The Jets officially announced Le’Veon Bell’s signing on Thursday night. The running back then spoke at length with reporters on a conference call.
Bell talked about why he chose the Jets and spoke about his decision making over the past year or so. The ex-Steeler spent the 2018 season on the sidelines over a contractual dispute with Pittsburgh. Now, however, he’s got his money and a new home.
As Bell adjusts to his new digs, here are six takeaways from his Jets introduction.
Jamal Adams went all out in recruiting
Jamal Adams said he wanted the Jets to sign some “dogs” this offseason, so he took matters into his own hands and heavily recruited Bell to the Jets.
Bell said that Adams was doing everything to recruit him, from texting to sending messages on Instagram. For Bell, it made a difference that Adams wanted him that much in green and white. In fact, Bell said Adams “made it happen.”
Bell has never felt better
Le’Veon Bell has never felt better — at least that’s what he said.
The Jets’ new running back has no regrets about sitting out. There were some rumored concerns over his weight, but he feels rejuvenated after taking a year off from the wear and tear on his body.
A well-rested Bell will be a big boost for the Jets in 2019.
Curtis and the Jets
Le’Veon Bell grew up a Jets fan, rooting especially hard for Curtis Martin.
Bell has often said that he tries to model and emulate his game after the Hall of Famer. Believe it or not, Bell said that boyhood idolization helped him land on the Jets.
Sam Darnold’s potential
A pulling factor that brought Bell to the Big Apple was the fact that he is able to play with Sam Darnold.
Bell said Darnold was “absolutely” a reason for the decision. He wants to do everything in his power to make Darnold’s life as easy as possible; he’ll be his “security blanket” for years to come.
An easy decision
The decision to come to the Jets was an easy one for Bell, despite hours of anticipation. Bell said the Jets were his No. 1 option all along; the money just had to be right.
Not in football shape
After reports indicated that Bell added weight this offseason, he addressed that question during his conference call.
Bell said that his weight is where it needs to be, but he’s not quite in football shape just yet. Bell won’t be in football shape until he starts playing, he said. It remains to be seen how he will look when he shows up for OTAs.
