By choosing not to sign with the Steelers before Tuesday’s 4pm deadline, running back Le’Veon Bell has decided to skip the entire 2018 NFL season due to a contract dispute.
While Bell will be forfeiting his $14.5 million salary for the year, he is not the first NFL player to make such a decision.
Legendary running back John Riggins chose to sit out the 1980 season because the Redskins refused to renegotiate his $300,000 salary. When he made his comeback in 1981, Riggins went on to play for five more seasons and even led the NFL in touchdowns for two of those years.
Another notable player, Bo Jackson, was drafted as the number one overall pick by Tampa Bay but opted to sit out his entire rookie season as he did not want to play for the Buccaneers. Instead, he pursued a baseball career with the Royals in 1986 and later re-entered the NFL draft the following season, eventually being selected by the Raiders.
Check out the video to discover other players who have chosen to join Le’Veon Bell in sitting out a season.
