Kenny Bell Deserves Better Than Us

[Minnesota_husker]

 

 

All of the reasons he got criticized were self induced/inflicted.

Such as injuries ...

Mouthing off on twitter, demanding he wasn't compensated enough, calling out fans, crying poor than taking pics from his condo on spring break......

 

Dont forget getting a large back tattoo and then having his electricity turned off so he was forced to get a "job"

[NUpolo8]

 

It isn't like everyone woke up one day and decided they were going to be rough on Kenny Bell. All of the reasons he got criticized were self induced/inflicted.

 

I am actually not sure when i started to dislike him, but it had to be his junior year.

 

 

He got far more active on Twitter and just came off as a spoiled brat child.

 

 

I actually think it was sudden for some.

I suppose by "sudden" I probably should have said "inexplicably".

 

There were reasons he drew ire, was my point. And very rarely was his play ever called into question,mat least in my opinion. Armstrong is the clubhouse leader for "unearned pretty mean attacks" and it isn't close.

[San Diego Husker]

I've been read-only on the board for a few weeks now, which has been good for me but also frustrating. That frustration reached it's climax the last few days reading what many have had to say, on this board and via other channels online, in regards to Kenny Bell's career being over.

 

 

Some of you guys should feel ashamed of yourselves.

 

 

Kenny deserves so much better than what he has gotten from 'the best fans in college football', and for all the woe is us rhetoric being thrown around in regards to how Bo drove a wedge between the fanbase and the players, we sure aren't doing our part trying to remove that wedge when we continuously trash on a kid that gave everything that was asked of him for so long.

 

And why? Because he wrote 'Pelini' on his arms? There is literally not a single thing wrong with him wanting to publicly show his appreciation for a man that he views as a father, that he admires and loves and attributes his growth as a man towards, that afforded him the opportunity to live and chase after his dreams for the last 5 years, that his mom trusted to take care of and protect and teach her son as he left home in the most transformative years of his life. Kenny's gesture of appreciation towards his head coach is not at all at odds with his love for our school, state or fanbase, which he has repeatedly expressed fondness towards. You can be a 'Boliever' and a Husker at the same time, Count' Bility, and it's a shame that you don't realize that. The very last thing he said in his very last interview was, "I hope Coach Riley the best. I want nothing but the best for Nebraska. I love Nebraska football and I always will so, I absolutely want the best for them." The last thing he tweeted before his last game was, "One last game day as a husker. It's been an honor. GBR!!!!"

 

Remember that the other side of his tape said Family Over Everything. For four years it said that. His entire career that's what he choose to publicly stand for and remind himself of as he played. Also remember that Ameer Abdullah paid Bo a similar tribute. So did Jake Cotton, so did Josh Kalu, so did the entire team by leaving his seat empty.

 

Remember that when the 2012 team went through a military gauntlet training experience in the offseason, it was Kenny that was put in charge of leading a team across the pool in a straight line. It was Kenny that, when every single other person that had ever done it had jumped in the front, Kenny led by jumping in behind the team, leading like a servant.

 

Remember that Kenny has always considered his year on scout team the most valuable experience of his life, and wore that scout team jersey every practice and every game his entire career, to remind himself of where he came from but also of all the guys ahead of him that helped make him better.

 

Remember that every year he was here, Kenny was the leader by example among the receiving corps to do the little things, the less glamorous things, to help the team be successful. He was, despite being skinny as a rail, the most tenacious blocker on the team. He was the one that led Taylor and Tommy and Ameer and so many others into the endzone by putting his body in the way. He was the one that played through all kinds of nonstop injuries that would leave me in bed. He was the one that showed concern for injured opposing players and the one that was always ready to hold coaches back or calm players down when things were about to get out of control. He rarely had a non-supportive thing to say about anyone.

