Robert Bell

Meet West Michigan Hawks safety Robert Bell. A graduate from East Grand Rapids High School, Bell earned a scholarship to play collegiate football at the University of Toledo. He also played for Team USA in the World Junior Championships in 2009, when the team earned a gold medal. Bell took his talents to Europe to play professionally for two seasons after college.

When not on the football field, Bell enjoys doing whatever comes to mind with his girl friend Amanda. Two-day vacations, golfing, and swimming are among their favorite activities.

Bell’s biggest idol is his mother, Dawn Wright. “She still works overtime at her career job and for the past seven years has picked up a second job just to keep herself busy,” said Bell. “She’s taught me positive ways to deal with adversity and I thank her everyday for being my mother and a great example of the way to be in life! Loving, caring, hardworking!”

Bell is ecstatic to be a part of the Hawks organization. “I’ve been a part of many different organizations, whether I’ve been paid, or paying to play, and I believe this organization is headed in the right direction,” he said. “The fact that Coach Lange implements playing for causes is the simple fact as to why I put my body on the line for this team. I want to be a Hawk for every reason that we are out helping the community and giving back to those who are in need of the awareness!”

Coach David Lange enjoys the experience that Bell brings to the table.

“Robert Bell is by far above and beyond one of the most humbling and easy people to be around,” he said. “His love for the game is second to none. His football background is enough to make any coach smile, playing college ball for the Toledo Rockets, then taking his talents over seas. This guy is good and is the kind of hitter that makes your jaw drop. His knowledge of football is at the top. He is definitely a great leader that I think a lot, if not all, can look up to.”

Bell and the Hawks are in action again this Saturday, when they host the Lake Michigan Havoc at Skinner Field. This game is a benefit for Cedar Springs resident Brison Ricker, who is battling a brain tumor. Tickets will be $6, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!