Blake Bell

Last updated

Blake Bell
Blake Bell 2020.jpg
Bell with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020
No. 81 – Kansas City Chiefs
Position: Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1991-08-07) August 7, 1991 (age 32)
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Weight:252 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school: Bishop Carroll
(Wichita, Kansas)
College: Oklahoma (2010–2014)
NFL draft: 2015  / Round: 4 / Pick: 117
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Receptions:65
Receiving yards:667
Receiving touchdowns:2
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Blake Bell (born August 7, 1991) is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played college football at Oklahoma, where he received the nickname "Belldozer", a play on words due to his large frame and running style. [1]

Contents

Early years

Bell attended Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kansas, where he played as a quarterback. As a senior in 2009, he threw for 2,752 yards with 32 touchdowns. He was ranked as the sixth best pro-style quarterback recruit by Rivals.com. [2]

He was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 43rd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign with the team. [3] [4]

College career

Bell accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oklahoma and was redshirted in 2010. In 2011, he was the backup quarterback to Landry Jones, but appeared in the Sooners jumbo package, leading to 44 rushing attempts for 171 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a passer, he completed one of four passes for eight yards and an interception. He was the MVP of the 2011 Insight Bowl after rushing for 51 yards on 10 carries with three touchdowns. [5]

As a sophomore in 2012, he was again the backup to Jones and was used mostly in the jumbo package. He rushed for 201 yards on 60 attempts with 11 touchdowns and completed 9-of-16 passes for 107 yards.

As a junior in 2013, he appeared in 11 games out of 13 games (8 starts), missing the contest at Kansas State University and the 2014 Sugar Bowl. He made 140 completions out of 233 attempts for 1,648 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

As a senior in the spring of 2014, Bell was converted into a tight end after the emergence of redshirt freshman quarterback Trevor Knight in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. He appeared in 9 games and was used mostly for blocking purposes, posting 16 receptions for 214 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Bell was projected to be a fifth round draft pick. He was ranked the ninth best tight end prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. [6]

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 6+14 in
(1.99 m)
252 lb
(114 kg)
33+18 in
(0.84 m)
10 in
(0.25 m)
4.80 s1.73 s2.85 s4.32 s6.85 s33 in
(0.84 m)
9 ft 8 in
(2.95 m)
18 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day [7] [6]

San Francisco 49ers

2015

Bell was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. [8] He was the fifth tight end chosen in 2015. [9] On May 11, 2015, the 49ers signed him to a four-year, $2.78 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $505,132. [10]

Throughout training camp, Bell faced stiff competition for a roster spot against Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Xavier Grimble, Derek Carrier, Asante Cleveland, and Rory Anderson. [11] Head coach Jim Tomsula named him the fourth tight end on the depth chart to begin his rookie season, behind Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald, and Garrett Celek. [12]

He made his professional regular season debut in the 49ers' season-opening 20–3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. The following week, he made his first career reception off a four-yard pass by quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the third quarter of a 43–18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. [13]

On October 11, 2015, he earned his first career start after Davis was inactive due to a knee injury. [14] Bell finished the 30–27 loss at the New York Giants with one reception for six yards. He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 7–8. On November 29, 2015, Bell caught three passes for a season-high 67 yards during a 19–13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He saw increased snaps in the Cardinals game after Garrett Celek left the game due to an ankle injury. [15] [16]

The next week, he had a season-high four receptions for 43 yards during a 24–14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished his only season under offensive coordinator Geep Chryst with a total of 15 receptions for 186 receiving yards. [17]

2016

Bell competed to maintain a roster spot under new head coach Chip Kelly, competing against Garrett Celek, Bruce Miller, Rory Anderson, and Je'Ron Hamm. He was named the second tight end on the 49ers' depth chart behind Vance McDonald. [18]

On December 18, 2016, Bell caught one reception for a season-high 45 yards during a 41–13 loss at the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, he left the first half of the game after suffering a shoulder injury and was placed on injured reserve the following day. [19] He finished the 2016 season with only four receptions for 85 receiving yards in 13 games. [20]

2017

Bell contended for a roster spot under new head coach Kyle Shanahan, going up against George Kittle, Logan Paulsen, and Cole Hikutini. [21] On September 2, 2017, the San Francisco 49ers waived Bell. [22]

Minnesota Vikings

Bell with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 Blake Bell (38373209001) (cropped).jpg
Bell with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017

On September 3, 2017, Bell was claimed off waivers by the Vikings. [23] He began the season as the third tight end on the roster, behind Kyle Rudolph and David Morgan II. [24]

Bell made his Vikings' debut in their season-opening 29–19 victory over the New Orleans Saints. On October 1, 2017, he earned his first start with the Vikings and caught a 12-yard pass from quarterback Case Keenum during Minnesota's 14–7 loss to the Detroit Lions. [25]

On December 10, 2017, Bell scored his first NFL points, catching a two-point conversion during a 31–24 loss against the Carolina Panthers. [26] On December 15, 2017, the Minnesota Vikings placed Bell on injured/reserve after he suffered a shoulder injury. [27]

On September 1, 2018, Bell was waived by the Vikings. [28]

Jacksonville Jaguars

On October 16, 2018, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. [29] He appeared in 10 games (4 starts), tallying 8 receptions for 67 yards.

