Nick Bellore

BIOGRAPHY

Nicholas Lalonde Bellore, also known as Nick Bellore, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 12, 1989, and has gone on to forge an impressive career as an American professional football linebacker and special teamer. Currently, Bellore is a part of the Washington Commanders playing in the National Football League (NFL), but his journey commenced at his alma mater, the Central Michigan University.

In his high school years, Bellore displayed an early aptitude for football, graduating from Whitefish Bay High School in 2007 and subsequently choosing to further hone his game at the Central Michigan University. He started his freshman year playing as a linebacker for the Central Michigan Chippewas and continued to do so through his senior season. During his time with the Chippewas, Bellore achieved a record-setting consecutive start streak and was also named CMU’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009.

Bellore’s collegiate achievements did not end there, he made crucial contributions to his team’s performances which led to the Chippewas appearing in three bowl games, with them winning the 2010 GMAC Bowl. Bellore vested his all in his games which eventually led to his picking up the distinction of an All-Mid American Conference First-team selection on defense for three years, in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

After graduating, Bellore passed on the opportunity of the 2011 NFL Draft and instead opted to explore his chances as an undrafted free agent. His talents did not go unrecognized as over half of the NFL teams pursued him as a potential addition to their roster. Weighing his options, Bellore signed a contract with the New York Jets on July 26, 2011.

Bellore’s time with the Jets was marked by his strategic plays and exceptional tackles. He completed the 2011 season with 19 tackles and caught his first career pass while playing a fake punt by Tim Tebow in 2012. Despite a short stint considering a shift to fullback in 2012, Bellore found his footing at the linebacker position and went on to earn recognition with the 2014 Pro Football Focus All-Pro Special Teams.

Bellore marked the next chapter of his professional career by signing a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on April 3, 2015. Over the following years, Bellore’s skill and determination shone through as he took part in 14 games in 2016, starting a career-high 10 games, and notching 82 tackles. His passion for the game remained strong despite being placed on injured reserve in late 2016, after suffering from an elbow injury.

2017 marked a period of transition for Bellore, with his signing up with the Detroit Lions, and subsequently being released, only to be re-signed shortly after. Bellore’s game flourished as he was integrated into the Detroit offense, even scoring his maiden career touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in December 2017.

After his stint with the Lions, Bellore signed up with the Seattle Seahawks in May 2019. Even as he continued to demonstrate his football prowess, he did face some career turbulence with being released from the team during the final roster cuts in 2020, before being re-signed a few days later. Despite these challenges, the highlight of this period was his selection to the Pro Bowl for the 2020-2021 NFL season as a special teamer, marking his maiden selection.

In March 2021, Bellore re-signed a two-year deal worth $4.4 million with the Seattle Seahawks, including a substantial $1.2 million guarantee. He continued to make his mark, being selected for his second Pro Bowl in the 2023 season. However, his time with the Seahawks came to an abrupt end with his release by the team in March 2024.

Bellore’s career journey next took him to the Washington Commanders, where he initially signed with the practice squad in September 2024, before being promoted to the active roster later that same month. As he continues to navigate his professional career, Bellore’s passion for football and unwavering determinism has remained at the forefront, propelling him to continue making his mark on the sport.