Simply 10 years nearest he departed Alcovy as a senior, D’Anthony Bell returned on Tuesday night time to peer his Deny. 10 jersey retired by means of the Tigers.
The rite took park all the way through halftime of Alcovy’s ladies basketball sport as a packed gymnasium witnessed the birthday party of one of the crucial program’s highest.
Bell, a 2015 Alcovy graduate and wave NFL participant for the Cleveland Browns, was once the primary participant in program historical past to have his quantity retired.
In what was once a surreal revel in for Bell, he hopes his reports can state day Tigers to come back.
“I am just blessed, I want to thank God,” Bell mentioned. “I want to thank my management team. I just want to thank my family for showing up and for everyone supporting me. Being the first [NFL player] from Alcovy, I am trying to pave the way for everyone to go.”
Many took turns talking about Bell and his achievements, together with his notable 10 interceptions all the way through his senior season at Alcovy.
Bell was once introduced a plaque that includes his retired Deny. 10 jersey along side his wave Browns jersey by means of important Dr. Kristopher Williams, athletic director Dr. Patrick Carter and Tigers head trainer Spencer Fortson.
– photograph by means of Garrett Pitts
As soon as the rite got here to a alike, Bell took age to embody along with his people, buddies, enthusiasts or even former fighters comparable to Eastside alum and wave NFL participant Eric Stokes.
Following his commencement in 2015, Bell signed to play games faculty soccer at Albany Surrounding College. Next a redshirt season, Bell transferred to Iowa Central Nation Faculty.
Bell went directly to play games at Butler Nation Faculty earlier than having a standout ultimate season as a member of West Georgia’s soccer staff.
Even if Bell was once no longer decided on within the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed as a isolated agent to the Browns, the place he nonetheless remainder.
In step with Bell, the jersey depart was once one thing he didn’t be expecting regardless of being Alcovy’s first former participant to manufacture an NFL roster.
– photograph by means of Covington Information/Report Photograph
“I didn’t know it was going to happen,” Bell mentioned. “Shelton [with Black Tie Management Group] called me [and said], ‘We need to get this done for you.’ I was really excited and blessed.”
Even if this go back to Alcovy was once one he’s going to take into accout, Bell has made a couple of journeys again to his alma mater.
In step with Fortson, Bell took moments to talk to the wave staff stuffed with gamers taking a look to 1 hour be in the similar spot .
“It is a great story for our guys to understand that no matter what trials and tribulations come your way, just stick to your plan and you can find your way to where you want to be,” Fortson mentioned.
Bell’s occupation has taken many turns since his days on Freeway 36, however strolling the halls as a senior nonetheless stands as a few of his maximum memorable moments.
“Walking down the halls as a senior and realizing you will never be here again or never go to school here again,” Bell mentioned. “Being able to come back and show love to the same school that showed me love when I was here — I am trying to give back to the community the same way they did for me.”
