MICHAEL BENNETT (AMERICAN FOOTBALL)

'Michael Bennett' (born August 13, 1978 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American football running back for the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL.

Contents

High school career

College career

2001 NFL Draft

The NFL's Fastest Man?

NFL career

Notes

High school career

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.

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.

2001 NFL Draft

Bennett was drafted by the Vikings 27th overall in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
Bennett, at 207 lbs., ran a 4.39s^[1] 40yard dash, logged 13 reps of 225 lbs, and had a vertical jump of 39 1/2" at the 2001 NFL Combine. ^[2]

The NFL's Fastest Man?

Bennett was clocked running a 4.13 40 yard dash in his pro day workout at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This is actually one of the fastest 40-yd-dash times officially recorded.
''Sports Illustrated'' did an article on him and he has the numbers 4.13 tattooed on his calves.

NFL career

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. Because of Bennett's perceived fragility, the Vikings drafted a number of running backs to replace him: Onterrio Smith, Mewelde Moore, and Ciatrick Fason. But now they have Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
The Vikings released Bennett at the conclusion of the 2005 NFL season due to his persistent injury and ball handling problems. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints to serve as the backup to Deuce McAllister. After the addition of Reggie Bush, Bennett was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fourth round draft choice. He is the backup to Larry Johnson, and will be sharing time with Priest Holmes.

Notes

1. http://espn.go.com/melkiper/s/2001/0227/1113401.html#
2. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=60177