David Bell, who led Warren Central High School to state championships in two sports and was an All-American wide receiver at Purdue, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old struggled with injuries after being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
He had 41 career catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns, all in 2023. Bell appeared in one game in 2024 and was placed on the non-football injury list in July.
“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy,” he posted on social media. “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.”
David Bell stats at Warren Central
Bell played for two state championship teams in 2018: the undefeated Class 4A basketball team and the 6A state championship football team. He had 239 catches for 4,402 yards and 55 touchdowns in four seasons with the Warriors.
David Bell stats at Purdue
Bell had 232 catches for 2,946 yards and 21 touchdowns for Purdue, earning All-America honors in 2021 (93 catches, 1,286 yards, 6 TDs). In an injury-shortened 2020 season, Bell had eight touchdowns in six games.
