Joique Bell Talks Health, Front Office Changes, Lambeau Field
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
When Joique Bell got a text message from a friend who works for SportsCenter, he didn't think much of it. But when that text asked if he was doing okay, Bell had to ask why there was concern.
That's how the Lions running back found out last week about the firings of team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew. Those were the two men that brought Bell into the organization, and he said he'll always be thankful for the chance they gave him.
"I talked to both of them," he said. "I kind of reached out to them to tell them I appreciated them bringing me in, giving me the opportunity, and they said basically I was a good addition to the team and they wish me well and they want us to beat the Packers this weekend."
With a trip to Lambeau Field next up on the agenda, things aren't exactly getting easier for the 1-7 Lions. Detroit hasn't won in Wisconsin since 1991 (also the year that the Lions last won a playoff game).
"It's only as hard as you make it," Bell said. "I can play anywhere."
Albeit in a 45-10 loss, Bell had a decent outing against Kansas City before the bye week. He rushed seven times for 56 yards, including a long of 32 – his biggest run of the season.
Bell had dealt with on-again, off-again injuries all year, putting his productivity at a career-low. But he felt that missing three games in the middle of the season (Weeks 4-6) was actually beneficial to his long-term health, and could help him throughout the rest of the season.
"Just health-wise, feeling a lot better than I did," he said. "Probably came back a little too early, but I definitely wanted to get back and kind of push the envelope when I first got back. The organization and I felt it was best if I sat out for a few and kind of heal up. It was the right call, exactly what I needed."
