Will Le’Veon Bell Become the Third 1,000/1,000-Yard Running Back in NFL History?

The best all-around back in the game today, Le’Veon Bell has a real shot to make history this season.

Few running backs – if any – in NFL history possessed even a fraction of the type of versatile skillset that Le’Veon Bell currently owns.

He’s powerful, nimble, quick, has great vision, etc., etc. The list goes on with the former Michigan State standout.

What makes Bell truly special from a historical standpoint is not only his prowess as a tailback, but his ability as a receiver in the passing game.

No player at the position in the league today is as skilled at both toting the rock and catching the ball out of the backfield. When Bell calls it quits for good in the distant future, there’s a strong chance he’ll be widely viewed as the most versatile back to ever step foot onto the gridiron.

Before Bell can even enter that conversation, though, there’s one milestone he must conquer: a 1,000/1,000-yard season – 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving.

Only two other running backs – Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk – have ever accomplished such a feat, making it safe to say that it’s no easy task.

Coming off of a season-ending injury to his right knee that occurred last November, it’ll make Bell’s attack on the record books that much more difficult.

In any case, if he enjoys what will likely be a full recovery, it’d be easy to see him joining Craig and Faulk on their own Mount Rushmore of 1,000/1,000-yard backs.

In the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Todd Haley-led offense, Bell has thrived. Between Haley’s creative play-calling and Ben Roethlisberger’s ascension to elite status, the two have done a great job of getting Bell the ball on a consistent basis, as he’s reeled in 152 receptions since joining the team.

And with Antonio Brown,

Martavis Bryant

, Marcus Wheaton, and now Ladarius Green taking pressure off of him in the passing game, his chances at making history in 2016 increase significantly.

If nothing else, Bell has shown he can really deliver the goods. His best year came in 2014 when he amassed 2,215 total yards. That’s the closest Bell’s come thus far to entering the 1,000/1,000 club, finishing just 146 yards shy of 1,000 receiving yards.

From the look of things, it would appear Bell is well on his way to starting the Steelers Sept. 12 season-opener versus the Washington Redskins.

It’s clear that the 24-year-old is on a mission to get back to the top considering the progress he’s already made.

Of the candidates eligible for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, it’d be thoroughly enjoyable to watch Bell take home the honors, while cementing his place in NFL lore with a 1,000/1,000-yard campaign.

Few question Bell as the best back in the game today but if he returns to full health, there won’t be much stopping him from terrorizing the rest of the league once again.