Le'Veon Bell, once a highly productive running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently made claims regarding his former team's compensation practices. Bell, who played for the Steelers from 2013 to 2017, took to social media to suggest a racial bias in how the organization pays its drafted players.
His comments followed a report that the Steelers had traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys amidst a contract dispute. Bell attributed this, and a perceived pattern, to racial factors.
"I wish Pittsburgh paid their black superstars they drafted just like they pay their white ones they draft," Bell posted on X on Thursday afternoon.
"... hate to see porter get traded .. I thought same thing with [George] pickens? TJ Watt is worth every penny tho, so let's not get it confused .. but something needs to change."
Examining Bell's Own Contract History
Bell's tenure with the Steelers concluded due to his own contract dispute. After three seasons exceeding 1,000 rushing yards, the Steelers presented him with a substantial five-year, $70 million contract offer before the 2018 season. This offer, made eight years ago, was competitive even by today's running back contract standards, especially considering the significant increase in the NFL salary cap since then.
Bell himself acknowledged nearly accepting the offer but ultimately declined it, seeking greater guaranteed money. Despite experiencing a lucrative contract negotiation as a Black player drafted by the Steelers, Bell's recent statements imply the team does not adequately compensate its Black draftees compared to its White draftees.
Team Leadership and Player Salaries
The racial undertones of Bell's social media post also contrast with the leadership structure of the Steelers during his time and presently. The team was coached for 19 years by Mike Tomlin, who is Black, until his recent departure this year. The current general manager, Omar Khan, is a first-generation American of South Asian and Hispanic heritage, with an Indian father and a Honduran mother.
Regarding player compensation, while T.J. Watt, a White player, is among the team's highest-paid athletes—a fact often attributed to his status as a top-tier, highly accomplished player—the team's financial commitments extend significantly to Black players.
Beyond Watt, seven of the next eight highest-paid players for Pittsburgh are Black. Furthermore, nine of the top ten highest-paid players on the current roster are Black, demonstrating a clear willingness by the organization to invest heavily in Black talent.
Notable Black players who have received significant contracts from the Steelers include:
- Receiver DK Metcalf
- Defensive back Jalen Ramsey (received an extension)
- Linebacker Patrick Queen
- Receiver Michael Pittman (received two extensions)
Countering the 'Drafted Player' Argument
Following Bell's initial post, some individuals challenged his claims by pointing to the numerous Black players receiving substantial contracts. Bell then clarified his assertion, suggesting that the issue was specifically with drafted Black players not receiving comparable pay.
However, this claim is also contradicted by recent team actions. Running back Jaylen Warren, defensive lineman Keeanu Benton, and tight end Darnell Washington—all Black players drafted by the Steelers—have received significant contracts from the team.
Additionally, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, drafted by the Steelers in 2011 and a teammate of Bell's, provides a long-standing example. Heyward, who is Black, had his rookie deal renegotiated for more money before its expiration. He subsequently received new contracts in 2015, 2020, 2024, and another before the current season, illustrating a consistent pattern of the team rewarding its drafted Black players.