FROM CELL PHONE CARRIER TO BALL CARRIER
When the Broncos signed free-agent running Tatum Bell on Tuesday, they not only gave him a second chance as a Bronco — they gave him a second shot at football.
Bell had been out of football since September when he was released by the Detroit Lions. After his release he moved back to Denver and tried to find work.
That work came in the form of manager of a cell phone store in a Denver-area mall.
Bell said going from a 1,000-yard rusher in the National Football League to retail manager was a humbling experience but not one that he was ashamed of.
“I was like, man, this is the real world – 9-5 everyday,” Bell said of his first “real” job. “I held my head up high going to work each day. I didn’t have a problem with it at all. That is what I had to do to feed my family and that is what I was doing.”
Whenever Broncos fans would walk by the store, Bell said he would stop them so they could talk about football and see if they might be interested in a new cell phone. Bell, who had to wear a collared shirt and tie to work each day, said he has a newfound reverence for people who work 9-5.
“I sold a couple (of phones),” Bell said. “It is actually is pretty hard.”
It was Bell’s phone that rang on Tuesday when the Broncos invited him in for a workout and another chance at football. And he looks to make the most of his opportunity.
“I feel like I am back,” he said. “I feel like I have the chance to go out and be productive. If that is splitting carries or being the guy, I think I can get the job done. I am back. I am looking forward to playing.”
After spending the last three months selling cell phones, Bell is quick to embrace any opportunity to play the game the loves.
“I am just trying to get on the field. “If that is special teams – if I have to play center – I just want to play.”
NATE JACKSON RAZZES TEAMMATES
The Broncos have had a lot of success utilizing their three tight end set of Nate Jackson, Daniel Graham and Tony Scheffler.
Jackson poked fun at long snapper and tight end Mike Leach still being without a catch despite the success of the Broncos tight end corps.
“It is a tragedy,” Jackson joked of Leach still not having a reception. “It is actually sad. I think we are all rallying for Mike Leach to get in there. Maybe put him in on goal line and throw him the ball. See what the kid can do.”
Leach wasn’t the only teammate receiving Jackson’s comedic wrath.
When asked by reporters how he thought rookie fullback Peyton Hillis would potentially fair at tailback against Atlanta, Jackson imitated Hillis’ southern drawl.
“Shoot,” Jackson said in a Hillis-like accent. “I am going to do whatever they ask me to do. I am a rookie so whatever they ask me to do I am going to do it. Yes sir. No sir. But mostly yes sir. I am ready to go.”
Not even new teammate, albeit former teammate of Jackson’s, Bell, could escape the jabs. Jackson was less than impressed with Bell’s selection of No. 40 as his new number.
“I ribbed him about his number, 40,” he said. “That is an atrocious number for a tailback to have. I think he only had the choice between that and 45, and neither of those are good.”
Michael Jordan once wore 45, a reporter reminded Jackson.
“Dang it,” Jackson responded. “He missed the boat.”
-Jake Grilley, DenverBroncos.com
Here are some photos from today’s practice.
Tags: Jake Grilley, Mike Leach, Nate Jackson, Peyton Hillis, Tatum Bell
PLEASE TB.. Dont stuff it up. You were a good speedy back and I’m sure you would prefer to play than sell phones dude.
Good Luck Bell, I have always been a fan of yours,
make the most out of this shot! Stay focused because you can play this game.
head up tate
you got this self belife and you’ll be back and firing all cynlinder’s like old
Make your name in football Tatum im happy to have u back in denver. MAn i hope some1 got Nate jackson back maybe talk crap bout how he muffed that perfect pass in Cleveland lol. GO BRONCOS!! time to play mistake free football
I hope you go wild Tatum…definetly one of my favorite bronco running backs…I also hope you do well so that peyton can continue to do what he’s been doing at FB and develop in his blocking skills…all in all, Tatum you put the broncos in a great position to win football game if you just stay focused and hold on to that ball.
Tatum was pretty good wit tha Broncos he just put the ball on the ground alot and that is somethin we cant afford but when he holds on to the rock he does some good things remember in the 06 season for like the 1st 5 games he led the NFL in Rushing so i have faith in him hes already proved it and come BRONCOS GO GET JUSTIN MILLER FROM THE JETS!!!!!!!
