$15 Million a Year? Bell Needs a New Rap

“I’m at the top and if not I’m the closest,

“I’m a need 15 a year and they know this.”

Those are the words of Steelers’ Running Back Le’Veon Bell from his newest rap song titled “Focus.” I’m not the smartest guy in the world but I’m pretty sure Bell is suggesting that he believes The Rooney Family should pay him $15 million per season.

For what it’s worth, I think Bell is right. He is at the top or as he puts it, “he’s the closest.” I don’t think there’s a more dynamic two-way threat from the running back position in the league and he’s also a darn good blocker. But he’s not getting $15 million a year and “I know this.”

[Update]: Some were questioning as to whether Bell’s lyrics actually meant “$15 million per season.” I figure this tweet from him should clear that up.

I mean every lyric

— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) July 5, 2016

There are two major reasons why Bell’s request isn’t going to happen as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. First, he has struggled to remain healthy. Out of 48 possible regular season games he has played in 35. Out of three postseason games he has yet to play in any of them.

This discussion always turns to whether Bell is “injury-prone” or whether the injuries weren’t his fault. Frankly, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of whether Vontaze Burfict or Reggie Nelson injured him intentionally or if a piano fell out of the sky and hurt him he was still injured and missed games. He has to stay healthy period.

Secondly, if anyone on this team is going to get paid, it isn’t Bell. It is going to be Antonio Brown and if you need to ask why then you haven’t been paying attention.

Furthermore, we can add a third factor here as to why Bell won’t make that kind of money and it might be the biggest reason of them all. The running back position just isn’t what it once was in the NFL and the fact that DeAngelo Williams thrived in his absence is a testament to that.

That’s not a slam on Williams, but did anyone think he had in the tank what he showed last season?

Ultimately, I respect Bell’s faith in himself but it just isn’t realistic right now. When you compare the two men, Bell and Brown, in terms of who the Steelers would rather have, I don’t think it’s even close is it? If Bell wants to continue his rap career then that’s fine.

I’m just requesting he reconsider the lyrics to this one.

Photo courtesy: cbssports.com