Demetrius Bell's Path

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Demetrius Bell smelled the fresh grass air along the 360 by 160 feet football field as the wind continued to move around his 300 pound body. He knew he really made the right choice. This was his calling and every time he thought about it, he couldn’t help but feel blessed. This was the right path and he knew what direction he was heading now…

It was in the 2006-2007 season when Demetrius dropped basketball to concentrate on playing football and concentrate on developing his raw skills on a sport that given him more chances even if he didn’t played organize football while he was still in high school.

Bell was the son of former Utah Jazz superstar Karl Malone and if you ever wondered why you didn’t hear of a father and son relationship it’s because there was none. Malone impregnated Bell’s mother while she was 13 years old and settled a confidential out-of-court settlement with Bell’s family four years later Demetrius was born.

Demetrius wanted to be the best basketball player like his father. He earned a basketball scholarship to Northwestern State, but it was his size and build that got noticed by the football staff and made an idea that Bell can be a good defensive end.

It was always a constant struggle for Demetrius with his father’s attention even though he never talked to his father until he was 18. And Malone shrugged Bell off, saying it was too late to have a father and son relationship.

“I grew up around good people,” Bell said. “I never turned to a father figure. I was lucky. I didn’t need one. I’m happy. I don’t need anything else.” And everyone can attest how polite and how responsible and proper Demetrius upbringing is.

He wanted out of his father’s shadow and he wanted to make a name for himself, and football became Bell’s primary focus. He was named an All-Louisiana and an All-Southland conference first teamer and also an Associated Press All-American. He was eventually drafted by the Buffalo Bills and went on to be the team’s starting left tackle. Demetrius made it to the pros. He made it on his own without tagging his father’s legendary name.

Demetrius was glad he made that realization. He doesn’t hate his father for not being on his life. It was an unconscious effort to be better and to strive on making it all the way to the top. It made him a better man. It got him to where is now…

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The wind continuously freely flowed on Demetrius body as he continued to walk the football field. The path was right there all along and the direction was just straight ahead along the end line…along the goal of life.

“Other people may be there to help us, teach us, guide us along our path, but the lesson to be learned is always ours.”