Detroit Lions wide receiver Ronnie Bell knows what it’s like to be doubted. In fact, it has fueled him for his entire career. From being labeled “the basketball guy” when he first joined Michigan football, to being a seventh-round draft pick who wasn’t expected to make an NFL roster, Bell has always thrived when people counted him out.
Now, as training camp unfolds in Detroit, Bell once again finds himself fighting an uphill battle, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Ronnie Bell Detroit Lions preseason
From Michigan “Basketball Guy” to NFL Wide Receiver
When Bell first arrived at the University of Michigan, most didn’t view him as a serious football player. “It’s a part of me and I feel like it’s who I am,” Bell said in an interview with Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network. “When I went to Michigan, I went in as the basketball guy, and nobody really thought much of me. I use that every day as fuel to make something of myself, make something happen.”
Bell turned that doubt into production for the Wolverines, and it carried over when he entered the NFL.
Beating the Odds in San Francisco
Drafted in the 7th round (253rd overall) by the 49ers in 2023, Bell faced long odds of making the roster. But he surprised people right away by carving out a role.
“When I first got out there as a seventh-rounder, people didn’t think I would even make the squad. That was crazy,” Bell said. “Now, same thing here. The depth in the room is kind of, ‘Oh, what are you going to be able to do?’ No, that’s fuel. You have to make something of yourself, make yourself valuable, make it happen.”
Over two years in San Francisco, Bell appeared in 26 games, recording 8 receptions for 90 yards and 3 touchdowns. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, his effort, versatility, and ability to contribute on special teams helped him stick in the league.
Channeling Jim Harbaugh’s “Onward” Mentality
Bell isn’t worried about the numbers game in Detroit’s loaded wide receiver room. Instead, he’s focused on improving every day, taking inspiration from his former Michigan coach, Jim Harbaugh.
“You can’t look at it that way,” Bell explained. “Like coach Harbaugh used to always say, ‘Onward!’ You just have to keep your head down and push through. Especially in a setting like camp, man. Every day is a new day to continue to better yourself, make yourself valuable and show what you can do. What you did the day before, it doesn’t really count. It doesn’t mean anything. Today is a new day and you have to do it all over again.”
Focused on Helping the Lions Win
At the end of the day, Bell’s goal is simple: prove he belongs in Detroit and help the Lions win games.
“Hopefully, that’s what I can do, keep showing them when they need (No.) 10, I can be the guy that they need, however they need me,” Bell said. “I just want to be part of this team. I just want to make this team better. I want to help win games for this team.”
It’s clear that Bell isn’t afraid of the underdog role. If anything, he thrives in it. And if history has shown us anything, it’s that Ronnie Bell tends to make the most of his opportunities when people least expect it.