Ex-Steeler Steve McLendon, now a Jets teammate, implores Le'Veon Bell to show up

In Pittsburgh, we’re used to stories about Le’Veon Bell being absent from practices. 

In New York, that’s not going over big with one of his new teammates.

And it’s a guy who used to be one of his former teammates.

Former Steeler and current Jets defensive lineman Steve McLendon said he wishes Bell had showed up for organized team activities with his new club.

According to NorthJersey.com, McLendon said, “I told him, ‘You understand this place is different than Pittsburgh.’ I said, ‘You need to get back so you can understand the quarterback and the situation.’ …I told him, ‘The media is gonna get you if you don’t come back.’ That’s the truth. I did tell him that.”

McLendon is right on that.

“You just want to get to know your teammates, especially when we have a young quarterback,” McLendon said. “He needs to know your rhythm, he needs to know how patient you are. It’s easy to see on the film but it’s so hard to prepare with because (Bell) is very dynamic in the things that he can do.”

McLendon attempted to defuse things a bit by saying he won’t assume Bell is skipping because he is out of shape from last year’s absence, as many people have guessed.

“He’s going to be in some good shape,” McLendon continued. “He always has been and I don’t see that changing. His physical condition (exceeds) anything else. And I know that. He trains hard.”

Eleven years into his NFL career, McLendon got into some pretty deep thoughts on some bigger picture issues, too, about seizing the moment while players are still physically capable of playing.

Steve McLendon took us all to church/school today. The guy is an incredible speaker with amazing perspective. Easy to see why - besides his play - the #Jets wanted him back in their locker room as a team leader. pic.twitter.com/fyLMOZKdWt

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) May 29, 2019

Bell is expected to show up on June 4 for minicamp.