Chargers fans have taken notice of Jimmy Bell Jr., dubbing him “Antonio Gates 2.0.”
Bell aspires for the comparisons to lead him to the Hall of Fame.
Despite not playing college football, Bell signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent after two years playing basketball and football at Saginaw Arthur Hill High School.
“Once I signed, many Chargers fans began calling me Antonio Gates 2.0,” Bell noted. “Our paths to the NFL are quite similar.”
While Gates transitioned from a college basketball career to the NFL, Bell’s path differs as he heads into rookie camp as an offensive tackle, standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 335 pounds.
After graduating with an MBA in 2024, Bell fully committed to football, training intensively for his Pro Day. His hard work paid off when NFL scouts expressed interest, particularly noting his agility and size.
As he prepares for the Chargers’ rookie mini-camp, Bell remains focused and determined, inspired by Gates, who also came from Michigan and had a remarkable NFL career.
