Jason Bell has opened up on Strictly Come Dancing, telling Daily Star Sport just how tough the competition is.
Bell is well-known in the UK for his BBC NFL punditry work, teaming up with two-time Super Bowl winner Osi Umenyiora.
He became the first American Football star to take part in Strictly though he and partner Luba Mushtuk became the second couple eliminated in this year’s show.
And former Dallas Cowboys star Bell, 42, loved the challenge of the dancing competition and hopes that more people now get involved in the NFL.
“I enjoyed it, I’ve never had a challenge like that since I played,” Bell told Daily Star Sport.
Jason Bell was the second celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
“When I played, I knew how to play football, I knew how to be a defensive back. “This was a challenge where you had to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to confirm or deny who you think you are.
“It was challenging, it was hard, but I loved every second and it was a great experience.
“I’m really happy that a lot of people who might have not watched the NFL had the chance to see me out there and maybe think they’ll watch a game now.
Jason Bell is now a NFL pundit having previously for the likes of Dallas Cowboys (Image: BBC)
“That was important to me, I felt the whole NFL community was behind me and I didn’t want to let them down.
“I didn’t know I was going to get so much out of it, but I really did.”
Bell was forced to retire from the NFL at the age 30 in 2008 having had career-ending back surgery the previous year.
And he admits that the physical pain was the most difficult part of stepping into the ballroom.
Jason Bell was the first NFL player to compete in Strictly Come Dancing (Image: PA)
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He added: “It was tough, the hardest part was my body. I would never do things like that because of all the volume of work I’ve done.
“Most people don’t push their bodies the way athletes do at such a young age.
“But I got a lot of understanding that I can use. Dancing taught me things I can do to strengthen some areas.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