 

Remember that whether or not you agreed with his opinions, Kenny always spoke his mind honestly and thoughtfully, which should be applauded. He never once gave a canned PC interview, and he never cared if you liked what he had to say or not, because it was never his job to make you happy, and he refused to be a lifeless zombie play thing for your amusement. He was always considerate, personable and willing to give his time to media members and fans as well, often staying well after games and fan days signing autographs, taking pictures, and giving wristbands and gloves to little kids. He gave back to the community more than you ever have, likely with several years more time. He visited my cousin in the hospital after he was left paralyzed and had just recovered from being comatose. He was Jack's escort to the ESPY's. He was an example and a representative of our school and state that we could be proud of, and never had any off the field incidents.

 

Remember that Kenny is at the top of all our receiving records because he was good, not because he played a lot of games. Hampered by injuries, targeted by projects at quarterback, and a member of some very overall average offensive systems under average coaches, he made the most of every inconvenience and played a great career of football, while being recognized by coaches and media as one of the best at his position amongst peers.

 

Remember that noone on the team had more fun playing football than Kenny did.

 

 

 

I know this is already being talked about to a certain extent, and mods can feel free to merge this if they must, but I'm physically ill seeing some of the words that have been spoken towards a kid that gave me so many memories, laughs, reasons to cheer and be proud of the team I support. I'm going to miss you Kenny.

Well said! True NU fans never, never disrespect the players! we can critique their game play and not make personal attacks on the kids. the players don't deserve that, period!

[Minnesota_husker]

 

 

It isn't like everyone woke up one day and decided they were going to be rough on Kenny Bell. All of the reasons he got criticized were self induced/inflicted.

I am actually not sure when i started to dislike him, but it had to be his junior year.

 

 

He got far more active on Twitter and just came off as a spoiled brat child.

 

 

I actually think it was sudden for some.

I suppose by "sudden" I probably should have said "inexplicably".

 

There were reasons he drew ire, was my point. And very rarely was his play ever called into question,mat least in my opinion. Armstrong is the clubhouse leader for "unearned pretty mean attacks" and it isn't close.

 

My post wasnt meant to criticize what you said... More-so brings up a good question of when things went the opposite way for Kenny.

 

 

Some people find his antics to be cute.. but on SR day, when he ran around the field with his arms outspread, it felt showboatish and selfish.. like he thinks he is better than the team.

 

 

This might just be my opinion, but he comes of as self-serving.

[cg_8]

 

Armstrong is the clubhouse leader for "unearned pretty mean attacks" and it isn't close.

 

 

Totally agree with this statement 100%.

 

Some players shouldn't have twitter. But a million times over, fans shouldn't have twitter, too. If you follow him, that's on you. If you attack him, and he says something you don't like, wtf were you expecting? I don't follow players, there's a reason for that.

 

 

I like KB. I agree with the OP. He had good game. He was a fan favorite, and generally liked. My wife likes him and doesn't even know that he is as productive as he has been.

 

We have players in the NCAA breaking laws, accused of rape, and the like.

 

IF the worst you got on a kid is his twitter account, I'll take it. If you don't like his opinions, then you don't. I dislike your opinion of him if it is negative. I am sure you dislike my opinion of your opinion.

 

I really like him, I really do. But I also agree that I see more in Westerkamp and especially in DPE.

 

But... I saw the same thing in KB when he was a freshman. He ended doing some great things, but DPE might have an opinion guys. He might defend attacks on Twitter. He might drop some balls. He might get injured. He might fumble in the red zone with the game on the line (oh wait...) He might muff a punt...

[Minnesota_husker]

Well said! True NU fans never, never disrespect the players! we can critique their game play and not make personal attacks on the kids. the players don't deserve that, period!

 

What is your definition of disrespect? If you mean, we shouldn't go after players on twitter i agree.. but i think you can still be a true husker fan and question players and their actions.

 

IE:Suh

 

Being a good fan doesnt mean you should turn a blind eye to someone doing something the wrong way.

 

 

I agree that doesnt give you the right to personally go after a guy or even tweet at him.

 

But if i want to tweet that i dont like him doing something, i dont think I am in the wrong.

[DrunkInBottoms]

Remember when kenny liked the idea of starting a union? lol

[ZRod]

 

 

 

It isn't like everyone woke up one day and decided they were going to be rough on Kenny Bell. All of the reasons he got criticized were self induced/inflicted.

