The star running back slept soundly after finally making his long-awaited decision on where to restart his NFL career
Terrell Edmunds Jersey White , agreeing to a four-year, $52.5 million deal from the New York Jets early Wednesday morning and officially signing Thursday.“The Jets were kind of the team I had in the back of my mind where I wanted to go,” Bell said during a conference call. “So, you know, once the numbers made sense to me, it wasn’t really a hard decision. I made the decision and I’m happy with the decision I made.“Today, I woke up feeling amazing. So, I’m happy with where I stand.”The deal, which reportedly includes $25 million in guarantees, had some wondering if he might have made a mistake by sitting out all last season after declining a five-year, $70 million offer from the Steelers and then refusing to sign his $14.5 million franchise tender.Bell gambled on himself and took a chance — one he’s content with, regardless of whether some think he overplayed his hand and shortchanged himself.“The decision I made is the decision I would do all over again,” Bell said. “I don’t regret anything that happened. Everything has happened for a reason up until this point. Who’s to say if I played last year, if I do go out there and play on a one-year franchise tag and I do get hurt
T. J. Watt Jersey White , do I end up in this position today, being with the New York Jets on a beautiful deal?“Even on the other side of it, if I go out there and play on the franchise tag and I get another 400 carries … and I come out of the season healthy, who’s to say what team is going to take me after another 400 carries? So, like I said, I’ve contemplated everything I’ve done. … I don’t regret one thing. I’m happy where I’m at and the decision I made and I’m glad I’m here.”After all, Bell had dreams of being a member of the Jets as a kid.He grew up in Groveport, Ohio, in a house full of Steelers fans, but his favorite player was Jets running back Curtis Martin. From afar, he wanted to be just like Martin, a playmaker out of the backfield who could change games in an instant on his way to a Hall of Fame career.Turns out, Bell has carved out quite an impressive career of his own. He rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns in five seasons for Pittsburgh
Womens James Conner Jersey , and caught 312 passes for 2,660 yards and seven scores as one of the most versatile and dangerous offensive players in the NFL. His 128.9 yards from scrimmage per game over his career is the best mark in the NFL since the 1970 merger.And, now, he’ll be able to get back on the field and make his mark for the team Martin once carried.“When the season ended, it was kind of like all the stars kind of aligned to the Jets,” Bell said. “I’m glad we made it happen and everything worked out.”Oh, and those comments over a year ago when Bell shot down a fan who jokingly offered him $60 million to play for the Jets, or when he said during last year’s Super Bowl that it would take $100 million for him to come to New York?Well, that was then.“I mean, that was just me being on Twitter and TMZ talking,” Bell said with a chuckle. “That’s all that was. The situation I’m in right now, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”Bell’s arrival comes at a time when the Jets are building around second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, who showed promise as a rookie as well as the typical ups and downs young signal callers deal with early in their careers.But Bell, like many others
T. J. Watt Jersey , saw some promise in Darnold — and is excited about helping the youngster grow and thrive — and win — in the NFL.“I’m just looking forward to coming in and being, you know, sort of his security blanket, a guy he can rely on,” said Bell, who acknowledged that Darnold was “absolutely” a major factor in his decision.“I’m going to do everything in my power to try to make his job as easy as possible,” Bell added. “Seeing a guy like him, so young and so talented and knowing, maybe he needs another weapon. You never know what he can do with another weapon.”That’s where Bell comes in. As soon as he shakes off the rust, of course.“The fact that I took last year off, it sucked having to watch and not play football,” Bell said. “But at the same time, at the end of December and through January and February, it’s the best my body’s feeling ever in my life. There’s nothing that can even come close to compare to how I feel.”He hasn’t played an NFL game since Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to Jacksonville on Jan. 14
