Bellore Makes a Leadership Commitment to the CCC Project

The sense that Central Michigan University provided an opportunity when no one else would is a sentiment shared by many Chippewa Football alumni.

On Monday, Seattle Seahawk fullback and Chippewa great Nick Bellore and his wife, Rachel, repaid CMU for taking that chance by making a leadership commitment to the Chippewa Champions Center project.

"CMU has done so much for me, they took a chance on me when no one else would," Bellore said.

An unheralded prospect coming out of Whitefish Bay, Wis., Bellore graduated high school early and arrived in time for spring practice in 2007. He went on to start 51 games at linebacker for the Chippewas, earning First Team All-MAC honors in 2008-2010. His 472 career tackles rank third in program history.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets in 2011, Bellore played four seasons in New York followed by two-year stops in San Francisco and Detroit, respectively. He will enter his ninth season in the NFL in 2019.

Bellore said projects like the Champions Center are an integral part of the growth of a program like CMU as it seeks to raise the bar on the caliber of player it attracts to Mount Pleasant.
"This project is a critical step in putting CMU at the forefront of facilities in the Mid-American Conference," he said.

In recognition of his commitment, CMU will name the strength and conditioning coach's office in the Champions Center in Bellore's name.

"Strength and Conditioning is the cornerstone to any successful program," Bellore said. "The time I've spent in the weight room has propelled me in the sport and is a major reason why I have been able to continue playing football."

Zyzelewski Family AVP/Director of Athletics Michael Alford expressed his gratitude to Bellore and said he hopes that his generosity inspires others to get behind this project.

"It has been my experience in nearly 20 years in college athletics that this kind of generosity has a multiplying effect," Alford said. "We are so proud and fortunate to be able to count someone of Nick's character as part of the Chippewa Football family."

While Bellore's commitment to the Champions Center is his largest to CMU, it is by no means his first. He has been an 1100 Club member since 2012.

CMU Football is also a family affair for Bellore as his brother-in-law Nick Masztak is a current member of the Chippewas and his brother-in-law Ben Masztak was a teammate.

Since arriving in December, Head Coach Jim McElwain has talked about the pride and tradition that former players like Bellore have instilled in the program.

"We want all of our former players engaged with CMU like Nick," McElwain said. "This generous gift is a testament to the kind of guy he is and what a special experience players have at CMU. We can't thank him and his wife enough for their generosity."

Bellore said that the close-knit nature of the Chippewa Athletics family is a big part of what made his time at CMU so special and that the memories he made with his teammates are ones he will cherish forever.

"I am forever indebted to the University for the education I received and the experiences I had as a member of the football team. Giving back is the least I could do after having the privilege of four great years in Mount Pleasant."

Players Mentioned

Nick Masztak

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