National Football Foundation

Position: Safety
Years: 1970-1973
Place of Birth: Whitmire, SC
Date of Birth: Aug 26, 1952
Jersey Number: 90
Height: 5-11
Weight: 198
High School: Whitmire, SC (Whitmire HS)

Donnie Shell had a banner year for South Carolina State in 1973. He played safety, had 77 tackles, and intercepted eight passes. The Bulldogs started the season 0-2-1, then reeled off seven straight victories. Shell, co-captain, was credited with leading the resurgence. He was known as a motivator. The American Football Coaches Association in 1973 named Shell to its All-America team, college division. In 1997, Shell was named to the Quarter Century Division II All-America team and to the Black College 100-year team. Shell was listed as 5-11 in height, 198 pounds and was a linebacker his first three years at South Carolina State. He grew up in Whitmire, South Carolina. Shell graduated from college in 1974 and added a master's degree in 1977. He played 14 years at safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers 1974-87, was a member of four Super Bowl championship teams, and made the Pro Bowl five times. After his playing days he joined the Sheridan Broadcasting Network. After that he took a job as director of player and community relations for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He took up an active relationship with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Big Brothers & Big Sisters.