Jerome Bettis Jersey White , 2018. That means it will be a span of 19 months in between game appearances by the time the preseason begins in August.“Things that count, I’ll be ready for that,” Bell said. “I’ve been playing football my whole life, so it’s something that kind of comes natural to me, but obviously not having done it at a full competitive level for over a year, so it’s going to take minicamp and OTAs and practices to get right, but I’ve got plenty of time until the regular season starts.” One BTSC writer shares his initial and real time unadulterated reactions to the second and third rounds of the NFL draft."Once again, Knee-jerk Reactions are immediate responses to a situation without taking the time to analyze the situation. That’s something as sports fans that we typically do. As is the custom, I compile my knee jerk thoughts and publish them immediately after each Steelers game. It’s my version of shooting first and apologizing later. So with that being said, I’m going to employ that philosophy here and follow up yesterday’s Day One account with my Day Two patella ponderings.Round 2Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw on site. That’s the extent of my country fandom.There’s got to be a truer meaning than what these guys think is “Titan up”.Didn’t think Byron Murphy would last too long. Should have went before Deandre Baker though.Colts are getting a lot of calls. Looks like they aren’t trading out. It is their first pick...so they shouldn’t.If Steelers trade in, it will be middle to late part of the round.Love Reggie Wayne’s jacket. Coaches need to be able to wear them again.Rock Ya-Sin is a plug-and-play corner. Colts did well to trade down.First trade of the night. Gonna be a few of these. Thought Raiders would select Lock here.Many people had Jawaan Taylor going in the first round to Jax. Man, they are getting great luck so far.i didn’t realize Jacksonville had actual fans. I thought transplants from other cities just went to their games.Earl Cooper. That’s a vintage Niner.RIP Reggie Cobb. He was close to my age.I didn’t know James Harrison’s middle name was Samuel. HahaDeebo Samuel was a guy Steelers had their eye on.Seattle keeps trading. This time to Carolina. Did Russell Wilson’s deal deplete their budget?i hate Seattle’s draft so far. If I was a 12th Man, I’d be pissed.Another lineman gone. An Ole Miss player off the board that’s not a WR.Bills Mafia on the clock. Will they get Greedy?Cody Ford is a solid pick here. Before Ed Oliver fell in Buffalo’s lap, thought they’d go OL.Arians may go WR. I bet Metcalf.I’m wrong a lot. Not too familiar with Bunting.Raiders may get Greedy. Or do they Lock in a QB.Is Clemson the only Pro Day Gruden and Mayock went to? I thought Trayvon could be a Steeler.Greedy might need to que up some Tom Petty. Because he’s freefallin’.My guess is Lock to Denver. They really seemed to like him.They went with Risner. Solid selection. I guess they just don’t like Lock like I originally thought.Scratch that. Better late than never. Broncos should be thrilled with their offensive haul so far. They might want to think about defense.No clue who Detroit just chose.My gut says GB is going Metcalf here. My gut is big
James Conner Jersey White , but it is usually wrong. Center to protect Rodgers. Kind of thought he’d want weapons. Pats get a perfect pick for them with Joejuan Williams. Remember the CB’s name.Cleveland really wants somebody bad enough to move up.With John Dorsey’s Rep at KC, what thug will be Cleveland’s first selection.Does Jim Brown think it’s 2013? That’s unfortunate.Crap. Really wanted Greedy Williams. Now he’s in the division in Cleveland.Seattle is really picking crazy. But I think that they return to sanity by replacing Earl Thomas with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Florida.They went safety but elsewhere. I’m batting below Mendoza.Saints finally get to pick.Drew gets protection with McCoy.Colts get Banagu. Thought he would be a good Steeler.Irv Smith is a solid TE. Can’t block, but good receiver.Love Eddie George wearing McNair jersey.Hoping Brown would slip. Tennessee needed him badly. Smart pick.This was Steelers pick. Cincy could go Metcalf here.Bengals with TE Sample. They needed help there. But didn’t play a whole lot. Hmmmmmm.Don’t want to hear it. I don’t regret the Bush deal.Miles Sanders gets to stay in PA. Eagles get their RB.Bengals with TE Sample. They needed help there.Houston reaching like crazy. Most had Lonnie Johnson Jr in middle of Round 3. But he’s big and could work.Houston working on the line. Watson sacked 65 times last year.Chiefs trading back in. Big receivers are going.Another big one to Phily. Arcega-Whiteside. Hoping Hakeem Butler, Justin Layne or Chase Winovich drop.Paris Campbell, Nasir Adderley and Rapp gone.But Metcalf, Butler, Justin Layne, Garner Johnson and Winovich could fall. Be happy with all.Isabella was another Steelers met with. Kind of glad they stayed put.Thornhill is a good replacement for Berry.NE trading out.Bet Seattle goes Metcalf.Finally Josh Rosen to the Dolphins. Miami played hard ball.Round 3Cardinals going Zac Allen. Okay.Here we go!!!!Diontae Johnson? Underwhelming. But he’s a good route runner and AB came from the MAC. They know more than I do.Obviously they didn’t want to go with a big dude.Still good names going off the board like Polite and Hurd.Hoping Winovich or Justin Layne fall to 83. There goes Winovich. I’m still in on Layne, Gardner-Johnson and Oshane Ximines.I’m calling Layne. 6’3” and a physical corner. He was mocked late in the first in a few.It’s Layne. Nice pick.Boykin to the Ravens. Trying to boost that WR corps.Can’t wait to see a Spartan and Wolverine at Fanfest.Ximines gone to Gotham.Overall, I’m liking this draft. Can’t wait for tomorrow.
