CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns receiver David Bell retired on Tuesday because of a surgical complication that would’ve made it life-threatening for him to play football again, his lawyer Brad Sohn, told Cleveland.com on Tuesday.
The complication occurred during an offseason surgery, the nature of which is undisclosed, by an independent surgeon after he had recovered from surgery in September of 2024 to repair his dislocated hip.
The Browns third round pick in 2022 out of Purdue, Bell suffered the dislocated hip during the Browns 18-13 victory over the Jaguars in Week 2. After catching all three of his targets for 27 yards that game, Bell was carted off the field with his right leg held high by a member of the medical staff, and was soon diagnosed with the season-ending hip injury.
He underwent surgery to repair it and was placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Bell was on the mend from the hip surgery and on pace to return this season when he had the second surgery, which went awry. It landed him on the reserve/non-football injury list in August, which meant he’d have to miss at least four games. On Tuesday, he was placed on the reserve/retired list.
Bell showed up in the locker room on a daily basis, but knew his short career was likely over.
On Tuesday, he expressed his feelings in a post on X:
THANK YOU CLEVELAND
“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.
“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 to the Browns—the Haslams, Andrew Berry, Chris Cooper, my coaches and the team docs/medical staff for providing me with great care. To my family whom I love always, and to my community for always holding me down, appreciation and thanks. To Brandon Parker of Vayner Sports for guiding me on my journey. To @bradsohn for making sure this never happens to anyone else again. And of course to the fans who I will miss forever. 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.
“DBell”
The retirement puts an end to a promising career for the player known as Mr. Reliable to his coaches. Bell was always in the right place at the right time, and the Browns had high hopes for him last season before he suffered the injury.
A precise route runner with excellent hands, Bell was slated for a bigger role in 2024 after catching 14 of 23 targets last season for 167 yards and three TDs. He didn’t get the ball much, but made those 14 receptions count, with every 4.6 catch going for a touchdown.
Bell, the 2021 Big 10 receiver of the Year, was a pre-draft favorite of Kevin Stefanski’s, as he revealed on an episode of the team’s in-house television show, Building the Browns.
“You were the first guy I watched, and right away I was like ‘we need to get this guy,’” Stefanski told Bell in an introductory meeting shown on the docuseries. “You can ask our GM, I was like, ‘This day needs to end with David Bell on our team.’
“Just your ability to catch the ball, which I think is the best in the draft, your ability to get open and just who you are as a person fits who we are.”
Unfortunately for Bell, the surgery prevented him from living up to that lofty praise.
Other Browns roster moves:
The Browns signed cornerback Tre Avery to the active roster from the practice squad. In addition, the team signed linebacker Eugene Asante and defensive tackle Simeon Barrow Jr. to the practice squad and released T Joshua Miles from the practice squad.
Avery (5-11, 185) is in his fourth NFL season out of Rutgers. Originally signed by the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Avery has appeared in 41 career games with Tennessee (2022-24) and Cleveland (2025). He has appeared in three games for the Browns this season and recorded five special teams tackles. Avery will wear No. 28.
Asante (6-1, 226) is in his rookie season out of Auburn. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Miami and will wear No. 36.
Barrow (6-3, 283) is in his rookie season out of Miami (Fla). He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Atlanta and will wear No. 58.
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