Browns WR Announces Sudden Retirement Ahead of Week 7
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 Cleveland 🤞🏾🤎
“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.
Caleb Williams Vows "Never Back Down": "They Were Wrong When They Thought I’d Fold Under Pressure!"
Caleb Williams, the rising star quarterback for the Chicago Bears, has shown time and time again that he is a player who thrives under pressure. In a recent statement, Williams made it clear that he is not one to back down when the stakes are high. Despite the pressure of being thrust into the spotlight, Williams remains focused on proving that he is the one who can take control in critical moments of the game.
“They think I’m going to fold under pressure? They were wrong! I’ll never let myself quit. Every minute on the field is an opportunity for me to prove that I’m the one who decides the outcome of this game.”
These words are not just a reflection of Williams’ confidence but a testament to the kind of mentality that has made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. Throughout his early career, Williams has shown an unwavering belief in himself, even when faced with adversity. His ability to perform in clutch situations has already earned him comparisons to some of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, and his mindset suggests that he’s ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.
A Clutch Performer in the Making
Williams has proven his ability to perform under pressure. In his most recent game, with the Bears trailing late in the fourth quarter, Williams led his team on a game-winning drive that ended with a spectacular touchdown. This wasn’t the first time he’s been in such a situation, and it certainly won’t be the last. Time and time again, Williams has shown that he rises to the occasion when his team needs him most.
It’s this kind of mindset — an unshakable belief in his ability to lead his team to victory — that sets Williams apart. While many players might falter in the face of pressure, Williams embraces it. Whether it’s a game-winning drive or a crucial third-down conversion, he doesn’t shrink when the spotlight is on him. Instead, he flourishes, confident that he can make the plays needed to secure a victory.
A Champion’s Mentality
As the season progresses, Williams’ confidence is becoming contagious. His teammates look to him in critical moments, knowing that he has the skill and the mental toughness to get the job done. Bears fans, who have been waiting for their team to find a true leader, have found that in Williams.
Williams’ attitude — and his ability to step up when the game is on the line — is exactly what the Bears need as they look to make a playoff push. The young quarterback understands that greatness is earned, not given, and he’s ready to prove that he has what it takes to lead his team to success.
Looking to the Future
Williams’ commitment to never backing down will continue to be a defining characteristic of his career. As the Bears head into tough matchups against some of the league's best teams, Williams is prepared to face every challenge head-on. With his talent, leadership, and confidence, the sky's the limit for this promising young quarterback.
As he continues to shine under pressure, there’s no doubt that Caleb Williams is proving to be the kind of player who thrives in clutch moments — and that’s exactly what every team needs in their quarterback.
