What’s in a number? If you’re Mike Bell and you’re about to take on the jersey of one of your childhood football heroes, it means asking for permission before you don it — even if that request ends up being via proxy.
After yielding his No. 20 to new acquisition Travis Henry, Bell didn’t have many options for his new number, but No. 30 — which has not been worn in the regular season since Terrell Davis’ retirement — was available. (Santonio Beard wore it in the offseason and training camp in 2004.)
Jersey No. 30 in Denver doesn’t quite possess the lineage of, say, No. 44 at Syracuse, which has belonged to Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Broncos Ring of Famer Floyd Little, among others. It is, however, important to Bell, even though it is still merely stitching on a shirt.
“It means a lot,” Bell said, adding, “I think people place too much significance on it because a number is not going to make me play any better, but I did grow up watching him, and it basically completes what I wanted to do. It is special to me, but it’s not going to mean anything if I don’t go out there and perform.”
ON THE SCHEDULE: Don’t look for the schedule to be released this week. The NFL Network programming schedule once had the show penciled in for Thursday, but now the channel plans to air NFL Films programming in that afternoon time slot. If previous years’ trends hold true, the schedule will be released sometime this month before the draft.
Tags: 2007 season, Mike Bell, Running backs, Terrell Davis, Travis Henry
Mike Bell, ever the team player. I’m not sure why Travis had to have his number, but certainly not surprised Mike was so gracious. Part of the deal should have been Travis does the Mile High Salute after Touchdowns. A knowledgeable Bronco fan knows the “Salute” is not just a Terrell “thing”, but a Bronco running back corp trademark. Mike Bell knows this very well, being a Bronco fan from birth. Reality has spoken.
I dont think Bell should have T.D.’s number. I mean T.D. is now a legend. He is retired an no one should have his number. Just because he was forced to retire because of a bad knee dont mean he shouldnt be treated like all the retired people. Like Elway now that he is retired no one can have that number 7. So why should Bell get 30. I think Bell should continue to wear 20 and make his number a legend also. He has the ability to do it. He will one day also be a great legend like T.D.
Terrell Davis is a legend. Any Real ‘Bronco fan would agree that back to back superbowls would have been impossible without him. Elway and Terrell will always be my favorite of all times. Bell now has the honors, I hope he makes us proud. “MileHighSalute”
Well first I have to say TD is my favorite player of all time and in my opinion one of the greatest running backs ever but since his number isn’t officially retired I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Mike Bell. I think he will make us proud that there is a great back wearing number 30 again and he won’t put it to shame.
I put TD up there with the likes of Tony Dorsett & Marcus Allen. However if somebody as talented as Bell wants to do the #30 proud then let him do it.
Hey Mike……….
SALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!! Go for it and have a great season!!!!!!!