Michael Bennett (American football)

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Michael Bennett
Date of birth August 13, 1978
Place of birth Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Position(s) Running back
College Wisconsin
NFL Draft 2001 / Round 1 / Pick 27
Pro Bowls 2002
Stats
Statistics
Team(s)
2001-2005
2006
2006-Present
Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints
Kansas City Chiefs

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

Contents

[edit] 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.

[edit] College career

Bennett attended the University of Wisconsin 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] 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. Unfortunately, his career was 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.

The Vikings released Bennett at the conclusion of the 2005 season due to his persistent injury 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 expected to serve as the backup to Larry Johnson.

[edit] NFL's Fastest Man

Bennett was clocked running a 40 yard dash in 4.13 seconds making him the NFL's fastest man. This is an unofficial title, as there has been no formal contest.