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Cleveland Browns Wide receiver David Bell became the latest NFL player to announce an early retirement this week.
The 24-year-old announced his decision in a lengthy social media post, saying an “off-field injury” ultimately forced him to retire. Bell added that continuing to play in the NFL “would literally risk his life and physical integrity”.
David Bell (18) of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after an NFL playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on January 13, 2024. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury, beyond my control, that jeopardized my future as a footballer. After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally put my life in danger. Although it is the last thing I would want to do otherwise, it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement.”
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“Football has given me memories that I will cherish forever and taught me how, through focus, selflessness and determination, the whole can be greater than the individual,” he continued. “Thank you God for guiding me every step of the way and giving me the strength to pursue this dream.”
Bell was written from Purdue in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played in 16 games, totaling 214 yards. He scored his first NFL touchdown the following season, which he finished with 167 yards and three touchdowns.
David Bell (18) of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 7, 2024. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Bell’s 2024 season was cut short after suffering a season-ending hip injury in Week 2, his final professional appearance. He opened the 2025 season on the Browns’ non-football injury list.
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“Thank you, David. It’s been a pleasure having you on board. Best wishes for this next chapter,” the Browns wrote in an article on X in response to Bell’s announcement.
Bell thanked the organization in his statement. He also thanked attorney Brad Sohn, a class action and personal injury lawyer, for “making sure this never happened to anyone else again.” Sohn responded on X by saying, “One thing is for sure. It won’t happen again. Bet.”
Wide receiver David Bell (18) of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the first half of a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on August 10, 2024. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Bell did not reveal the nature of his injury.