Wish you the best Tatum! Please bring back the running game!
Why justin Miller blaze?
This guy sux and won’t last long.He dances too much and puts the ball on the groud way too much. With Jay and B-marsh in a competion to see who can turn the ball over the most this is all we need. But at least we have more than one fullback at the TB position.
Two things Bronco fans of the world:
1. The Broncos were trying to claim former Tampa Bay RB Michael Bennett off waivers, but was unsuccessful. What would you have thought of that move? Better, worst, or just about the same type of move as them seeking out Tatum Bell?
2. San Diego put in the claim for Michael Bennett as soon as a bit on interested was shown by the Broncos going after him. Since they have a worst record that our boys, they got the rights instead. They are LOADED at the RB position. Could they honestly be playig keep-away with the Broncos & capable running backs?? Whats that I smell?? Oh…. yeah. Thought so.. FEAR!
Gimme your thoughts, guys!
Welcome back to Broncos Country Tatum. I hope he can prove that he’s worth a second chance. We just have to trust that Shanahan knows what he’s doing bringing Bell back. In fact, I know Shanny knows what he’s doing – I just hope Bell takes advantage of this second chance and not blow it. We’re taking a risk with him and he’s going to have to prove this wasn’t an unnecessary risk. Again, he already knows our system so its not like he walking into foreign territory and I’d much rather see him help us out and not waste his time on the what is it 0-9 Lions? No wonder their 0-9 – they got rid of some good talent and hopefully we can show them they made a big mistake letting Bell go. But that is completely up to him to prove himself worthy of this team and the NFL. I know he’s good enough. If there’s one person that isn’t injured that could help us bring back our running game a little I believe it could be Bell.
As for heading into Atlanta – how weird is that going to be? I miss Elam and I think they were completely nuts to let him go but Prater has been VERY impressive. I’m happy he’s done so well and I’m happy for him. He’s standing in some VERY BIG shoes, taking over for Elam but he’s proven himself. And I would love to see him kick a 70-yarder in a game. I think I’d fall out of my chair. It would break the NFL’s record and Elam’s. I hope we can carry on our success in Atlanta and bring home another win.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!
yo nate didnt you get knocked out by the oldest player in the league, “granpa willie mcginest”. now thats a funny joke. ha ha ha lol
I agree that Mike Leach should get in on a goal line set for a touchdown pass….. Of course if it was in the right circumstances though. I mean the guy is a great long snapper, why not reward him with a catch or two sometime.
As for Bell, i really feel that this can be a good way to finish out the season. I think for him getting his second stint in football and with the Broncos that he is going to really try hard. Pray that he doesnt get hurt as well!
Broncoholico….. I think it’s funny what you brought up. There’s no reason the Chargers need a RB with LT, Sproles and Hester. There obviously is some kind of game they are playing with us outside of the football field. I really hope we shut them up in SD last game of the season.
Yes…… Tatum’s back! i reall yliked Tatum! if he stays Healthy and keeps the ball in his hands and not the ground, he will be good and we will have a running game cause he will play this sunday! Bring it home Tatum!
Healthy
No fumbles
Nice to have you back Tatum. Was angry when we lost you to the trade. Now you got a second time and I hope you make the best of it. I always wondered what some NFL players do when they are not signed to a team and well….gotta support the family and that’s the way it goes.
To think you might never play football again to getting a second chance at it on the team you had your best years with….all I can say is that i hope that you are as fast as you were…maybe even faster. Good luck out there. hope to see you get some snaps this Sunday. And this has been a theme in Denver this year and in your history “HOLD ON TO THE BALL FOR YOUR LIFE” “BALL SECURITY REALLY IS JOB SECURITY”……Please don’t mess this up. GO TATUM, GO BRONCOS
PS: I woulda like the acquisition of Micheal Bennett and YES…That stench coming from them DOLTS is FEAR at its least concentrated form lol. We got too many running backs if you include IR and on Roster…This offseason or sooner will be a bloody slaughter
Glad you are back TATUM. Hopefully you can have a great end of the year and get a long term contract.
