Cleveland Browns fans got an unpleasant surprise when 24-year-old wide receiver David Bell unexpectedly announced his retirement from football, citing an off-field injury.
“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,” he wrote via Instagram on October 14, 2025. “Thanks to God for guiding me every step of the way and for the strength to chase this dream.”
“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,” he added.
Bell didn’t offer much in terms of specifics. He hadn’t played in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2024 season, when he suffered a hip injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year. He began 2025 on the non-football injury list.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about David Bell and the mysterious injury that ended his career.
Who Is David Bell?
David Bell Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Browns selected Bell in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Purdue University where he was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Receiver of the Year as a senior. He made three starts as a rookie and followed that up with three receiving touchdowns in year two, before his hip injury cut his third season short.
An Indianapolis native, Bell has remained active in his community. He partnered with a local charity in August 2025 to bring school supplies and food to those who needed it, and the year before, he stopped by a local elementary school where he read to students, according to his Instagram.
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What Caused Him to Retire?
As Bell explained in a post via Instagram, he was forced to retire due to an injury sustained off the field.
“Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy,” he wrote. “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.”
Though Bell didn’t go into detail about the injury, Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot reports that the complication came from an offseason procedure done by an independent surgeon. It occurred after his hip surgery to address the injury that ended his 2024 season.
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What Else Did David Bell Reveal About His Injury?
David Bell Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
In the final paragraph of his statement, Bell thanked class-action and injury lawyer Brad Sohn for “making sure this never happens to anyone else again.”
Sohn replied on X, saying, “One thing for sure. This will NOT happen again. Bet.”
Did the Cleveland Browns Respond?
The Browns responded to Bell’s Instagram post, writing, “Appreciate you, David. It’s been a pleasure having you be a part of our organization. Best wishes in this next chapter.”