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Browns Wide Receiver David Bell, 24, Announces Medical Retirement

His lawyer says an offseason surgical complication from a separate off-field injury made further play life-threatening, with specifics still undisclosed.

Overview

  • Bell revealed his decision on Oct. 14 in a social media statement, writing that continuing to play would "literally risk life and limb."
  • The Browns placed him on the reserve/retired list after he opened 2025 on the reserve/non-football injury list.
  • Attorney Brad Sohn told Cleveland.com the life-threatening risk stemmed from a complication during offseason surgery unrelated to Bell’s 2024 dislocated hip.
  • Drafted 99th overall in 2022 out of Purdue, Bell finished with 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns across 32 NFL games.
  • The team publicly thanked Bell, and reporters note key medical details remain undisclosed as his attorney signals potential accountability concerns.