Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell has announced his retirement in an extended statement on social media.
The Browns drafted Bell in the third round of the 2022 draft. The Purdue product was never able to get on track at the NFL level and has dealt with multiple injuries. He had season-ending hip surgery in 2024 and was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list at the start of this year.
Bell made his retirement official with a social media post on Tuesday.
“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy. After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally risk life and limb. Although it is the last thing I would otherwise want to do, with a heavy heart I am announcing my retirement,” Bell wrote. “Football gave me memories I’ll cherish forever and taught me how through focus, selflessness, and determination, the whole can be greater than the collection of individuals. Thanks to God for guiding me every step of the way and for the strength to chase this dream.
“Thank you to the Browns—the Haslams, Andrew Berry, Chris Cooper, my coaches and the team docs/medical staff for providing me with great care.”
There have been no details available on the injury Bell has been dealing with. But he did thank his lawyer, Brad Sohn, in the post, “for making sure this never happens to anyone else again.”
Browns Wide Receivers Struggling Amid 1-5 Start
Bell finished his career with 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 32 career games. Prior to the injury, he was looking to earn a larger role for the Browns in what is a very thin receiver room.
That lack of depth has shown up this season. Cleveland has the worst scoring offense in the league, averaging less than 14 points per game during their 1-5 start. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. leads the Browns with 28 catches for 254 yards and a touchdown. Jerry Jeudy has been the team’s top wide receiver with 240 yards on just 20 receptions.
“For us the focus is on being better as an offense, and that goes into a bunch of different areas,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I know I can be better for this football team. I know I can certainly be better for this offense. But our focus is on making sure that we all do our part in getting this thing going.”
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Doomed by Drops
With the lack of depth at receiver, a lot of pressure was placed on Jeudy to produce. He hasn’t been able to replicate his Pro Bowl season from a year ago and has been plagued by drops. He leads the NFL with eight drops.
“I think it’s just a bunch of guys just want to make plays before they catch the ball,” Jeudy said. “You know, we haven’t been scoring enough points, so I feel like guys just are itching to catch the ball and make a play. But you just gotta catch the ball first and make the play after that, you know. So I just think it’s a bunch of guys just ready to make a play for this team to help put up points.”
Jeudy and the Browns’ offense will look to get on track this week against the 1-5 Miami Dolphins.
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