Cleveland Browns followers acquired an disagreeable shock when 24-year-old huge receiver David Bell unexpectedly introduced his retirement from soccer, citing an off-field damage.
“Soccer gave me recollections I'll cherish eternally and taught me how by means of focus, selflessness, and willpower, the entire could be higher than the gathering of people,” he wrote by way of Instagram on October 14, 2025. “Due to God for guiding me each step of the best way and for the energy to chase this dream.”
“I'm so pleased with what I've achieved and intend to use soccer's teachings to my subsequent chapter, and to assist make the world a greater place,” he added.
Bell didn't provide a lot when it comes to specifics. He hadn't performed in an NFL recreation since Week 2 of the 2024 season, when he suffered a hip damage that sidelined him for the remainder of the 12 months. He started 2025 on the non-football damage record.
Maintain scrolling for every thing to find out about David Bell and the mysterious damage that ended his profession.
Who Is David Bell?
David Bell Picture by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos
The Browns chosen Bell within the third spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Purdue College the place he was a consensus All-American and the Massive Ten Receiver of the 12 months as a senior. He made three begins as a rookie and adopted that up with three receiving touchdowns in 12 months two, earlier than his hip damage lower his third season quick.
An Indianapolis native, Bell has remained lively in his neighborhood. He partnered with a neighborhood charity in August 2025 to deliver college provides and meals to those that wanted it, and the 12 months earlier than, he stopped by a neighborhood elementary college the place he learn to college students, in keeping with his Instagram.
What Brought on Him to Retire?
As Bell defined in a put up by way of Instagram, he was compelled to retire resulting from an damage sustained off the sphere.
“A number of months in the past, I used to be blindsided by an off-field damage that was past my management, which put my soccer future in jeopardy,” he wrote. “After consulting with medical specialists and praying, I settle for that persevering with to play soccer would actually danger life and limb. Though it's the very last thing I'd in any other case need to do, with a heavy coronary heart, I'm asserting my retirement.”
Although Bell didn't go into element concerning the damage, Browns beat author Mary Kay Cabot reports that the complication got here from an offseason process achieved by an unbiased surgeon. It occurred after his hip surgical procedure to deal with the damage that ended his 2024 season.
What Else Did David Bell Reveal About His Harm?

David Bell Picture by Jason Miller/Getty Photos
Within the remaining paragraph of his assertion, Bell thanked class-action and damage lawyer Brad Sohn for “ensuring this by no means occurs to anybody else once more.”
Sohn replied on X, saying, “One factor for positive. This can NOT occur once more. Wager.”
Did the Cleveland Browns Reply?
The Browns responded to Bell's Instagram put up, writing, “Respect you, David. It's been a pleasure having you be part of our group. Greatest needs on this subsequent chapter.”