 

I am actually not sure when i started to dislike him, but it had to be his junior year.

 

 

He got far more active on Twitter and just came off as a spoiled brat child.

 

 

I actually think it was sudden for some.

I suppose by "sudden" I probably should have said "inexplicably".

There were reasons he drew ire, was my point. And very rarely was his play ever called into question,mat least in my opinion. Armstrong is the clubhouse leader for "unearned pretty mean attacks" and it isn't close.

My post wasnt meant to criticize what you said... More-so brings up a good question of when things went the opposite way for Kenny.

 

 

Some people find his antics to be cute.. but on SR day, when he ran around the field with his arms outspread, it felt showboatish and selfish.. like he thinks he is better than the team.

 

 

This might just be my opinion, but he comes of as self-serving.

That was him having fun, he's more out going than most guys on the team. There's better incidents to draw from than that one.

[Big Red Corneater79]

Great post Landlord;

 

I think that we need to understand that Kenny is simply a young and emotional kid with a world of talent. I think Kenny has served Nebraska well for the most part, and has made us proud. I have nothing negative to say about him. I think it was an unfortunate choice that he wore the FOE insignia. That was in poor taste certainly. We must understand that these kids do have an emotional tie to Bo since he recruited them and became a mentor to them : for better, or for not so much better. These are 18 -21 year olds who have left home and have gone off into another world to play big time college football at a place legendary for it's success and which is often crawling with the local and national media, as they now live in a fish bowl. Bo and his staff are all that they have known since coming to Lincoln. I can see them sending out one last showing of support and respect for their fired Coach. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that IMO. Coach Riley certainly understands this. He has been very classy with his response to this , and has reached out to them with grace. We have seen nothing but positive feedback from them since. These are great kids. It is just unfortunate about the FOE thing. I am sure that once the days and weeks go by now that the season is over, and the draft looms for Kenny, he will reflect on this, and we will probably see or hear some sort of acknowledgment or apology on that issue. If not ; I am sure he will put it all behind him anyways. As should we ! I wish him all the best in the draft, and Beyond! Thanks for the memories young man!

[Moiraine]

[Landlord]

My post wasnt meant to criticize what you said... More-so brings up a good question of when things went the opposite way for Kenny.

 

 

Some people find his antics to be cute.. but on SR day, when he ran around the field with his arms outspread, it felt showboatish and selfish.. like he thinks he is better than the team.

 

 

This might just be my opinion, but he comes of as self-serving.

 

 

 

 

Believe me, I value the "put your head down, shut up and work" approach just as much as anyone. That's always been the way I play sports, and it's why guys like Burkhead and Swifty are my favorites ever.

 

But I don't at all think that Kenny thinks he is better than the team. I think Kenny is a natural showman, and he loves putting on a show and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Sometimes people are just naturally charismatic and I think things are better off if they embrace that and bring people enjoyment out of it rather than have some false humility and pretend like they're something they aren't. There's nothing wrong with enjoying attention - it's just not everyone's cup of tea.

 

Here's my question - when has Kenny ever "showboated" in an excessive way after something that HE did on the football field? When I think back to all of the times I saw Kenny celebrate, the most memorable were always when he was celebrating something that someone else on the team was doing. Even after his most memorable play, almost backflipping that Wisconsin defender, instead of being all about himself, he was frustrated and telling everyone to calm down because he knew he just cost his team a penalty:

 

[California Husker]

 

I've been read-only on the board for a few weeks now, which has been good for me but also frustrating. That frustration reached it's climax the last few days reading what many have had to say, on this board and via other channels online, in regards to Kenny Bell's career being over.

 

 

Some of you guys should feel ashamed of yourselves.

 

 

Kenny deserves so much better than what he has gotten from 'the best fans in college football', and for all the woe is us rhetoric being thrown around in regards to how Bo drove a wedge between the fanbase and the players, we sure aren't doing our part trying to remove that wedge when we continuously trash on a kid that gave everything that was asked of him for so long.

