Former Florida A&M linebacker turned Dallas Cowboys standout, Markquese Bell was honored at the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration as 2023 HBCU Spotlight Player of the Year.
Bell has been a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys since May 2022. He made the team’s initial 53-man roster out of training camp. Bell, who began his college career at Maryland, transferred to Florida A&M in 2018 after two seasons with the Maryland Terrapins.
“I am humbly grateful for this honor and acknowledgment to be selected for the NFL HBCU Spotlight Player of the Year for the 2023 season,” Bell told the Tallahassee Democrat. “To have it magnified at the Super Bowl is monumental.”
Bell, described as a “rangy 6-foot-2, 212-pounder”, led the Rattlers last season with 95 tackles and five forced fumbles. Known for his speed, versatility and aggressiveness. This tenacity on the football field made a quick impression with the Cowboys as a “hard hitter with a nose for the ball.”
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn told cowboyswire.usatoday.com that he loved Bell’s multi-skilled qualities. ‘This guy will make a hell of a safety,” Quinn said back in 2022.
Bell thanked his family, especially his grandmother during his acceptance speech, who became emotional while watching her grandson accept the HBCU spotlight award.
“Don’t cry grandma,” Bell said.
The Cowboys’ linebacker also discussed his plans to continue honing on his craft as a professional football player and representing HBCU excellence in the NFL.
“As a proud FAMU alum, I hope to serve as an inspiration to every HBCU athlete and student that’s striving to reach new heights,” Bell sald. “I am deeply committed to increasing HBCU implementation in the NFL and this accolade only fuels that mission.”
Click here to watch the full 2024 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration.
