Quinton Bell Bio
Quinton Bell is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 9, 1996, in Long Beach, California, Bell attended Costa Mesa High School where he excelled as a three-sport athlete. After an impressive collegiate career at Prairie View A&M University, he entered the NFL in 2019 as a seventh-round draft pick for the Oakland Raiders, making history as the first NFL draft selection from Prairie View A&M since 1980.
Throughout his professional career, Bell has demonstrated versatility and resilience while playing for multiple NFL franchises. His journey includes stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons before joining the Miami Dolphins organization. Bell achieved the pinnacle of professional football success when he was part of the Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 258 pounds, Bell brings impressive physical attributes to the linebacker position.
Early Life and Background
Bell was born and raised in Long Beach, California, where his athletic talents began to emerge at a young age. He attended Costa Mesa High School, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport athlete. Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 210 pounds during his high school years, Bell competed in football, basketball, and track and field.
His track and field accomplishments were particularly notable. Bell won the Orange Coast League Championship in the 100-meter running event and set a new league record in the 4×100 relay at the League Championship meet. These achievements highlighted his exceptional speed and athletic ability that would serve him well in his football career.
In football, Bell played both wide receiver and outside linebacker for the Costa Mesa Mustangs. During his senior season in 2013, he earned 1st Team All-Area, All-Region, All-Conference, and All-County honors. Bell and his teammates also secured Sectional and Conference championships that season. He graduated from Costa Mesa High School in 2014 and accepted a collegiate sports offer from Prairie View A&M University.
Path to Professional Football
Bell enrolled at Prairie View A&M University in 2015, beginning his journey toward professional football. During his first three seasons from 2015 to 2017, he played as a wide receiver for the Prairie View Panthers football program. In addition to his football commitments, Bell continued to compete in track and field during the 2017 season, demonstrating his dedication to athletics across multiple disciplines.
Prior to his final college season, Bell made a significant position change. In 2018, he transitioned from offensive play to defensive end, taking on the challenge of a new role. This versatility proved instrumental in his development as a professional athlete. His transition and performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, ultimately leading to his historic selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Bell made HBCU history by becoming the first NFL draft pick from Prairie View A&M University since 1980. This achievement highlighted both his individual talent and the growing recognition of players from historically Black colleges and universities. His success opened doors for future Prairie View A&M athletes seeking opportunities in professional football.
Quinton Bell Career
Oakland Raiders (2019)
Bell was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 230th overall pick. This selection marked the culmination of his journey from Long Beach high school athlete to NFL draftee. However, his time with the Raiders was brief as he was waived on August 31, 2019, before being re-signed to the practice squad. He was subsequently released on October 15 of that year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019–2020)
On November 5, 2019, Bell signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Buccaneers on December 30, 2019, securing his place on the roster for the following season. Bell was waived by Tampa Bay on October 26, 2020, but rejoined the practice squad two days later. He re-signed with the Buccaneers on February 9, 2021, before being waived again on August 22, 2021.
Atlanta Falcons (2021–2022)
Bell joined the Atlanta Falcons organization on September 1, 2021, when he was signed to their practice squad. He demonstrated enough promise to earn a reserve/future contract with the Falcons on January 10, 2022. Bell made the Falcons roster for the 2022 season and appeared in three games. However, he was waived on November 5, 2022, and rejoined the practice squad. He signed another reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023, before being waived on April 14, 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
On August 19, 2023, Bell signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. This brief stint lasted only 10 days as he was released by the Eagles on August 29 during final roster cuts. Despite the brief tenure, his presence on an NFL roster demonstrated his continued pursuit of a professional football career.
Miami Dolphins (2023–Present)
Bell joined the Miami Dolphins organization on October 17, 2023, when he was signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Miami on January 15, 2024, solidifying his place on the team heading into the 2024 season. On May 12, 2025, Bell re-signed with the Dolphins, showing the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities.
During the 2025 season, Bell experienced roster fluctuations typical of NFL careers. He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. His perseverance paid off when he was promoted to the active roster on December 15, 2025, providing him with an opportunity to contribute during the stretch run of the season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bell brings a unique combination of size, speed, and versatility to the linebacker position. His experience playing multiple positions in college, including wide receiver and defensive end, has given him a diverse skill set that translates to the professional level. His background as a track athlete provides him with exceptional straight-line speed, while his football instincts developed over years of competition help him read plays and react quickly.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining achievement of Bell’s career came when he was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV. This championship victory represents the pinnacle of professional football success and demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level. Additionally, his historic selection as the first NFL draft pick from Prairie View A&M since 1980 marked a significant milestone both for him personally and for the university’s football program.
Quinton Bell Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2019 to 2025, Bell has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions across multiple seasons with various teams. His career trajectory shows persistence and continuous development as he worked to establish himself in the league.
Career NFL Statistics
As of the 2025 season, Bell has recorded 38 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass deflection, and 1 forced fumble across his professional career. These statistics reflect his contributions on defense and special teams throughout his time in the NFL. While his numbers may not rank among league leaders, they represent the result of hard work and dedication in a highly competitive professional environment.
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 38 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 1 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
Quinton Bell Family
Family Background
Bell comes from a family with athletic connections. His uncle is Nick Bell, whose own athletic background has influenced Quinton’s journey in professional sports. This family connection to athletics provided additional inspiration and guidance as he pursued his football career from high school through college and into the NFL.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Bell is engaged to Brooke Miranda. The couple has built a family together with two children and announced in October 2025 that they were expecting their third child. Bell’s ability to balance his professional football career with his family responsibilities demonstrates his commitment to both his sport and his personal life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition and opportunity for Bell with the Miami Dolphins organization. After re-signing with the team in May, he faced the usual challenges of competing for a roster spot during training camp. His release in late August during final roster cuts was followed immediately by his re-signing to the practice squad, demonstrating both the business nature of the NFL and the Dolphins’ continued interest in his potential.
Bell’s perseverance was rewarded when he was promoted to the active roster on December 15, 2025. This promotion came at a critical point in the season, providing him with an opportunity to contribute and potentially make an impact during the final stretch of games. The Dolphins’ decision to elevate Bell reflected his preparation and readiness while on the practice squad.
Throughout his journey with the Dolphins, Bell has maintained the same dedication and work ethic that characterized his entire career. His path from a seventh-round draft pick to a Super Bowl champion to a valued member of Miami’s roster exemplifies the resilience required to succeed in the NFL. As he continues his career, Bell remains focused on contributing to his team’s success while honoring the commitments to his family that ground him beyond the football field.