 

And why? Because he wrote 'Pelini' on his arms? There is literally not a single thing wrong with him wanting to publicly show his appreciation for a man that he views as a father, that he admires and loves and attributes his growth as a man towards, that afforded him the opportunity to live and chase after his dreams for the last 5 years, that his mom trusted to take care of and protect and teach her son as he left home in the most transformative years of his life. Kenny's gesture of appreciation towards his head coach is not at all at odds with his love for our school, state or fanbase, which he has repeatedly expressed fondness towards. You can be a 'Boliever' and a Husker at the same time, Count' Bility, and it's a shame that you don't realize that. The very last thing he said in his very last interview was, "I hope Coach Riley the best. I want nothing but the best for Nebraska. I love Nebraska football and I always will so, I absolutely want the best for them." The last thing he tweeted before his last game was, "One last game day as a husker. It's been an honor. GBR!!!!"

 

Remember that the other side of his tape said Family Over Everything. For four years it said that. His entire career that's what he choose to publicly stand for and remind himself of as he played. Also remember that Ameer Abdullah paid Bo a similar tribute. So did Jake Cotton, so did Josh Kalu, so did the entire team by leaving his seat empty.

 

Remember that when the 2012 team went through a military gauntlet training experience in the offseason, it was Kenny that was put in charge of leading a team across the pool in a straight line. It was Kenny that, when every single other person that had ever done it had jumped in the front, Kenny led by jumping in behind the team, leading like a servant.

 

Remember that Kenny has always considered his year on scout team the most valuable experience of his life, and wore that scout team jersey every practice and every game his entire career, to remind himself of where he came from but also of all the guys ahead of him that helped make him better.

 

Remember that every year he was here, Kenny was the leader by example among the receiving corps to do the little things, the less glamorous things, to help the team be successful. He was, despite being skinny as a rail, the most tenacious blocker on the team. He was the one that led Taylor and Tommy and Ameer and so many others into the endzone by putting his body in the way. He was the one that played through all kinds of nonstop injuries that would leave me in bed. He was the one that showed concern for injured opposing players and the one that was always ready to hold coaches back or calm players down when things were about to get out of control. He rarely had a non-supportive thing to say about anyone.

 

Remember that whether or not you agreed with his opinions, Kenny always spoke his mind honestly and thoughtfully, which should be applauded. He never once gave a canned PC interview, and he never cared if you liked what he had to say or not, because it was never his job to make you happy, and he refused to be a lifeless zombie play thing for your amusement. He was always considerate, personable and willing to give his time to media members and fans as well, often staying well after games and fan days signing autographs, taking pictures, and giving wristbands and gloves to little kids. He gave back to the community more than you ever have, likely with several years more time. He visited my cousin in the hospital after he was left paralyzed and had just recovered from being comatose. He was Jack's escort to the ESPY's. He was an example and a representative of our school and state that we could be proud of, and never had any off the field incidents.

 

Remember that Kenny is at the top of all our receiving records because he was good, not because he played a lot of games. Hampered by injuries, targeted by projects at quarterback, and a member of some very overall average offensive systems under average coaches, he made the most of every inconvenience and played a great career of football, while being recognized by coaches and media as one of the best at his position amongst peers.

 

Remember that noone on the team had more fun playing football than Kenny did.

 

 

 

I know this is already being talked about to a certain extent, and mods can feel free to merge this if they must, but I'm physically ill seeing some of the words that have been spoken towards a kid that gave me so many memories, laughs, reasons to cheer and be proud of the team I support. I'm going to miss you Kenny.

Well said! True NU fans never, never disrespect the players! we can critique their game play and not make personal attacks on the kids. the players don't deserve that, period!

 

You know, it's not my place to say who is/are "true NU fan(s)". However, I have never understood attacking players on social media. These guys came to Nebraska to live out their respective dreams. For some, just to play big-time college football at a place with top notch facilities and a tremendous tradition. For others, it's even more of a dream...a dream they have had their entire lives...to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Most of those kids are from Nebraska or the surrounding area. All they have thought about since they were old enough to know what football was, was to one day lace up their cleats and take the field with that scarlet `N' on their helmet.

