Rookies are beginning to reveal what numbers they will wear with their new teams and Anthony McFarland will be wearing No. 26 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following the decision, McFarland made it clear that wearing No. 26 isn't him showing disrespect toward Le'Veon Bell.
“I watch his game, I study his film as somebody who’s been a great back in the league for a long time,” McFarland said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “It’s definitely me looking up at him and not a sign of disrespect.”
Of course, Bell was a second-round pick for the Steelers back in the 2013 NFL Draft. In his first five seasons in Pittsburgh, Bell evolved into arguably the best dual-threat running back in the NFL. His best season came in 2014 when he totaled 2,215 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
However, in 2018, Bell sat out for the entire season due to a contract dispute with the Steelers. As a result, he chose to test free agency, signing with the New York Jets in 2019. Despite Bell's unfortunate departure, McFarland realizes what he meant to the Steelers.
At the same time, McFarland knows that Bell is still one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. Therefore, by wearing No. 26 with the Steelers, the rookie out of Maryland wants to pay homage to Bell.
Entering his rookie season, McFarland is going to be competing for touches with James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, and Benny Snell. Nevertheless, Reggie Bush believes McFarland can be ‘even better' than Bell.
If McFarland can model his game similar to Bell's, he'll have a long, successful career in the NFL.
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