Mike Bell ( running back ) Michael Steven " Mike " Bell ( born April 23 , 1983 in Phoenix , Arizona ) is an American football running back who is currently a free agent . He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2006 . He played college football at Arizona . Bell has also been a member of the Houston Texans , New Orleans Saints , Philadelphia Eagles , Cleveland Browns , and Detroit Lions . Early years . Bell went to Desert Horizon before playing for Tolleson Union High School a western suburb of Phoenix , where he both became the second player in Arizona history to have rushed for over 2 , 000 yards in back to back seasons , as well as obtaining the second - highest career total of 4 , 692 yards rushing in Arizona . He was named Player of the Year in his senior year by " The Arizona Republic " . College career . Bell played college football for the University of Arizona , where he rushed for 3 , 163 yards and 17 touchdowns in four years , three as the starter . In his senior year , he rushed for 153 yards in sixteen attempts in a surprising 52 - 14 rout of the then - undefeated UCLA Bruins . Bell is third all - time in the college ' s history in rushing yards . Professional career . Denver Broncos . Bell entered the 2006 NFL Draft , but went undrafted . He was signed as an undrafted free agent on May 8 , 2006 by the Denver Broncos . Bell had a very strong training camp , and before the Broncos first preseason game , Bell was promoted to the starting tailback position . This promotion shocked many , as it was presumed that either Tatum Bell or Ron Dayne would win the Broncos ' starting job . However Tatum Bell ended up as the starter for the first regular season game , with Mike Bell also getting carries in a backup role . During week 8 of the 2006 season , in which the Broncos played the undefeated Indianapolis Colts , Tatum Bell was taken out with a turf toe . Mike Bell was put in and ran for 135 yards and two touchdowns in just one half , averaging nine yards per carry . He started week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers , but only gained 28 yards on 17 attempts . He was made inactive by coach Mike Shanahan in week 10 against the Oakland Raiders . Bell led the Broncos with eight rushing scores . On July 21 , 2008 he was released by the Broncos . Houston Texans . Bell signed with the Houston Texans on July 31 , 2008 . However , he was waived on August 8 . New Orleans Saints . Bell was signed by the New Orleans Saints on November 19 , 2008 after running back Aaron Stecker was placed on injured reserve , and appeared in four games during the season , totaling 13 carries for 42 yards with one touchdown . Most extensive action came at Detroit , December 21 , with four carries for 26 yards and his first touchdown as a Saint , a leaping , one - yard plunge . He also added a 14 - yard reception in the contest . During the 2009 season , Bell saw more extensive action with the Saints . He was part of a three - man running back committee with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush . He led the team in carries with 172 and gained 654 rushing yards , good for 3 . 8 yards per carry . He scored 5 touchdowns . He had four carries for four yards in Super Bowl XLIV which the Saints won on February 7 , 2010 . Philadelphia Eagles . On March 16 , 2010 , Bell was tendered an offer sheet for a one - year contract worth $ 1 . 7 million from the Philadelphia Eagles , and the Saints had the option to match the offer within seven days . The Saints did not match the offer , and Bell became a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on March 23 . Cleveland Browns . Bell was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for running back Jerome Harrison on October 13 , 2010 . Detroit Lions . On August 9 , 2011 , Bell signed with the Detroit Lions , but was waived on August 29 .