 

What are these kids supposed to do? I hear people rail against this player or that...saying things like "_________ sucks" and "________ should be benched", and "____________ cost us the game". I am not in these kid's heads, but I am pretty sure that when one of them costs the Huskers a game, there is nobody who feels worse about it than THAT kid. I am also pretty sure that they want nothing more than another opportunity to make up for whatever mistake they made, or whatever poor performance they put in. It is the coaches job to judge talent and put the best players on the field. I don't mind (whether I agree or disagree) with the criticism of the coaches. They selected a career where they are paid well to make roster decisions and get kids ready to play. If they are not doing their job....then I think they deserve the criticism. But the kids??? C'mon. What are they supposed to do? Take themselves out of the game?

 

So Kenny Bell takes to Twitter too much for some people's taste? Oh well, complain about the coaching staff. They can make team rules about social media. If it doesn't bother the coach, then how can you criticize the player? The player knows that "Huskerboard member" doesn't decide if he's doing the right thing in terms of team rules. I am not a young person...but I know that kids are not the same as they were 20 or 30 years ago. Social media is one of those things (kinda like Metal, Alternative and Rap music) that if you're too old to understand or enjoy it....maybe you should just ignore it. It's not going anywhere in the near future so criticizing kids for living within their culture, living with modernity, would be like some old fart criticizing the players in the 1920s for riding around in those "newfangled" Model-T Fords.

 

Kenny Bell had a great career at Nebraska and I for one am very happy he chose NU and I appreciate everything he did for the Huskers.

 

Thanks Kenny, good luck wherever you end up.

[Eagle1]

I've been read-only on the board for a few weeks now, which has been good for me but also frustrating. That frustration reached it's climax the last few days reading what many have had to say, on this board and via other channels online, in regards to Kenny Bell's career being over.

 

 

Some of you guys should feel ashamed of yourselves.

 

 

Kenny deserves so much better than what he has gotten from 'the best fans in college football', and for all the woe is us rhetoric being thrown around in regards to how Bo drove a wedge between the fanbase and the players, we sure aren't doing our part trying to remove that wedge when we continuously trash on a kid that gave everything that was asked of him for so long.

 

And why? Because he wrote 'Pelini' on his arms? There is literally not a single thing wrong with him wanting to publicly show his appreciation for a man that he views as a father, that he admires and loves and attributes his growth as a man towards, that afforded him the opportunity to live and chase after his dreams for the last 5 years, that his mom trusted to take care of and protect and teach her son as he left home in the most transformative years of his life. Kenny's gesture of appreciation towards his head coach is not at all at odds with his love for our school, state or fanbase, which he has repeatedly expressed fondness towards. You can be a 'Boliever' and a Husker at the same time, Count' Bility, and it's a shame that you don't realize that. The very last thing he said in his very last interview was, "I hope Coach Riley the best. I want nothing but the best for Nebraska. I love Nebraska football and I always will so, I absolutely want the best for them." The last thing he tweeted before his last game was, "One last game day as a husker. It's been an honor. GBR!!!!"

 

Remember that the other side of his tape said Family Over Everything. For four years it said that. His entire career that's what he choose to publicly stand for and remind himself of as he played. Also remember that Ameer Abdullah paid Bo a similar tribute. So did Jake Cotton, so did Josh Kalu, so did the entire team by leaving his seat empty.

 

Remember that when the 2012 team went through a military gauntlet training experience in the offseason, it was Kenny that was put in charge of leading a team across the pool in a straight line. It was Kenny that, when every single other person that had ever done it had jumped in the front, Kenny led by jumping in behind the team, leading like a servant.

 

Remember that Kenny has always considered his year on scout team the most valuable experience of his life, and wore that scout team jersey every practice and every game his entire career, to remind himself of where he came from but also of all the guys ahead of him that helped make him better.

 

Remember that every year he was here, Kenny was the leader by example among the receiving corps to do the little things, the less glamorous things, to help the team be successful. He was, despite being skinny as a rail, the most tenacious blocker on the team. He was the one that led Taylor and Tommy and Ameer and so many others into the endzone by putting his body in the way. He was the one that played through all kinds of nonstop injuries that would leave me in bed. He was the one that showed concern for injured opposing players and the one that was always ready to hold coaches back or calm players down when things were about to get out of control. He rarely had a non-supportive thing to say about anyone.

