Frank Dowsing Jr. and Robert Bell to be honored by Mississippi State with specially designed uniform

Mississippi State will honor 2 of its legendary players this season with a specially designed uniform.

Frank Dowsing Jr. and Robert Bell, the program’s first African-American varsity football players will be honored when the Bulldogs host Bowling Green at Davis Wade Stadium on Sept. 24, the program announced. MSU will pay homage to Dowsing and Bell and commemorate the 50th anniversary of when they last played for State.

Dowsing and Bell arrived at Mississippi State in 1969. The new uniforms showcase a unique look that hearkens back to the practice jerseys the groundbreaking players wore three years later in 1972. The outfit also features a custom Dowsing-Bell logo in the spirit of the traditional M-State stripe that honors the two men’s pioneering achievements both on and off the field.

Replica jerseys, along with other merchandise connected to the look, are now available for fans to purchase at multiple Starkville-area retailers, as well as online.

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On Sept. 24, their legacy lives on. #HailState? pic.twitter.com/r1L9rVIwdH

— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) August 15, 2022

Dowsing was a first-team All-American as a senior and earned 2 total All-SEC honors as a defensive back. Bell played on the defensive line and was a regular starter who earned 3 letters from Mississippi State.

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.