Blake Bell

Blake Bell's Biography

Blake Bell is commonly known in professional football circles as ‘Belldozer’, a hard-earned nickname given to him thanks to his sizeable frame and assertive running style. Born on August 7, 1991, Bell embarked on his athletic journey at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, Kansas, where as quarterback he lit up the field, throwing for 2,752 yards with 32 touchdowns in 2009 alone. Rivals.com ranked him as the sixth best pro-style quarterback recruit, and the Detroit Tigers saw his potential on the baseball diamond, selecting him in the 43rd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. However, football was always Bell’s first love, and he declined the baseball opportunity to focus on a playing career in the NFL.

Bell accepted a football scholarship from the University of Oklahoma and was redshirted in 2010. He spent 2011 as the backup quarterback to Landry Jones, but he still managed to make his mark, specifically in the Sooners jumbo package. With 44 rushing attempts for 171 yards and 13 touchdowns and as MVP of the 2011 Insight Bowl, Bell quickly made a name for himself.

In 2012, he continued to play a similar role, rushing for 201 yards on 60 attempts with 11 touchdowns while completing 9-of-16 passes for 107 yards. His junior year saw him play in 11 games, with 8 starts, completing 140 of 233 attempts for 1,648 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. His final year at Oklahoma took a slightly different turn as he converted to tight end due to the emergence of quarterback Trevor Knight.

The change of position didn’t hold him back nor douse his competitive spirit. He was projected as the ninth best tight end in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, leading the San Francisco 49ers to select him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the 49ers worth $2.78 million, which included a signing bonus of $505,132.

During his rookie season, Bell faced stiff competition against multiple seasoned players for a roster spot. Despite the competition, he made his professional debut in the 49ers’ season-opening victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout the season, Bell demonstrated his potential, earning his first career start and finishing the season with 15 receptions for 186 receiving yards.

Bell continued to compete for his roster spot against numerous notable players during the subsequent seasons. Despite a shoulder injury that cut his 2016 season short, Bell continued to show resilience and determination. In 2017, he was claimed off waivers by the Vikings where he spent his time on and off injured/reserve due to a recurring shoulder injury.

In spite of setbacks, Bell’s resilience and commitment never faltered, landing him a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. Bell signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and scored his first NFL touchdown in a critical playoff game against the Houston Texans. He notched his first Super Bowl victory as the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20.

A brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys as a blocking tight end in 2020 saw Bell’s NFL journey come full circle as he returned to the Chiefs in 2021. The year ended with him back on familiar territory – victory – as he recorded his first career receiving touchdown for the Chiefs in Week 17. He would go on to win his second and third Super Bowl, both with the Chiefs, in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Outside of his celebrated football career, Bell is a proud family man, the son of former NFL defensive end Mark Bell and the nephew of Mike Bell, another former NFL defensive end. He is a devout Roman Catholic and has strived to keep his faith and his family at the core of his professional journey. Despite fluctuating chances and enduring injuries, Bell’s journey through the NFL is a testament to his strength, both physical and mental. Moreover, his ability to adapt, whether it be switching positions or teams, epitomized his commitment to the sport and his unyielding competitive spirit.