Nick Bell, Mississippi State Football Player Dies from Cancer at 20

Cow bells rang in remembrance of Nick Bell, a defensive end on the Mississippi State football team Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Nick Bell had passed away after fighting a short battle with cancer Tuesday afternoon. Bell, 20 was a sophomore at Mississippi State and from Bessemer, Alabama where he had attended Jess Lanier High School.

Bell was diagnosed in September 2010 with cancer after having numerous headaches which were occurring often. Bell underwent surgery on October 1, 2010 to remove a mass from his head and was thought to be doing well until he reentered the hospital on Sunday. Bell had made the trip back to Mississippi State to visit his team for Mississippi State game against Alabama-Birmingham on October 23, 2010, hanging out on the sidelines. He was expected to make a recovery at this time.

Bell, 6'3" and 265 lbs., was hospitalized at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital on Sunday, had fallen into a deep coma to never awaken again. Emergency surgery was performed on Monday, November 1, 2010 after doctors discovered the cancer had spread throughout his body.

Coaches and members of the Mississippi State football team made the trip in a bus to visit Bell in the hospital on Monday evening to say their goodbyes.

Coach Dan Mullen was saddened to inform the team of his passing in a team meeting before football practice Tuesday afternoon. Practice was not mandatory for the day, but most players stayed with the knowledge and comfort knowing that Bell loved to play football.

Bell played the defensive end position and started in two games this season. Bell's final game was against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 25, 2010 where he racked up seven tackles, with two for losses. Bell played in a total of four games this season and played in all games during his freshman year as a redshirt.

Coach Dan Mullens had this to say about Nick Bell, "This is a tragedy for Nick's family, our football program, our community and everyone who had the privilege to meet and be around Nick Bell. Nick was a son and a brother to our football family and I know he will continue to look over us from heaven. Nick lived his life like a champion and will always be remembered in our hearts that way. During this impossible time, we pray for Nick's family and all those he has touched."

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are in a bye week this week, which makes a good time to remember their friend and teammate, #36 who loved to play the game. The Mississippi State Bulldogs are ranked No. 21 and will return to the field on November 13, 2010 to face SEC powerhouse and top ten team, Alabama.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time for Nicholas L. Bell. However, friends and family may wish to donate to a memorial fund set up by the

Mississippi State Athletic Department by calling 662-325-3074 or Bull Dog members can contribute through their Bulldog Club account.

In the meantime, the cow bells ring on in remembrance of a young athlete that left this world too soon.

Sources:

Mississippi State Athletics

Rivals.com

Nick Bell's MS State Profile