Browns WR David Bell retires after injury and surgical complications

Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell announced his retirement on Tuesday, saying an off-field injury and a subsequent surgical complication left him unable to continue playing without risking his life and limb. The team placed Bell on the reserve-retired list as it adjusted its roster in response to his departure.

"Several months ago, I was blindsided by an off-field injury that was beyond my control, which put my football future in jeopardy," Bell wrote in a social media post. "After consulting with medical experts and praying, I accept that continuing to play football would literally risk life and limb. Although it is the last thing I would otherwise want to do, with a heavy heart, I am announcing my retirement." In the post he thanked the Browns organization, team medical staff, his family, and supporters, and acknowledged his lawyer for efforts to prevent similar situations for other players.

Bell’s path to retirement began with a dislocated right hip sustained in Week 2 of the 2024 season, an injury that required surgery and ended his season. Team doctors cleared him to resume rehabilitation, but an independent offseason procedure to address complications after the hip...