Kahlil Bell
An undrafted UCLA running back who fought his way onto NFL rosters, known for his hard-nosed running style and special teams tenacity.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American football player·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Kahlil Bell's football career is a classic NFL underdog tale. At UCLA, he was a workhorse back, grinding out yards behind a sometimes-struggling offensive line. Going undrafted in 2009 didn't deter him; it simply defined his path. He clawed his way onto the Minnesota Vikings practice squad before finding a more significant opportunity with the Chicago Bears. In Chicago, Bell became a valuable reserve, a player who could step in and deliver tough, physical runs when called upon, most notably during a late-season game in 2011 where he rushed for over 100 yards. His value extended to special teams, where his willingness to throw his body around kept him on rosters with the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. While never a long-term starter, Bell's journey epitomizes the resilience required to carve out a professional career on one's own terms, play by play.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kahlil was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kahlil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kahlil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 121 yards on 23 carries in a critical Week 16 victory for the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers in 2011.
- Made the 53-man roster of four different NFL teams (Vikings, Bears, Jets, Packers) as an undrafted free agent.
- Finished his UCLA career with over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns.
Did You Know?
He was a standout high school player at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California.
Bell majored in History at UCLA.
After his NFL career, he worked as a sports analyst and commentator for various outlets.
“An undrafted free agent's job is to outwork everyone who has a piece of paper they don't.”
