Tyrann Mathieu is not on Le’Veon Bell’s side when it comes to his comments about Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Let it be known: Tyrann Mathieu is Team Andy Reid.
Mathieu had Reid’s back on Twitter after former Chiefs running back Le’Veon Bell made disparaging comments about the head coach.
When former Texans cornerback Charles James questioned what made Bell say something like that, Mathieu put the responsibility on Bell.
“These fellas will blame everybody for their lack of success,” Mathieu replied. “That’s how I know I’m built different.”
Tyrann Mathieu isn’t buying what Le’Veon Bell is selling
In case you missed it, Bell replied to a fan on Instagram saying, “I’ll never play for Andy Reid again…I’d retire first.”
It’s easy to see why Bell was unhappy with Reid by the end of the 2020 season. He didn’t play in the AFC Championship game against the Bills or the Super Bowl against the Buccaneers.
Still, he wasn’t exactly tearing it up in his appearances with the Chiefs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the team’s lead back for most of the season and even he had minimal carries in those playoff appearances.
Annoyance at a lack of playing time doesn’t really justify calling out Reid in that way.
James raised another element to Bell’s comments. Why would he sabotage future opportunities by speaking ill of a respected coach with an extensive coaching tree?
Airing that grievance in public doesn’t show much foresight.
Since leaving the Steelers under less-than-ideal circumstances, Bell hasn’t built a reputation as a team player. The Jets certainly regret signing him. Now he’s giving Kansas City reason to do the same.
Bell is now pushing 30 with his best days as a running back behind him. If he’s not ready to accept a different kind of role going forward, maybe retirement will be the only option.