Former Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell finished his Pittsburgh Steelers career as the franchise's fourth all-time leading rusher behind Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker and remains ahead of John Henry Johnson and Najee Harris.
Bell is also known for his mercurial attitude that runs hot and cold at times, as noticed for many years by fans on his social media account.
On Tuesday, Bell took to the platform known as X to share cryptic, brooding remarks that led to reactions in the comments section as he shared his thoughts on how men are treated in modern society.
Le'Veon Bell of the Jets.
Le'Veon Bell during his days with the New York Jets.
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
"Real men suffer in private because they know nobody cares, and ain't nobody coming to save them .." Bell wrote on X in a post viewed nearly 10,000 times as of Wednesday morning.
"We man up," a reader said. "When there's work to do, it must be done," one fan said.
Bell's message sparked a post about mental health that hit home for some readers.
"We care. I care," another person wrote with a red heart emoji. "Men don't need to suffer in silence."
"Amen to that!!" another said.
"Join an AA men's group," another said.
"You'd be surprised how many people actually do care!! If you don't reach out you will never know!! Nobody can try an help someone if they don't know that person is suffering!! Talking never made anyone less of a man!!!" another reader added.