Le’Veon Bell confirms return to Steelers at unveiling of field bearing his name

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was back in his home state of Ohio Friday night, not as a sign he is returning to his NFL home sooner than expected, but to be there for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the turf football field bearing his name, which he fronted the bill for this past winter.

The field cost over $700k, and Groveport, Bell’s alma mater, took the field after honoring the All-Pro running back and his generosity before the opening kickoff.

Having his name on the football field wasn’t the only news coming from Groveport Friday night, as Bell was also inducted into his High School’s Hall of Fame. The Columbus Dispatch was there to take in the festivities, and of course ask Bell about his return to the Steelers.

“September 1st, I’ll be back,” Bell said, confirming the date he released on Twitter earlier this week for the first time this preseason.

When asked if his teammates understand why he is sitting out the preseason, Bell seemed confident in one thing, they have each other’s backs.

“They’re side-to-side with me,” Bell said. “I’m side-to-side with them.”

Bell, known to always be in top physical condition, will continue training on his own until he reports, signs his franchise tag tender, and can put all this offseason madness behind him and just start to play football again.

For photos of the event, check below, and the Columbus Dispatch has a video interview on their website.