RB #11

Ronnie Bell

Wide Receiver · Michigan

A Michigan fan favorite who fought back from a torn ACL to become an All-Big Ten receiver before starting his pro career as a Day 3 pick.

Ronnie Bell was one of the most productive and resilient receivers in Michigan history, overcoming a season-ending knee injury to close his college career on a high note. His NFL journey has been a winding one since San Francisco drafted him in 2023, with stops in Detroit and now New Orleans as he looks to carve out a lasting role.

★ Third-team All-Big Ten, Michigan, 2022

★ 145 career receptions for 2,269 yards at Michigan

★ Three receiving touchdowns as a rookie with San Francisco in 2023

Path to the league

Bell was a four-year contributor at Michigan from 2018 to 2022, leading the team in receiving as both a sophomore and a junior before a knee injury ended his 2021 season after just one game. He returned in 2022 to catch 62 passes for 889 yards and earn third-team All-Big Ten honors, finishing his college career with 145 receptions for 2,269 yards and nine touchdowns. The San Francisco 49ers selected him in the seventh round (No. 253 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Bell played in all 17 games as a rookie with San Francisco in 2023, catching six passes for 68 yards and three touchdowns, including his first career score in Week 3 against the Giants. He spent two seasons with the 49ers before being waived in November 2024.

2025 season recap

Bell signed a reserve/future contract with Detroit before joining the New Orleans Saints' practice squad in October 2025 and later being promoted to the active roster. His most productive game came in the regular-season finale against Atlanta, where he caught two of four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown.