Michael Bennett (American football)

Infobox NFLactive


name=Michael Bennett
currentteam=Tampa Bay Buccaneers
currentnumber=29
currentposition=Running back
birthdate=birth date and age|1978|8|13
birthplace=Milwaukee, Wisconsin
heightft=5
heightin=9
weight=207
debutyear=2001
debutteam=Minnesota Vikings
college=Wisconsin
draftyear=2001
draftround=1
draftpick=27
pastteams=
* Minnesota Vikings (2001-2005)
* New Orleans Saints (2006)*
* Kansas City Chiefs (2006-2007)
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007-present):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=Active
highlights=
* Pro Bowl selection (2002)
nfl=BEN384766

Michael A. Bennett (born August 13, 1978 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 27th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

Early years

Bennett attended Milwaukee Tech High School. As a senior, he was ranked the top football player in the state, and was an All-State selection. In the 1998 state track meet, he set records in the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes. Today he is well-known as one of the fastest running backs in the league.

College career

Bennett attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a standout in football and in track as a sprinter. He spent two years as a backup to Ron Dayne, but, as a junior, he rushed for 1,592 yards and scored ten touchdowns, despite missing two games due to injury. In track, he posted personal best times of 10.18 in the 100-meter dash, and 20.66 seconds in the 200-meter dash.

Professional career

2001 NFL Draft

Bennett, at 207 lbs., ran a 4.39s [ [http://espn.go.com/melkiper/s/2001/0227/1113401.html# Mel Kiper - TCU's Tomlinson wows at combine - ESPN.com ] ] 40yard dash,but had a hurt hamstring, so he reran his 40yard dash at his pro day and got a record setting 4.13, and logged 13 reps of 225 lbs, and had a vertical jump of 39 1/2" at the 2001 NFL Combine. [ [http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=60177 *Michael Bennett, RB, Wisconsin - 2001 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange ] ]

Bennett was drafted by the Vikings 27th overall in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Minnesota Vikings

Bennett was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2001, Bennett was thrust into a starting role after the sudden retirement of star running back Robert Smith. In 2002, Bennett rushed for 1,296 yards and added 351 yards receiving on his way to the Pro Bowl. However, his career stalled due to injuries the following year.

The Vikings released Bennett at the conclusion of the 2005 NFL season due to his persistent injury and ball handling problems.

New Orleans Saints

He was signed by the New Orleans Saints to serve as the backup to Deuce McAllister. After the addition of Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL Draft, Bennett became expendable and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fourth round draft choice.

Kansas City Chiefs

Bennett spent the 2006 season and part of the 2007 season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played in 17 games for the Chiefs in all, carrying the ball 56 times for 252 yards and no touchdowns. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just over a month in the 2007 season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On October 16th, 2007 the Buccaneers acquired Bennett from the Chiefs after injuries to running backs Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman. His first touchdown as a Buccaneer came in Week 8 of the 2007 season against the Jacksonville Jaguars off a 19-yard swing pass run.

On February 15, 2008, Bennett re-signed with the Buccaneers in lieu of becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Personal

Bennett is the nephew of former Indianapolis Colts linebacker / defensive end Tony Bennett.

References

External links

* [http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/michael_bennett/ Kansas City Chiefs bio]
* [http://buccaneers.com/team/playerdetail.aspx?player=Bennett,Michael,29 Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio]