Michael Bennett (running back)

Michael A. Bennett (born August 13, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 27th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

Michael Bennett
refer to caption
At a game in Denver in October 2010.
No. 23, 26, 29, 32
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1978-08-13) August 13, 1978
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:211 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:Milwaukee Trade and Technical
College:Wisconsin (1998–2000)
NFL Draft:2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts:842
Rushing yards:3,703
Rushing touchdowns:13
Receptions:159
Receiving yards:1,294
Receiving touchdowns:6
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

A Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings in 2002, Bennett was also a member of the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers, and Oakland Raiders.

Early years

Michael Bennett attended Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School. As a senior, Mike was ranked the top football player in the state, and was an All-State selection.

College career

Michael Bennett attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and was a standout in football and in track as a sprinter. Mike spent two years as a backup to Ron Dayne, but, as a junior, Mike rushed for 1,592 yards and scored ten touchdowns, despite missing two games due to injury.

Track and field

As a junior at the 1997 state track meet, Michael Bennett set records in the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes, then broke both records as a senior in 1998. Both his 100m time of 10.33 seconds and 200m time of 20.68 seconds still stand as state records as of 2021[1]

Personal bests
Event Time (seconds) Venue Date
60 meters 6.67 Fayetteville, Arkansas May 10, 2000
100 meters 10.00 (wind-aided)[2] Austin, Texas May 6, 2000
200 meters 20.66 Tempe, Arizona May 18, 2000

Professional career
Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeight40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
5 ft 10 in
(1.78 m)		 207 lb
(94 kg)		 4.38 s1.52 s2.54 s4.21 s6.84 s39.5 in
(1.00 m)		10 ft 10 in
(3.30 m)		13 reps
All values from Wisconsin Pro Day.[3]

Minnesota Vikings

Michael Bennett was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (27th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft.[4] As a rookie in 2001, Michael Bennett was thrust into a starting role after the sudden retirement of star running back Robert Smith. In 2002, Michael 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 Michael Bennett at the conclusion of the 2005 NFL season.

New Orleans Saints

Mike 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, Michael Bennett became expendable and was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fourth round draft choice.

Kansas City Chiefs

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On October 16, 2007 the Buccaneers acquired Bennett from the Chiefs after injuries to running backs Carnell 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. Bennett was released on November 11 when Carnell Williams was activated from the PUP list.

San Diego Chargers

Bennett was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Chargers on November 12, 2008. The team released linebacker Derek Smith to make room for him on the roster.[5] He was released on March 4, 2010. During the 2009 season with San Diego, Bennett played in six games, rushing 23 times for 65 yards, and catching six passes for 65 yards.[6]

Oakland Raiders

Bennett signed with the Oakland Raiders on May 6, 2010. He was released on September 5, 2011. During the 2010 season with Oakland, he gained 11 yards rushing and nine yards receiving while playing in seven games.[6]

NFL career statistics
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GPGSAttYdsAvgLngTDRecYdsAvgLngTD
2001MIN 13131726824.0312292267.8801
2002MIN 16162551,2965.1855373519.5451
2003MIN 87904475.02811213211.0400
2004MIN 117702763.9251212079.9381
2005MIN 1661264733.8613271244.6202
2006KC 110362005.64109778.6140
2007KC 6020522.612010474.790
TB 81411894.628155410.8231
2008TB 507121.740122.020
SD 20000.000000.000
2009SD 6023652.814066510.8330
2010OAK 702115.560294.560
Career[7]109508423,7034.485131591,2948.1806

References
  1. https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Results/Track/State_Records/brecords.pdf
  2. "Michael BENNETT profile - all-athletics.com". Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  3. nfldraftscout.com
  4. "2001 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
  5. Chargers Sign RB Michael Bennett & Release Derek Smith
  6. Michael Bennett - Pro Football Reference
  7. "Michael Bennett". Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
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