Ricky Bell (running back)
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- For other people with of the same name, see Ricky Bell.
| Ricky Bell | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | April 8, 1955 |
| Place of birth | Houston, Texas |
| Date of death | November 28, 1984 |
| Position(s) | RB |
| College | Southern California |
| NFL Draft | 1977 / Round 1/ Pick 1 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1977-1981 1982 |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers San Diego Chargers |
| College Hall-of-Fame | |
Ricky Lynn Bell (April 8, 1955 - November 28, 1984) was a running back from the University of Southern California (USC).
Contents |
[edit] College career
Bell held the single-game rushing record of 347 yards, set against Washington State University in 1976. He led the nation in rushing as a junior in 1975 with 1,957 yards. Bell was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 1976 to Tony Dorsett after finishing third in the voting in 1975 as a junior. Bell was voted Pac-10 player of the year in 1976.
[edit] NFL career
Bell was the first overall draft choice in the 1977 NFL Draft, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 1979, Bell enjoyed his finest season, rushing for 1,263 yards and leading the Buccaneers to the NFC Central Division crown. He led the Buccaneers to their first playoff win in franchise history that season by rushing for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles.
[edit] Death
Bell died in 1984 of heart failure caused by dermatomyositis. Mario Van Peebles portrayed the player in the made for television movie, "A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story," which was based on Bell's illness.
[edit] Honors
- Bell was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
- Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
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