Nick Bellore Bio
Nicholas Lalonde Bellore is an American professional football linebacker and special teams specialist who currently plays for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 12, 1989, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Bellore has built a remarkable NFL career spanning over a decade despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has established himself as one of the premier special teams players in professional football, earning two Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors throughout his career. Bellore has played for five NFL franchises, demonstrating versatility by also contributing occasionally as a fullback on offense.
Early Life and Background
Bellore grew up in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, where he attended Whitefish Bay High School and graduated in 2007. During his high school years, he developed as a football player while excelling academically, setting the foundation for his future collegiate career. His performance at the high school level attracted attention from several college programs, ultimately leading him to choose Central Michigan University.
At Central Michigan, Bellore quickly made an impact as a linebacker for the Chippewas. He started from his freshman year and maintained that role throughout his entire college career, demonstrating consistency and durability that would become hallmarks of his professional career. His commitment to excellence on and off the field helped him become a respected leader within the program.
Path to the NFL
Bellore’s journey to professional football began at Central Michigan University, where he played for the Chippewas from 2007 to 2010. He quickly became a defensive stalwart, earning first-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Bellore holds the second-highest consecutive start streak at CMU with 51 consecutive games, showcasing his reliability and durability as a collegiate player. In 2008 and 2009, he was named CMU’s Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his status as one of the top defenders in the conference.
The Chippewas appeared in three bowl games during Bellore’s career, with the team winning the 2010 GMAC Bowl, which was only the second bowl victory in CMU history. This success helped Bellore develop the competitive mentality that would serve him well in professional football. Despite his impressive collegiate resume, Bellore went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. However, his talent was evident, as over half of the NFL teams expressed interest in signing him as an undrafted free agent.
Nick Bellore Career
New York Jets Era (2011–2014)
Bellore signed with the New York Jets on July 26, 2011, beginning his NFL journey with the franchise that would give him his first professional opportunity. He was kept on the roster to start the 2011 NFL season and recorded 19 tackles that year, primarily contributing on special teams. The Jets coaches recognized his versatility early, exploring a conversion to fullback during the 2012 training camp, though Bellore ultimately returned to his linebacker role.
During his time with the Jets, Bellore showcased his playmaking ability in unique situations. On October 14, 2012, he caught his first career pass on a fake punt attempt by Tim Tebow, gaining 23 yards on the play. On January 6, 2015, Bellore was named to the Pro Football Focus All-Pro Special Teams team for his 2014 season performance, validating his growth as a special teams contributor during his four seasons with the organization.
San Francisco 49ers (2015–2016)
Bellore signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers on April 3, 2015, providing him with a fresh opportunity with a new franchise. The 2016 season proved to be his most statistically productive defensive season. He appeared in 14 games and started a career-high 10 games, registering 82 tackles along with four passes defensed. This marked the first time he achieved a sack, interception, and fumble recovery in the same season, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Despite his on-field success, Bellore’s season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2016, due to an elbow injury. This injury provided a setback but did not diminish the progress he had made as a defensive player. His versatility and ability to contribute in various roles made him a valuable asset as he continued his professional career.
Detroit Lions (2017–2018)
On April 3, 2017, Bellore joined the Detroit Lions, continuing his journey through the NFL. He was released on September 9, 2017, but was re-signed just two days later, reflecting the team’s recognition of his value on special teams. During his time with the Lions, Bellore expanded his offensive role, beginning to play as a fullback in addition to his special teams duties.
His first career touchdown came on a one-yard reception against the Baltimore Ravens on December 3, 2017, adding a new dimension to his professional portfolio. In 2018, Bellore exclusively played on offense and special teams, logging no defensive snaps. He recorded one rushing attempt for zero yards and four receptions for 15 yards, while also contributing nine special teams tackles. This period demonstrated his willingness to adapt his game to whatever role his team needed.
Seattle Seahawks (2019–2024)
Bellore signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 9, 2019, beginning the longest and most successful stretch of his career. In his first season, he finished with two receptions for 23 yards, including a three-yard touchdown reception in a Week 16 loss against the Arizona Cardinals. During the 2020 season, Bellore was initially released during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was re-signed two days later, highlighting his importance to the team’s special teams unit.
The 2020 season marked a milestone in Bellore’s career as he earned his first career Pro Bowl selection as a special teamer. He recorded 15 tackles and a fumble recovery that season, along with one rushing attempt for five yards and one reception for nine yards. On March 18, 2021, Bellore signed a two-year contract worth $4.4 million, including $1.2 million guaranteed, demonstrating the Seahawks’ commitment to retaining their top special teams performer.
During the 2022 season, Bellore played defensive snaps for the first time since 2017, showcasing his versatility across offense, defense, and special teams. He played fullback on offense, linebacker on defense, and served as a key special teams contributor, recording 15 tackles and one rushing attempt for three yards. On February 22, 2023, Bellore signed a two-year contract extension with the Seahawks. He recorded 14 tackles during the 2023 season and earned his second Pro Bowl selection as a special teamer, replacing Detroit Lions player Jalen Reeves-Maybin. The Seahawks released Bellore on March 11, 2024.
Washington Commanders (2024–Present)
Bellore signed with the practice squad of the Washington Commanders on September 2, 2024, beginning a new chapter in his career. He was promoted to the active roster on September 14, 2024. In 16 appearances for Washington during the 2024 season, playing almost exclusively on special teams, Bellore logged 21 total tackles. On March 18, 2025, Bellore re-signed with the Commanders on a two-year contract extending through the 2027 season, indicating the team’s confidence in his continued contributions.
Nick Bellore Career Wins and Achievements
Throughout his distinguished NFL career, Bellore has accumulated numerous accolades that highlight his exceptional contributions as a special teams specialist and versatile defender. His career NFL statistics include 280 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, and 2 touchdowns. These numbers reflect a player who has consistently made impacts in multiple facets of the game throughout his professional career.
Major Honors and Selections
Bellore has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his career, earning this honor in 2020 and 2023 for his outstanding special teams play. He has also been recognized with All-Pro honors twice, earning first-team selections in 2014 and 2020 from Pro Football Focus. At the collegiate level, Bellore earned first-team All-MAC honors in both 2009 and 2010, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the conference during his time at Central Michigan.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a new beginning for Bellore as he enters his 15th NFL season with the Washington Commanders. After signing a two-year contract extension in March 2025, Bellore is positioned to continue his role as a veteran presence and special teams leader within the organization. His experience spanning multiple franchises and his proven track record of production on special teams make him a valuable asset for a Commanders team looking to build competitive rosters.
Bellore brings leadership qualities developed over more than a decade in professional football. His ability to contribute on special teams while occasionally filling in at fullback or linebacker provides the Commanders with roster flexibility and depth. As the 2025 season progresses, Bellore will look to add to his impressive career totals while mentoring younger players on the intricacies of special teams play, an often underappreciated but crucial aspect of winning football games.