:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/David-Bell-101425-92a9e3aed05a4157b3d6eef146b75adb.jpg)
NEED TO KNOW
- Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday, Oct. 14
- Bell, 24, retired after being “blindsided by an off-field injury”
- Bell was a third-round draft pick in 2022, who went on to catch 41 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns in parts of three seasons with the Browns
Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell announced his retirement from the NFL due to “an off-field injury” on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Bell, 24, made the announcement on Instagram. “Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy,” Bell began the statement.
“After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally risk life and limb,” he wrote, adding that retiring is “the last thing I would otherwise want to do.”
Bell then reflected on his brief professional football career.
“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,” he wrote. “Thanks to God for guiding me every step of the way and for the strength to chase this dream.”
He shared thanks for the Browns organization and its owners, the Haslam family, along with Browns general manager Andrew Berry, VP of Football Administration Chris Cooper, his coaches and the medical staff that treated his injury.
Bell also shared gratitude for his family, “whom I love always, and to my community for always holding me down.”
“I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished and intend to apply football’s teachings to my next chapter, and to help make the world a better place,” Bell concluded the statement.
The Browns’ official Instagram account replied in the comments, “Appreciate you, David. It’s been a pleasure having you be a part of our organization. Best wishes in this next chapter 🧡.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Bell was placed on the non-football injury list to open training camp. He last played in Week 2 of the 2024 season, when he suffered a major hip injury, ESPN reports. He did not specify the details of the injury, or the manner in which he was injured.
The wide receiver, who was a 2022 third-round draft pick, caught 41 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns in parts of three seasons with the Browns, per the outlet.