LMAO BLAZE 21 YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW RIGHT YOU WERE. HE HAS BEEN
PICKED UP BY THE FREAKING RAIDERS LOL. THIS JUST MIGHT BE AN ISSUE
SOONER THAN WE THINK, WE SUFFER IN SPECIAL TEAMS AND THIS GUY
MIGHT JUST BURN US A MESS WITH OUR SEASON. FOR ALL WE KNOW THO,
MAYBE THE BRONCOS TRIED TO GET HIM BUT RAIDERS HAD A FAVORABLE
DRAFT ORDER.
Kind of off topic but I think we should pursue Mike Peterson who is the middle linebacker for the Jaguars. His contract is up at the end of the year and it doesn’t look like he will be back after what has happened between him and Del Rio. I know we can’t trade for him now but if they let him go he would be a good guy to get. By the way 40 is a pretty bad number
Dang Bell, you musta blown alota cash the last few years, you were a second round pick man, you should still be sitting on some money dude, either way nothing wrong with getting out in the real world and working for a paycheck, but im sure you would rather be running the ball for the broncos and cashing a real paycheck again.
theshiverman, not being disrespectful but what clarify’s a real paycheck to you I’m pretty sure working a 9-5 is the hardest way to live life and is a real paycheck. I’m in the Navy and I don’t make anywhere close to what Tatum makes but workin 12 hour days and feeling pride theres nothing better you may want to check your thinking man, but Tatum happy to see you back bro. Keep it strong, hold that ball, I want to see you stay in Denver so just play your tail off man and don’t make any off field mistakes, this is for your family think of it that way
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!!
Bell I was on every blog and post asking for you back! So Glad they got you! The cut back is really created by the speed to go to the sideline. Once you get a 5 yard gain outside the Linebacker will over commit and the cut back will be big enough for a truck to go through! Congrats!
Tatum, this is where you belong. The Lions didn’t work out, but you weren’t one of the problems in Detroit, so knuckle down and play some good football. This will be a tough game, but we can beat the Falcons and I fully expect the Broncos to be 6-4 around 2:15 Sunday afternoon.
i agree with justin miller. pick him up and save eddie royal for just wide recevier. plz pick him up shanny.
in my professional opinion i think tatum bell will come out like superman in our running game. it’s not like shanny signed jake plummer. bell, show up and show out like you always do. ‘shanny sign john lynch while you at it and bring back al wilson they will do better than any of these no tackling players you decided to corrupt our defensive system with what were you thinking. we need blood thirsty monsters on the field, not some watered down pansy claiming he’s a bronco. we are not the raiders so why are our defensive players playing like they have been bitten by the al davis bug. matter of fact get jason elam back and play him at middle linebacker. our defense don’t deserve to wear a broncos logo or have their names on the back of a denver jersey. “shanny” our “d” is killing me. do you want me to come out to denver and play middle linebacker. better yet call me, and i’ll scout you true defensive player that have a nose for harming a defense, because it seems that our “d” has no heart elvis dummervil does though everyone one “d” needs to get on his page. i’ll also tell you how to win in week 11 take out micheal turner. shut his candy @#$% down. turner is nothing my grandmother could take him out of atlanta’s system
shanny how many more games do you think you can win with a worthless defense. and when is marshall going to pick up his game and close his mouth on the joey porter situation who does he think he is chad johnson, or t.o. he was playing good until he wanted to be seen as a jack@#$ instead of the next best thing at the wide receiver position. walk the walk don’t talk the talk.
he sounded like a little girl gossiping on sport center. he should be more focused on these up coming games. oh, shanny rally the troops on defense where did they leave there family jewels and tackling.
shanny we should do nothing worse that 11-5 this year with a ring. do you remember how good it feels to win a super bowl probably not. you probably lost that with elway and davis.
yours truly,
broncos bastard son
well amanbroncs_24 not to be disrespectful to you but i dont make anywhere near the amount an NFL player makes, so to me a ‘real’ paycheck would be what an NFL player gets….lol…….’real’ meaning a great amount compared to what i make busting my hump 40 hour a week.
you go bell….always been a big fan of yours…show the WORLD brother…best of luck too you
A setback is always a set up for a comeback. Go get ‘em Bell! Nothing like rooting for an underdog!!
