portfolio and change his narrative. If Bell can recapture his Steelers heyday success, he could potentially play his way into Canton over the next half decade. But until he again shows that elite ability, Le’Veon Bell’s Hall of Fame chances remain uncertain at best.
Conclusion
Le’Veon Bell’s career is at a crossroads entering the 2019 season. His first 5 years suggest he has Hall of Fame talent and production. But his recent struggles and off-field issues have diminished his momentum. If Bell wants to strengthen his case for Canton, he needs to stay healthy, avoid controversy, and most importantly regain his status as an All-Pro difference-maker.
Bell certainly has the skills to again be an elite running back. And at only 27, he has ample time left to bolster his resume. But until he shows he can still perform at that high level, Bell does not quite deserve induction into the Hall of Fame. The next chapter of his enigmatic career will determine whether Le’Veon Bell ultimately lives up to his massive potential and earns a gold jacket.