The star running back slept soundly after finally making his long-awaited decision on where to restart his NFL career Terrell Edmunds Jersey White , agreeing to a four-year, $52.5 million deal from the New York Jets early Wednesday morning and officially signing Thursday.“The Jets were kind of the team I had in the back of my mind where I wanted to go,” Bell said during a conference call. “So, you know, once the numbers made sense to me, it wasn’t really a hard decision. I made the decision and I’m happy with the decision I made.“Today, I woke up feeling amazing. So, I’m happy with where I stand.”The deal, which reportedly includes $25 million in guarantees, had some wondering if he might have made a mistake by sitting out all last season after declining a five-year, $70 million offer from the Steelers and then refusing to sign his $14.5 million franchise tender.Bell gambled on himself and took a chance — one he’s content with, regardless of whether some think he overplayed his hand and shortchanged himself.“The decision I made is the decision I would do all over again,” Bell said. “I don’t regret anything that happened. Everything has happened for a reason up until this point. Who’s to say if I played last year, if I do go out there and play on a one-year franchise tag and I do get hurt T. J. Watt Jersey White , do I end up in this position today, being with the New York Jets on a beautiful deal?“Even on the other side of it, if I go out there and play on the franchise tag and I get another 400 carries … and I come out of the season healthy, who’s to say what team is going to take me after another 400 carries? So, like I said, I’ve contemplated everything I’ve done. … I don’t regret one thing. I’m happy where I’m at and the decision I made and I’m glad I’m here.”After all, Bell had dreams of being a member of the Jets as a kid.He grew up in Groveport, Ohio, in a house full of Steelers fans, but his favorite player was Jets running back Curtis Martin. From afar, he wanted to be just like Martin, a playmaker out of the backfield who could change games in an instant on his way to a Hall of Fame career.Turns out, Bell has carved out quite an impressive career of his own. He rushed for 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns in five seasons for Pittsburgh Womens James Conner Jersey , and caught 312 passes for 2,660 yards and seven scores as one of the most versatile and dangerous offensive players in the NFL. His 128.9 yards from scrimmage per game over his career is the best mark in the NFL since the 1970 merger.And, now, he’ll be able to get back on the field and make his mark for the team Martin once carried.“When the season ended, it was kind of like all the stars kind of aligned to the Jets,” Bell said. “I’m glad we made it happen and everything worked out.”Oh, and those comments over a year ago when Bell shot down a fan who jokingly offered him $60 million to play for the Jets, or when he said during last year’s Super Bowl that it would take $100 million for him to come to New York?Well, that was then.“I mean, that was just me being on Twitter and TMZ talking,” Bell said with a chuckle. “That’s all that was. The situation I’m in right now, I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”Bell’s arrival comes at a time when the Jets are building around second-year quarterback Sam Darnold, who showed promise as a rookie as well as the typical ups and downs young signal callers deal with early in their careers.But Bell, like many others T. J. Watt Jersey , saw some promise in Darnold — and is excited about helping the youngster grow and thrive — and win — in the NFL.“I’m just looking forward to coming in and being, you know, sort of his security blanket, a guy he can rely on,” said Bell, who acknowledged that Darnold was “absolutely” a major factor in his decision.“I’m going to do everything in my power to try to make his job as easy as possible,” Bell added. “Seeing a guy like him, so young and so talented and knowing, maybe he needs another weapon. You never know what he can do with another weapon.”That’s where Bell comes in. As soon as he shakes off the rust, of course.“The fact that I took last year off, it sucked having to watch and not play football,” Bell said. “But at the same time, at the end of December and through January and February, it’s the best my body’s feeling ever in my life. There’s nothing that can even come close to compare to how I feel.”He hasn’t played an NFL game since Pittsburgh’s playoff loss to Jacksonville on Jan. 14 Jerome Bettis Jersey White , 2018. That means it will be a span of 19 months in between game appearances by the time the preseason begins in August.