Senior Signs Letter of Intent to Play D1 Football

Written By Logan Holman

All eyes were fixed on him as he waited behind the signing table decorated in Golden Eagles regalia. The bright lights beamed down on the glossy gym floor, while he smiled nervously and looked around as students and staff poured in.  For senior Nicholas Bell, his whole life had been leading up to this moment. 

On Dec. 15, senior Nicholas Bell signed a national letter of intent for a Division I football scholarship to the United States Naval Academy. Bell is the first Division I signee for football in over twelve years for Paxon.

Students, parents, teammates, and former coaches all gathered to celebrate his accomplishment and witness the signing.  But the road to success for Bell was not paved with gold.  It was paved with navy and gold, requiring hard work and dedication to his academics and to the sport he loves. 

Photo Courtesy of the Bell family

“Getting to watch you go from undersized skinny freshman to a grown man has been a blessing,” Coach Steve Brown stated.

Bell knew he wanted to play college ball the moment he stepped on campus. He was going to summer lifts as a freshman, playing 7 on 7 with the seniors, and learning the playbook before anyone else.

Throughout his high school football career, he was always working hard. He was a true “first one in, last one out” type of football player, not only for himself but for the team, encouraging and motivating other players. His leadership was as valuable to the team as his on-the-field ability.  This became especially evident when he took on a coaching role after a season-ending injury during the 2021 season. 

Bell’s accomplishments on the field are only paralleled by his accomplishments in the classroom.  He will be graduating with a cumulative weighted 4.5 GPA, an uncommon characteristic for most student-athletes.

“Nick […] epitomizes a Paxon student-athlete,” Brown added.

Coach Brown also pointed out that Bell’s next steps beyond high school would require some other possibly less anticipated adjustments.  The United States Naval Academy is in Annapolis, Maryland, a far cry from the sunny, hot weather typical of Jacksonville.

“One thing you need to get used to: the cold. Snowballs,” Brown joked. 

Principal Royce Turner also gave a speech congratulating Bell on his accomplishments while also honoring those who guided him on his journey.

“Thank you to mom and dad for raising such a fine young man,” Dr. Turner stated.

Turner also pointed out the rarity of such an accomplishment.

“1.49% of all students in the country get to do this,” Turner added.

After the ceremony, Bell took the opportunity to recognize the current and former coaches who fostered his growth and development in both academics and athletics. 

“Thank you for all the life lessons you’ve taught me up until this point and for believing in me to make this possible.”

Logan Holman
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