Remembering Russell Bell

Russell Bell owns the distinction of being the first African-American football player at the University of Northern Iowa. Bell began playing football at Iowa State Teachers College in 1933 as a defensive tackle.

Standing at 195 pounds, Bell's weight would be considered light by today's standards, but not so in the 1930s. Bell had a large following of fans during his playing days, who had great faith in his capabilities on the gridiron. Bell had a forte for breaking through the line with the snap of the ball and tormenting the opposing backfield.

The Aug. 2, 1935 edition of the College Eye reported, "Although his play last year failed to come up to his standard of the year before, Russel Bell, 195-pound giant showed flashes of standard of the year before, flashes of spectacular defense work, and if exhibited regularly, would have made him one of the best tackles in the state."

The Oct. 2, 1936 edition went into Bell's personality off the field as the defensive tackle exhibited his love for the game of pool and gave excellent advice to live by.

"I like to play football," Bell said. "But a good game of billiards does a fellow a lot of good."

Although information is limited on Bell's playing time from 1933-36, it is important to remember trailblazers and pioneers like Bell during Black History Month. At UNI, we are proud to remember African-American athletes like Bell, who cleared the path for generations to come.

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