Kansas City Chiefs (first stint)

On April 2, 2019, Bell signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. [30] Bell scored his first NFL touchdown on January 12, 2020, with an eight-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter of Kansas City's AFC Divisional Playoff win over the Houston Texans. The Chiefs advanced to Super Bowl LIV where they defeated Bell's former team 49ers 31–20. [31] Bell caught one pass for nine yards in the Super Bowl. [32]

Dallas Cowboys

On April 7, 2020, Bell was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys, to take over the blocking tight end role that Jason Witten had the previous season. [33] After starter Blake Jarwin was lost for the year with an ACL injury suffered in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Bell became the backup tight end behind Dalton Schultz. He appeared in 16 games, making 11 receptions for 110 yards and no touchdowns. He started the seventh and eighth game, when the Cowboys employed a two tight end formation to provide extra passing protection.

Kansas City Chiefs (second stint)

On March 18, 2021, Bell signed with the Chiefs. [34] He was put on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on December 21, 2021. [35] He was activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list on December 24, 2021. [36]

Bell re-signed with the Chiefs on March 24, 2022, to a one-year deal. [37] Bell was placed on injured reserve on September 5, 2022. [38] He was activated on December 23.

In the 2022 season, Bell recorded his first career receiving touchdown in the regular season in the Chiefs' Week 17 game against the Denver Broncos. Bell won his second Super Bowl when the Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38–35 in Super Bowl LVII. [39]

In the 2023 season, Bell won his third Super Bowl championship when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 25–22 in Super Bowl LVIII. [40]

Personal life

Bell is the son of former NFL defensive end Mark Bell [41] and nephew of former defensive end Mike Bell. [42] Bell is a devout Roman Catholic. [43]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brent Celek</span> American football player and executive (born 1985)

Brent Steven Celek is an American football executive and former tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Cincinnati and was drafted by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played his entire 11 season career with the Eagles. Celek helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots during the 2017 season; he subsequently retired that offseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Cooper</span> American football player (born 1990)

Marcus Cooper Sr. is a former American football cornerback. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He played college football for Rutgers University. Cooper has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Cook</span> American football (NFL) player (born 1987)

Jared Alan Cook is an American former professional football player who was a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. He has also played for the St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyreek Hill</span> American football player (born 1994)

Tyreek Hill is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Hill was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played college football at Garden City, Oklahoma State, and West Alabama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garrett Celek</span> American football player (born 1988)

Garrett Bartholomew Celek is a former American football tight end who played his entire career for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State. Celek signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2012. He is the brother of former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Brent Celek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zach Ertz</span> American football player (born 1990)

Zachary Adam Ertz is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2012. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and later won Super Bowl LII with the team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Levine Toilolo</span> American football player (born 1991)

Levine Joseph Toilolo is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football at Stanford, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Juszczyk</span> American football player (born 1991)

Kyle Patrick Juszczyk is an American football fullback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Harvard Crimson, and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hunter Henry</span> American football player (born 1994)

Hunter Henry is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2015. Henry was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Chargers for five seasons before joining the Patriots in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerick McKinnon</span> American football player (born 1992)

Jerick Deshun McKinnon, nicknamed "Jet", is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia Southern and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also played for the San Francisco 49ers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trey Burton</span> American football player (born 1991)

Lawrence Godfrey "Trey" Burton III is an American football tight end who is a free agent. He played college football for the University of Florida and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014, and he won Super Bowl LII with the team in his final season with the Eagles, including helping execute the Philly Special. Burton also played for the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Conley (American football)</span> American football player (born 1992)

Christian Conley is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Georgia. He was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and has played in the NFL for the Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Tennessee Titans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. J. Derby</span> American football player (born 1991)

Alexander John Derby is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Iowa (2010–11), Coffeyville Community College (2012), and Arkansas (2013–14).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C. J. Uzomah</span> American football (NFL) player (born 1993)

Christopher James Uzomah is an American football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Auburn and was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demarcus Robinson</span> American football player (born 1994)

