Michael A. Bennett

No. 29     San Diego Chargers
Running back
Personal information
Date of birth: August 13, 1978 (1978-08-13) (age 31)
Place of birth: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)	Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
College: Wisconsin
NFL Draft: 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27
Debuted in 2001 for the Minnesota Vikings
Career history
As player: Minnesota Vikings (2001–2005) New Orleans Saints (2006)* Kansas City Chiefs (2006–2007) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007–2008) San Diego Chargers (2008–present) *Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowl selection (2002)
Stats at NFL.com

Michael A. Bennett (born August 13, 1978 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American football running back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 27th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin. He was one of the fastest sprinters in college history clocking in a record 4.13 in the 40-yard dash, the fastest in NFL history.

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Professional career

[edit] Pre-draft

Bennett, at 207 lb (94 kg)., ran a 4.28s^[1] 40 yard 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 lb (102 kg), and had a vertical jump of 39 1/2" at the 2001 NFL Combine. ^[2]

[edit] Minnesota Vikings

Bennett was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (27th overall) 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On October 16th, 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.

[edit] 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. As of 2009 he is a 3rd stringer behind LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles.^[3]

[edit] Personal

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

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers bio