Panthers UDFA OL Bell Overcomes Tragedy to Seek Shot at NFL

by Jaxon on Aug 22, 2011 10:03 AM EDT

It seems every year when we tale a look at the backgrounds of the Panthers UDFA's during training camp an inspiring story of player's overcoming personal tragedy to get a shot at the NFL. This year is no exception, in fact Byron Bell is one of the more compelling stories yet.

via t2.gstatic.com

He lost his father to a heart condition when he was a child and being the oldest of 4 kids he was the 'protector' in his words. Given his size I imagine he was prestty good at it. Yet when in college in 2007 he suffered a major tragedy, his family house burned down claiming the life of his 8 yr old brother:

"That's why I play, because of (Isaiah)," Bell said he told his teammates in the meeting. "I said I'm not even in it for the money. I just want to get enough money so I can get my mother a home. That's it."

He went through a real rough spot after that, blaming himself for not being there to save him.

"He was just mad at the coaches, mad at the whole system. Football was not important at that time," Sandra Bell said. "He felt like he should have been at home, and felt if he would have been there, he could have saved the house, could have saved Isaiah."

That's a tough thing for a 19 year old kid to carry around. The post is a real good read and I would do it no justice to paraphrase anymore of it.

Bell is in a great spot to make this roster. With RG Geoff Schwartz unable to get on the field with a hip injury the Panthers desperate for someone to step up at RG. He has the size and obviously has the motivation. All he needs is technique and the Panthers staff seems very capable. Given the Panthers were the only team to give him a private work out says a lot. I will be pulling for Byron Bell.

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I think he's going to make it too...

In my early 53 man prediction, which you’ll see at 11 AM (shameless plug) he earns a spot.

Good guy, great story… he deserves it

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by James Dator on Aug 22, 2011 10:06 AM EDT reply actions

From what I have read he is minimum second string and has had some time with ones at RT

So I seriously doubt he gets cut

by jai6y6 on Aug 22, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Right away from the time I saw the vid of his interview after he decided to sign with the panthers...

I knew that he was going to be able to contribute to our offense line and then when I realized how BIG he was I believed it even more.

"My last name is Rivera but I ain't related to the coach, wish I was"
"Hope for the best plan for the worst"
"They laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at them because they're all the same"

by Efury on Aug 22, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

he's gonna make it

Our o-line is too fragile at the moment. Bell could be great for us. Sure hope so cuz if bell pans out, o-line might not be such a high priority next year in the draft

by LimeyPanther on Aug 22, 2011 10:29 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I, too, we'll be pulling for him to succeed.

by Derek Leazer on Aug 22, 2011 10:29 AM EDT reply actions

I read that story this morning. Makes me want to give the guy a hug. Really sad.

I’ve been touting this kids skills since I saw him at training camp. He’s got what it takes to be really good, he’s just raw. Actually, it’s fitting that this article went up right after the Brown article. While I was at Spartanburg, Bell repeatedly dominated Brown in one-on-one drills and on stunts from the DT position. Brown couldn’t stay on his feet against Bell at all.

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by ALAC on Aug 22, 2011 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

Loved the guy and would love to keep him

This was my #2 UDFA that I wanted for our team. Acomplete mauler in on the offensive line and decent in pass protection. The only thing the kid lacks is the understanding of the progame and confidence. He’ll make the team.

"It is now official... Cam Newton is now the face of our franchise.

by Caro2daheart... on Aug 22, 2011 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

He seems like a good kid

I lost my dad at a young age and while I had an older brother and younger sister. I was still the one that stepped up to be the protector of my family. I can relate to him on that level but not about losing a sibling. If I were to lose either one of them I would be devastated and I feel for him having to go through that. I really hope he makes the team, it would be a really heart warming story and give him something good after all the heartache he has endured.

IT AIN'T SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG

by BlackCatFan on Aug 22, 2011 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

I hate you Jaxon

Almost started to cry reading that story. I’m finishing up my Army National Guard training so I would never hear the end of it if the guys in my unit caught me wiping away tears.

That was a fantastic read. I usually feel athletes are grossly overpaid but I wouldn’t mind if this guy gets the biggest payday in history. Hopefully he’ll take over Otah’s spot so I don’t have to read about his old man knees.

by ambull01 on Aug 22, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Man I am pulling for him

Bell is needed and wanted here in Carolina, He can play LG, RG, and RT and he has a big body and frame to get even bigger and stronger. So why not keep him. Schwartz will be the starter at RG when he returns but with OTAH being so injury prone and taking forever to recover we need another big man on our Oline. Bernadeau trys but is really nothing special, an D. Robinson doesn’t offer much except at the buffet table lol so Bell is more then likely going to earn a spot and I say it is a wonderful story when he does.

by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Aug 22, 2011 11:31 AM EDT reply actions