Bell was the brother of Archie Bell, lead singer of the 1960s R & B group Archie Bell & the Drells and Jerry Bell, lead singer of the 1970s and 80s funk bands New Birth and the Dazz Band. He was also the brother of Neekeita and Lamesia Bell; there were seven brothers in the family.
College career
Originally a linebacker,[4] Bell first attracted notice during his sophomore season at USC in 1974 as a great blocker and between-the-tackles runner, sharing the position of fullback with David Farmer for the 10–1–1 national championship team (UPI) that defeated third-ranked Ohio State 18–17 in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
In 1975, the Trojans won their first seven games. Without a passing game to balance the offense, they struggled to an 8–4 record, but was capped with a victory over Texas A&M in the Liberty Bowl. During this season, Bell led the nation in rushing, gaining 1,875 yards, as he finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy and was a consensus All-American.
Bell was the first overall draft choice in the 1977 NFL draft, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were winless in their first season in 1976. Bell signed a five-year contract for a reported $1.2 million, by far the richest contract ever signed by an NFL rookie.[7][8][9][10] This draft choice was somewhat controversial because Tony Dorsett was being projected as an arguably better back than Bell. Bell's selection was not a surprise, however, because Tampa Bay was coached by John McKay, Bell's former head coach at USC through 1975. After a couple mediocre seasons, in 1979, Bell enjoyed his finest season, rushing for 1,263 yards and leading the Buccaneers to the championship of the NFC Central Division. He led the Buccaneers to their first playoff win in franchise history that season by rushing for 142 yards on 38 carries scoring two touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team fell one game short of a trip to Super Bowl XIV, ending their season by losing to the Los Angeles Rams for the NFC championship.
In March 1982, Tampa Bay traded him to the San Diego Chargers. Bell soon was suffering from weight loss, aching muscles, and severe skin problems; he retired before the 1983 season.[3]
He was survived by his wife, Natalia; his 10-year-old son, Ricky, Jr., a 3-year-old daughter, Noell, his mother, Ruth, and brothers Archie, Lee, and Jerry Bell.