Trio of former Rattlers staying in the NFL this season
Photo courtesy FAMU athletics
Special to the Outlook
Their performances during the pre-season seemingly were enough for former FAMU football players Markquese Bell, Isaiah Land, and Xavier Smith to earn spots on NFL rosters for the upcoming season.
Bell was signed to the Dallas Cowboys’ 53-man roster, while the Indianapolis Colts took Land off waivers, and the Los Angeles Rams kept Xavier Smith on their practice squad.
“We are all elated for Markquese and Isaiah for making the 53-man rosters and Xavier making the practice squad,” said Head Football Coach Willie Simmons. “They are all testaments to the fact that you can accomplish all your goals here at Florida A&M. I was a Cowboys fan last year, and now I’m a Colts and Rams fan as well.”
Bell makes the 53-man roster after ending the 2022 season on the 53-man roster. He was on and off the active roster throughout the season after beginning 2022 on the practice squad. In 2022, Bell saw action in five games, recording one tackle. During the 2023 preseason, Bell recorded 15 tackles, one pass breakup, and 1.5 stuffs.
Land also started his NFL career with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. He immediately impressed many as he recorded six tackles and a sack during the pre-season. The Cowboys waived Land with intentions of adding him to their practice squad, but the Indianapolis Colts picked him up, adding him to their 53-man roster.
Smith signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent and took advantage of his pre-season opportunities as he caught his lone target for a 25-yard gain versus the Las Vegas Raiders and returned three kicks during the preseason. Smith was waived by the Rams but signed to their practice squad after clearing waivers.
