The Kansas City Chiefs landed high-profile free agent RB Le’Veon Bell last week. He has officially passed through his COVID-19 screening and has joined the team ahead of their Week 7 contest with the Denver Broncos.
Bell spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday and revealed to reporters what went into his decision to sign with the Chiefs. It should come as no surprise that the head coach and MVP quarterback in Kansas City had something to do with the decision.
“When I had the opportunity once I was a free agent, talking to coach Reid, just over that discourse, it was kind of undeniable to try to come here and help this team any ways that I can help them out,” Bell told reporters on Wednesday. “Getting the opportunity to play for Coach Reid is just going to be magnificent for me. To play with these players around. You know, Patty (Patrick) Mahomes, I’ve never played with a player MVP-wise, so it’s going to be fun. I think there’s a lot of weapons, so it’s going to be fun for me.”
Mahomes’ rise to stardom since his MVP-winning 2018 season certainly has attracted the attention of free agents. Bell isn’t the first and won’t be the last player to make a decision to come to Kansas City with the opportunity to play with Mahomes in mind.
Reid, of course, has a reputation across the NFL as a true player’s coach. He’s beloved by his players, both current and former, not only for his coaching ability but also for his humanity and grace. Despite the bevy of playmakers in Kansas City, Bell is confident that Reid will put him in positions to be successful.
“Obviously, when I decided to come here I knew the weapons and that there’s only one football to go around,” Bell said. “But the time when I do get my opportunity, I think there’s going to be a lot of opportunities to show what I can do in space, running routes. I think this offense is really a fit for my skill set. I think Coach Reid does a good job of getting (running) backs the ball in space. I’m glad I got this opportunity.”
While he has yet to suit up and play a game with his new team, Bell’s initial impression is that he made the right choice to join the Chiefs. He feels embraced by the entire team and the Chiefs Kingdom. He also doesn’t feel the same type of pressure that he previously felt with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.
“There has been a lot of excitement from the coaching staff, players, the fans,” Bell said. “They’ve really embraced me being here and I love everything about it. I really feel like everyone opened me here with open arms. This is really a relief. Coming here I don’t really feel pressure about anything. I just want to come here, be happy and play football. People are allowing me to do that.”
You can tell that Coach Reid has already made an impression on Bell too, as he borrowed a phrase on his preparedness often used by Reid.
“So I feel like I’m in a great spot — a great place,” Bell said. “And I’m eager, I’m ready to roll.”
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