Demarcus Dontavian Robinson is an American football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and won Super Bowl LIV with the team. He has also played for the Baltimore Ravens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Kittle</span> American football player (born 1993)

George Krieger Kittle is an American football tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and was a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jody Fortson</span> American football player (born 1995)

Joseph Demarius "Jody" Fortson Jr. is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Valdosta State after transferring from Erie Community College, and was signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Fortson has won two Super Bowls, Super Bowl LIV as a member of the Chiefs practice squad, and Super Bowl LVII while on the active roster.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jauan Jennings</span> American football player (born 1997)

Bennie Jauan Jennings is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Tennessee and was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noah Gray</span> American football player (born 1999)

Noah Ryan Gray is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Duke and was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Matt Bushman is an American football tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at BYU and was undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft. Bushman also played baseball at BYU in 2017.

References

  1. Fornelli, Tom (May 2, 2015). "49ers select 'Belldozer' Blake Bell who rumbled for 40 TDs at Oklahoma". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  2. "Blake Bell, 2010 Pro Style Quarterback, Oklahoma". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  3. Chadwick, Joanna (June 10, 2010). "Tigers give Blake Bell a fallback plan". Kansas.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  4. "Blake Bell hadn't played baseball in two years when the Detroit Tiger..." February 16, 2013. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013.
  5. "Insight Bowl: Oklahoma's Blake Bell steps in at critical times". azcentral.com.
  6. 1 2 "Blake Bell, DS #9 TE, Oklahoma". DraftScout.com. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  7. "Blake Bell Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  8. "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  9. "2015 NFL Draft Tracker – NFL.com". NFL.com.
  10. "Spotrac.com: Blake Bell contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  11. "Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 07/01/2015". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  12. "Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 10/01/2015". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  13. "NFL Game Center: Week 2-2013: San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers". NFL.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  14. "49ers without TE Vernon Davis, LB Ahmad Brooks at Giants". SanDiegoUnionTribune.com. Associated Press. October 11, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  15. Matt Maiocco. "Inactives: 49ers' Kilgore, Armstrong set to debut vs Bears". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  16. "49ers tight end Celek goes on season-ending injured reserve". USAToday.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  17. "Blake Bell". NFL.com.
  18. "Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 10/01/2016". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  19. "49ers hit hard by first-half injuries vs Falcons". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  20. "49ers Place TE Blake Bell on IR, Announce Additional Roster Moves". 49ers.com. December 19, 2016.
  21. "Ourlads.com: San Francisco 49ers' depth chart: 07/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  22. "49ers Cut Roster Down to 53 Players". 49ers.com. September 2, 2017. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018.
  23. "Vikings Acquire TE Blake Bell, Sign 3 to Practice Squad". Vikings.com. September 4, 2017. Archived from the original on January 28, 2018.
  24. "Ourlads.com: Minnesota Vikings' depth chart: 10/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  25. "NFL Player stats: Blake Bell (2017)". nfl.com. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  26. "Blake Bell 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  27. Peters, Craig (December 15, 2017). "Vikings Elevate Kyle Carter, Place Blake Bell on IR". Vikings.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2018.
  28. "Vikings Announce Roster Moves, Set Initial 53-Man Roster". Vikings.com. September 1, 2018.
  29. Links, Zach (October 16, 2018). "Jaguars Place TE Niles Paul On IR". Pro Football Rumors.
  30. Gantt, Darin (April 2, 2019). "Chiefs sign tight end Blake Bell". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  31. Shook, Nick (February 2, 2020). "Chiefs rally once again to defeat 49ers, win SB LIV". NFL.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  32. "Super Bowl LIV – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 2nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  33. Archer, Todd (March 25, 2020). "Cowboys adding Blake Bell for tight end depth". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  34. "Chiefs sign Blake Bell". NBC Sports. March 18, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  35. Teicher, Adam (December 21, 2021). "Kansas City Chiefs add Tyreek Hill, 6 others to reserve/COVID-19 list". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  36. "Blake Bell activated off Kansas City Chiefs COVID-19 list, punter Tommy Townsend added". KMBC.com. December 25, 2021. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  37. Sweeney, Pete (March 24, 2022). "Chiefs bring back tight end Blake Bell on a one-year deal". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  38. Foote, Jordan (September 5, 2022). "Chiefs to Place TE Blake Bell on Injured Reserve". SI.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  39. "Super Bowl LVII – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 12th, 2023". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  40. Maaddi, Rob (February 12, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title, 25–22 over 49ers in overtime". AP News. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  41. "Mark Bell Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  42. "Mike Bell Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  43. Rohde, John. "Bishop, Bedlam, & Beyond". Sooner Sports. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.