 

Remember that whether or not you agreed with his opinions, Kenny always spoke his mind honestly and thoughtfully, which should be applauded. He never once gave a canned PC interview, and he never cared if you liked what he had to say or not, because it was never his job to make you happy, and he refused to be a lifeless zombie play thing for your amusement. He was always considerate, personable and willing to give his time to media members and fans as well, often staying well after games and fan days signing autographs, taking pictures, and giving wristbands and gloves to little kids. He gave back to the community more than you ever have, likely with several years more time. He visited my cousin in the hospital after he was left paralyzed and had just recovered from being comatose. He was Jack's escort to the ESPY's. He was an example and a representative of our school and state that we could be proud of, and never had any off the field incidents.

 

Remember that Kenny is at the top of all our receiving records because he was good, not because he played a lot of games. Hampered by injuries, targeted by projects at quarterback, and a member of some very overall average offensive systems under average coaches, he made the most of every inconvenience and played a great career of football, while being recognized by coaches and media as one of the best at his position amongst peers.

 

Remember that noone on the team had more fun playing football than Kenny did.

 

 

 

I know this is already being talked about to a certain extent, and mods can feel free to merge this if they must, but I'm physically ill seeing some of the words that have been spoken towards a kid that gave me so many memories, laughs, reasons to cheer and be proud of the team I support. I'm going to miss you Kenny.

Well written and right on.

[Xmas32]

Great post Landlord;

 

I think that we need to understand that Kenny is simply a young and emotional kid with a world of talent. I think Kenny has served Nebraska well for the most part, and has made us proud. I have nothing negative to say about him. I think it was an unfortunate choice that he wore the FOE insignia. That was in poor taste certainly. We must understand that these kids do have an emotional tie to Bo since he recruited them and became a mentor to them : for better, or for not so much better. These are 18 -21 year olds who have left home and have gone off into another world to play big time college football at a place legendary for it's success and which is often crawling with the local and national media, as they now live in a fish bowl. Bo and his staff are all that they have known since coming to Lincoln. I can see them sending out one last showing of support and respect for their fired Coach. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that IMO. Coach Riley certainly understands this. He has been very classy with his response to this , and has reached out to them with grace. We have seen nothing but positive feedback from them since. These are great kids. It is just unfortunate about the FOE thing. I am sure that once the days and weeks go by now that the season is over, and the draft looms for Kenny, he will reflect on this, and we will probably see or hear some sort of acknowledgment or apology on that issue. If not ; I am sure he will put it all behind him anyways. As should we ! I wish him all the best in the draft, and Beyond! Thanks for the memories young man!

 

Bell has worn the FOE on his forearms his entire career if I'm not mistaken. I seriously doubt he will regret that.

[In the Deed the Glory]

Great post Landlord;

 

I think that we need to understand that Kenny is simply a young and emotional kid with a world of talent. I think Kenny has served Nebraska well for the most part, and has made us proud. I have nothing negative to say about him. I think it was an unfortunate choice that he wore the FOE insignia. That was in poor taste certainly. We must understand that these kids do have an emotional tie to Bo since he recruited them and became a mentor to them : for better, or for not so much better. These are 18 -21 year olds who have left home and have gone off into another world to play big time college football at a place legendary for it's success and which is often crawling with the local and national media, as they now live in a fish bowl. Bo and his staff are all that they have known since coming to Lincoln. I can see them sending out one last showing of support and respect for their fired Coach. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that IMO. Coach Riley certainly understands this. He has been very classy with his response to this , and has reached out to them with grace. We have seen nothing but positive feedback from them since. These are great kids. It is just unfortunate about the FOE thing. I am sure that once the days and weeks go by now that the season is over, and the draft looms for Kenny, he will reflect on this, and we will probably see or hear some sort of acknowledgment or apology on that issue. If not ; I am sure he will put it all behind him anyways. As should we ! I wish him all the best in the draft, and Beyond! Thanks for the memories young man!

 

Family Over Everything is in poor taste??