Robert Bell Obituary

May 2024 · 1 minute read

Robert Bell, one of two Mississippi State football players to break the color barrier together, has died.

Bell, of Meridian, and Tupelo’s Frank Dowsing became MSU’s first African-American football player in 1970. Dowsing, one of three black students to integrate Tupelo High School prior to his time at MSU, died in 1994.

Bell earned three letters and graduated in 1973 with a degree in business administration. Bell played on the defensive line, Dowsing as a defensive back.

Robert Bell Obituary

The Mississippi State family has lost one of the university’s legendary Bulldogs, trailblazers, and historical figures with the recent passing of Robert Bell. Funeral arrangements are pending as explained by the family.

“The Mississippi State University family is deeply saddened at the passing of the great Bulldog football defender Robert Bell,” MSU President Mark Keenum said.

“Robert played a pivotal role in bringing change to our state and our university through his courage, character, and zeal to compete.”

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