It is with regret that the Stampeders learn of the passing of former Calgary player Ricky Bell. He was 36.

The Columbia, S.C., native was a defensive back on the Stampeders’ 2001 Grey Cup championship squad and played a total of six Canadian Football League seasons for Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Montreal.

With the Stamps in 2001, he recorded 45 tackles, one special-teams tackle, two sacks and one interception.

Prior to coming to Canada, the North Carolina State alumnus played for Jacksonville and Chicago in the National Football League.

He is survived by his daughter Little Miss Nyla Bell, his father Richard Bell Sr., his mother Florence Bell, his brother Tommie Lee Whetstone Jr., his sister Tina (Dean) McDaniel and loving companion Tanisha Means.

The Stampeders family extends its sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time.

Funeral services were held in Columbia on Wednesday, Feb. 23.