“Things that count, I’ll be ready for that,” Bell said. “I’ve been playing football my whole life, so it’s something that kind of comes natural to me, but obviously not having done it at a full competitive level for over a year, so it’s going to take minicamp and OTAs and practices to get right, but I’ve got plenty of time until the regular season starts.” One BTSC writer shares his initial and real time unadulterated reactions to the second and third rounds of the NFL draft."Once again, Knee-jerk Reactions are immediate responses to a situation without taking the time to analyze the situation. That’s something as sports fans that we typically do. As is the custom, I compile my knee jerk thoughts and publish them immediately after each Steelers game. It’s my version of shooting first and apologizing later. So with that being said, I’m going to employ that philosophy here and follow up yesterday’s Day One account with my Day Two patella ponderings.Round 2Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw on site. That’s the extent of my country fandom.There’s got to be a truer meaning than what these guys think is “Titan up”.Didn’t think Byron Murphy would last too long. Should have went before Deandre Baker though.Colts are getting a lot of calls. Looks like they aren’t trading out. It is their first pick...so they shouldn’t.If Steelers trade in, it will be middle to late part of the round.Love Reggie Wayne’s jacket. Coaches need to be able to wear them again.Rock Ya-Sin is a plug-and-play corner. Colts did well to trade down.First trade of the night. Gonna be a few of these. Thought Raiders would select Lock here.Many people had Jawaan Taylor going in the first round to Jax. Man, they are getting great luck so far.i didn’t realize Jacksonville had actual fans. I thought transplants from other cities just went to their games.Earl Cooper. That’s a vintage Niner.RIP Reggie Cobb. He was close to my age.I didn’t know James Harrison’s middle name was Samuel. HahaDeebo Samuel was a guy Steelers had their eye on.Seattle keeps trading. This time to Carolina. Did Russell Wilson’s deal deplete their budget?i hate Seattle’s draft so far. If I was a 12th Man, I’d be pissed.Another lineman gone. An Ole Miss player off the board that’s not a WR.Bills Mafia on the clock. Will they get Greedy?Cody Ford is a solid pick here. Before Ed Oliver fell in Buffalo’s lap, thought they’d go OL.Arians may go WR. I bet Metcalf.I’m wrong a lot. Not too familiar with Bunting.Raiders may get Greedy. Or do they Lock in a QB.Is Clemson the only Pro Day Gruden and Mayock went to? I thought Trayvon could be a Steeler.Greedy might need to que up some Tom Petty. Because he’s freefallin’.My guess is Lock to Denver. They really seemed to like him.They went with Risner. Solid selection. I guess they just don’t like Lock like I originally thought.Scratch that. Better late than never. Broncos should be thrilled with their offensive haul so far. They might want to think about defense.No clue who Detroit just chose.My gut says GB is going Metcalf here. My gut is big James Conner Jersey White , but it is usually wrong. Center to protect Rodgers. Kind of thought he’d want weapons. Pats get a perfect pick for them with Joejuan Williams. Remember the CB’s name.Cleveland really wants somebody bad enough to move up.With John Dorsey’s Rep at KC, what thug will be Cleveland’s first selection.Does Jim Brown think it’s 2013? That’s unfortunate.Crap. Really wanted Greedy Williams. Now he’s in the division in Cleveland.Seattle is really picking crazy. But I think that they return to sanity by replacing Earl Thomas with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Florida.They went safety but elsewhere. I’m batting below Mendoza.Saints finally get to pick.Drew gets protection with McCoy.Colts get Banagu. Thought he would be a good Steeler.Irv Smith is a solid TE. Can’t block, but good receiver.Love Eddie George wearing McNair jersey.Hoping Brown would slip. Tennessee needed him badly. Smart pick.This was Steelers pick. Cincy could go Metcalf here.Bengals with TE Sample. They needed help there. But didn’t play a whole lot. Hmmmmmm.Don’t want to hear it. I don’t regret the Bush deal.Miles Sanders gets to stay in PA. Eagles get their RB.Bengals with TE Sample. They needed help there.Houston reaching like crazy. Most had Lonnie Johnson Jr in middle of Round 3. But he’s big and could work.Houston working on the line. Watson sacked 65 times last year.Chiefs trading back in. Big receivers are going.Another big one to Phily. Arcega-Whiteside. Hoping Hakeem Butler, Justin Layne or Chase Winovich drop.Paris Campbell, Nasir Adderley and Rapp gone.But Metcalf, Butler, Justin Layne, Garner Johnson and Winovich could fall. Be happy with all.Isabella was another Steelers met with. Kind of glad they stayed put.Thornhill is a good replacement for Berry.NE trading out.Bet Seattle goes Metcalf.Finally Josh Rosen to the Dolphins. Miami played hard ball.Round 3Cardinals going Zac Allen. Okay.Here we go!!!!Diontae Johnson? Underwhelming. But he’s a good route runner and AB came from the MAC. They know more than I do.Obviously they didn’t want to go with a big dude.Still good names going off the board like Polite and Hurd.Hoping Winovich or Justin Layne fall to 83. There goes Winovich. I’m still in on Layne, Gardner-Johnson and Oshane Ximines.I’m calling Layne. 6’3” and a physical corner. He was mocked late in the first in a few.It’s Layne. Nice pick.Boykin to the Ravens. Trying to boost that WR corps.Can’t wait to see a Spartan and Wolverine at Fanfest.Ximines gone to Gotham.Overall, I’m liking this draft. Can’t wait for tomorrow.