July 20,2017
(Photo Credit: Cleveland Gladiators)
Legacy is a word frequently thrown
around when discussing an athlete’s career. Fans use the term to measure
the impact an athlete had on their sport. Philadelphia Soul linebacker
Beau Bell has certainly left his mark on the game of football, both
collegiately and professionally.
A native of Tustin California, Bell played football at UNLV. He chose the school because his family was nearby and he knew it would help his education and football career. Vegas is one of the most unique places in the country and an exciting one for a young athlete. “It was great to have the Strip nearby, like other big cities, there was constant entertainment. As a young player, college or pro, you have to stay focused on the goal and not get distracted,” Bell recalls. He shined as bright as the casino lights while playing for the Rebels. Beau still has the fourth most career tackles in school history, according to their 2016 football media guide. “I don’t really keep up with stats like that,” he admits. “The only stat I care about is championships. That shows I was a part of something bigger than myself.”
His tenacity and talent did not go unnoticed. Bell was a fourth round pick of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns in 2008, and bounced around a few leagues before landing in the AFL for the 2011 season. Primarily a Mac linebacker, he’s been a difference maker ever since, including a First Team All-Arena season in 2014. He attributes his consistent play to, “...the love to play the game and being able to be counted on by my teammates and coaches.” Just like he did in college, Bell is writing himself into the record books for the AFL. He has 48 career sacks, putting him 7th in league history. Beau said it’s not something he expected, and when asked if it’s humbling, he answered, “Very much so! There has been a lot of great football players to play this game.”
Last season, his sixth in the league, he finally got the only stat he cares about: an ArenaBowl championship with the Soul. In regards to a title repeat, Bell asserts, “As long as we do all of our jobs to the best of our ability, we will have a chance and that’s all we need.” He’s doing his part, leading the league in sacks this season with 10. The Philadelphia faithful are motivated as well. He said “The fans have always been good here! Now that one (championship) was delivered, I know they want more!” As his career continues, Bell will be regarded as one of the best pass rushers in Arena Football League history. If Beau had his choice, he would be remembered as, “A player that helped the people around him get better and flew to the football with reckless abandon.” There are countless quarterbacks, fullbacks and receivers that will confirm that legacy because one thing Beau knows is how to tackle the ball carrier.
No comments:
Post a Comment