BOO-YAH B@%!^! Tatum Bell is back, and in my ever so humble opinion this is exactly what the Broncos need. Come on, an experienced back that knows the running system, had the fourth best rushing season in Broncos history, and has the HUNGER, which im sorry to say but our boys havent been very hungry since week 4. Yeah we got some problems with our lack of linebackers, and our D is iffy at best but i think that we showed the entire league that if we have healthy offensive weapons we can not only put up impressive offensive numbers but we can actually DOMINATE even with our half@$$ D! Welcome back Tatum, no pressure but we are counting on you to be a difference maker. Lets go Broncos, time to show them birds and the rest of the league that we DESERVE another ring!
I’M LOVING THIS!
O.k. I’ll keep it short. No doubt Tatum did some wonderful things in Denver.
I’m not going to sit here and say “Oh! Tatum, is going to lead the league in rushing blah, blah blah,..”
But, I’ll be honest…and this is 150% corny, stupid….does anyone else feel like this is the coming out party? I mean a very good back has gotten a second chance at life in football, the boys played a great game on Thursday, The bottom feeders of San Diego win last week but now have to go to Pitt, and we head to Hotlanta to attempt at going up 2 games on the bolts with a very high powered offense coming off one of the most impressive offensive yardage displays in franchise history… …..
ISN’T THAT CALLED MOMENTUM?
I’m feeling a little giddy….and yes Sunday has the makings for some great headlines….we’ll see
GO GET EM’ BOYS!
Tatum Bell is back! I always loved him and i was said to see him traded two years ago. I know he fumbled often, but he was a really speedy runner and seemed to have alot of potential. I’m glad that he has gotten a second chance and i see him taking full advantage of it.
Let’s go Broncos!
Tatum Bell is back! I always loved him and i was sad to see him traded two years ago. I know he fumbled often, but he was a really speedy runner and seemed to have alot of potential. I’m glad that he has gotten a second chance and i see him taking full advantage of it.
Let’s go Broncos!
We dont need to worry about Justin Miller in Oakland. Carrers just seem to get sucked into the black hole. Just look at J-Walker and Deangelo Hall. Both good Pro Bowl caliber players (well hall is, Walker is now a has-been.) Also I just herd Steve Wyche of NFL.com say Atlanta is gonna stack the line to stop Bell and Hillis so Cutler should have another big game through the air!!!
Tatum,I have been a Bronco fan since 1972,The team has had its ups and downs .Life Is about ups and downs. But there comes a few times in our life that we must seize the opportunity.This is one of those times for YOU. You have great skills to be a successful running back. The important thing is forget the things that are being said that are negative and enjoy the positive side of the fact you have been given this mother lode of a opportunity to re-establish your self as a WINNER. I wish you the best and know you will succeed.Dont try to do too much,Follow the blockers and relax and you will explode in Atlanta.I can hardly wait. Best to you man.Go TEAM BRONCOS
07Elway Detroit did get rid of a great back but not every1 can run the ball like Denver this is where all running backs wanna go ours just happen to all get injured lately lol every1 but T-Mobiles finest was scared lol
Hey that’s just too funny! I guy named Bell selling cell phones
Good luck dude. I’ll be in the stands at Atlanta cheering you and all the guys on.
Maverick
I really enjoyed watching Tatum play when he was with Denver I’m glad to see him back I just hope he can stay healthy.
I think he will make the best of this chance because now he knows what its like in “the real world” and I think he’ll do his utmost best to not have to go back to selling cell phones.
Yeah, once Potato (because he spends so much time on the ground) Bell has a couple of 2- or 3-fumble games he will wear his reutrn out pretty quick… Heck, why not bring Travis Henry back – he would bring as much to the team as Bell…(which is absolutely nothing). The guys on the team better keep an eye on their luggage while PoTatum is around…
OK, maybe that was a little harsh… Like everyone else, when he first got here I had hoped and believed that with all his talent he would turn into one of the best runners in the league, and was quite disappointed when things didn’t pan out. Hopefully, he will make the most of this opportunity…this chance for REDEMPTION!
Welcome back – Tatum Bell !! Glad you’re back!! Make the best of it!!
I don’t think Tatum will get many touches this week unless Hillis goes down too. We’re so lucky to still be in 1st. All 3 starting L.B.s out, Champ out, 4 R.B.s on I.R. Thank you Norv Turner. I’m so glad we have Shanahan. We may lose again this week(Probably an Elam last second F.G.), but still will be in first place, because the Chargers will lose also.