Tyrann Mathieu is backing up Andy Reid over Le'Veon Bell.
On Saturday, the former Steelers star posted on Instagram he would rather retire than play for Reid again. The Chiefs signed Bell after the Jets released him last October, and the veteran running back was average at best, rushing for 254 yards in nine games.
Though Bell now says he wishes he kept his criticism of Reid private, the three-time Pro Bowler didn't retract his remarks. In response, Mathieu defended his coach.
"These fellas will blame everybody for their lack of success," he tweeted Sunday. "That's how I know I'm built different."
Bell seldom played for the Chiefs in the postseason, only receiving two carries in the AFC Divisional Round, despite Clyde Edwards-Helaire being sidelined due to injury. Bell was inactive in the AFC Championship due to a knee injury, and didn't play during the Super Bowl.
Still a free agent, Bell's public condemnation of Reid probably doesn't add to his value. Reid is the sixth-winningest coach ever, and more importantly, highly regarded around the league. It's apparent Mathieu holds Reid in high esteem.
The Chiefs signed Mathieu to a three-year, $42 million deal prior to the 2019 season. He's responded with two sensational campaigns, accumulating 10 interceptions over the last two years.
Meanwhile, Bell hasn't produced at an elite level in four years. Rather than play two straight seasons on the franchise tag, he sat out the 2018 campaign with Pittsburgh. Since then, he's run for just 1,117 yards with 599 receiving yards.
In addition to losing his skills, Bell has also seemingly lost the respect of his peers. That's probably what hurts the most.
