Earl Bennett

Last updated

Earl Bennett
Earl Bennett (cropped).jpg
Bennett in 2011
Vanderbilt Commodores
Position:Director of player development
Personal information
Born: (1987-03-23) March 23, 1987 (age 37)
Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:209 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school: West End (Birmingham)
College: Vanderbilt (2005–2007)
NFL draft: 2008  / Round: 3 / Pick: 70
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
  • Vanderbilt (2021–present)
    Director of player development
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:185
Receiving yards:2,277
Receiving touchdowns:12
Return yards:242
Return touchdowns:1
Player stats at PFR

Earl Bryan Bennett [1] (born March 23, 1987) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft. After his playing career, he became the director of player development at Vanderbilt.

Contents

College career

Bennett celebrates a touchdown in college Earl Bennett TD.JPG
Bennett celebrates a touchdown in college

A three-time All-SEC selection at Vanderbilt, Bennett left school as the all-time SEC leader in receptions with 236. Although later surpassed by Jordan Matthews, Bennett still ranks near the top of Vanderbilt's career receiving leaderboards.

Awards and honors

Records

Statistics

ReceivingRushing
YearRECYDSAVGLNGTDATTYDSAVGLNGTD
20057987611.14195112.2140
200682114614.07765112.2110
20077583011.054510222.2150
Totals236285212.1772020442.2150

Professional career

Bennett with the Bears in 2011. Earl Bennett 2011.jpg
Bennett with the Bears in 2011.

Chicago Bears

2008 season

The Chicago Bears chose Bennett in the third round (70th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft. [9] He didn't catch a single pass his entire rookie year and was mostly on the sidelines.

2009 season

On April 2, 2009, Bennett's former teammate at Vanderbilt during the 2005 season, Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler was acquired by the Bears via a trade with the Denver Broncos. Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Bennett would be given "every opportunity" to win a spot as a starting receiver alongside Devin Hester in 2009. Bennett did just that during the course of mandatory mini-camp and training camp, as he showed an ability to make tough grabs in traffic and a willingness to go over the middle. Bennett and Cutler quickly regained the chemistry they shared on and off the field during their college years playing together at Vanderbilt. During that offseason, Bennett also changed his number from 85 to 80. (He tried to obtain his original college number 10, but since NFL rules prohibit players from changing numbers in the 80s to numbers in the 10s, he settled for 80 as it reminded him of Jerry Rice.)

Bennett was the only Bears receiver to catch at least 1 pass in each game played during the 16-Game regular season in which the Bears missed the playoffs. Bennett got off to a strong start in season in the Week 1 match-up against the Green Bay Packers, making seven catches for 66 yards. Two weeks later against the Seattle Seahawks, Bennett caught four passes for 80 yards. A week later against the Detroit Lions, Bennett returned four punts for a 15-yard average and a long of 25 yards in place of an injured Devin Hester. During Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, Bennett caught four passes for 57 yards, including a clutch grab in the red zone in which Bennett took a big hit to still give Chicago a chance to win but eventually lost that game. In Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, Bennett caught seven passes for 93 yards, but the Bears lost 41–21. In Week 16 against the division rival Minnesota Vikings, Bennett caught three passes for 35 yards, along with his second career receiving touchdown.

Bennett had a key two-point conversion against the Seattle Seahawks for his first points of the 2009 season and his career. Bennett caught his first career touchdown from Jay Cutler against the St. Louis Rams in Week 13 as well completing a career-long 71-yard pass reception.

On December 20 against the Baltimore Ravens, Bennett returned a punt 49 yards for a touchdown in place of the Bears injured returner Devin Hester.

Bennett finished the season with 717 yards on 54 catches with two receiving touchdowns and a punt return touchdown as well.

2010 season

During Week 6 against the Seahawks, Bennett laid a devastating block on Seattle punter Jon Ryan, allowing teammate Devin Hester to return his second punt of the season for a touchdown. Bennett caught his third career receiving touchdown in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto.

During the NFC Championship game, with Chicago trailing 21–7, Caleb Hanie, who was playing for an injured Jay Cutler, lofted a pass toward the left sideline to Bennett, who made Nick Collins whiff on the tackle and then raced untouched into the endzone for a 35-yard touchdown, but Green Bay still won the game 21–14.

2011 season

In Week 2 against the Saints, Bennett was injured, and did not return to the game. This eventually created controversy in 2012 after the Saints were caught using a bounty program. [10] In Week 9, Bennett's return helped the Bears defeat the Eagles with a touchdown pass. However, after the Eagles game, Bennett was fined $5,000 for wearing bright orange cleats. [11] After he wore the shoes again against the Detroit Lions the following week, the league told him that wearing the shoes again will result in an increase of $5,000 in his fines. [12] The league later informed him that wearing the cleats a third consecutive time will result in him being ejected and the Bears being penalized. After wearing the cleats in 2012 against the Lions, the league fined him once again. [13] On December 12, Bennett was signed to a four-year extension, keeping him with the Bears through 2014. [14]

2012 season

In Week 17 against the Lions, Bennett caught five passes for 109 yards, a career best, and one touchdown. As a result, Bennett became the first Bears receiver besides Brandon Marshall to compile more than 80 yards in a game in 2012. [15]

2013 season

In 2013, Bennett caught 32 passes for 243 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Bennett missed the 2013 week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers after his brother's death. [16]

On March 18, 2014, Bennett was released by the Bears after refusing to have his salary reduced. [17]

Cleveland Browns

On May 14, 2014, Bennett signed with the Cleveland Browns. [18] On June 17, 2014, his contract was terminated by the Browns.

Post-playing career

Bennett was named the director of player development at his alma mater Vanderbilt on February 8, 2021. [19]

Personal life

In 2012, Bennett held "The Prime Experience with Earl Bennett" at III Forks to help benefit his charity, "Earl Bennett's Legends for Literacy". [20]

Bennett was among the honorees at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers at a CSN fundraiser event. [21]

In January 2015, Bennett returned to Vanderbilt University to complete his educational studies degree from Peabody College of Education and Human Development. Bennett earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Houston in 2022. [22]

Earl is married to Rekeshia Bennett. They have a son, Earl Bennett Jr. and daughters, Skylah and Selah Bennett.

Related Research Articles

Az-Zahir Ali Hakim is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He also was a member of the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Willie Gault</span> American football player (born 1960)

Willie James Gault is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Raiders. Considered one of the fastest NFL players of all-time, Gault was a member of the Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic team that boycotted the 1980 Olympics.

Dennis Lewis McKinnon is an American former football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles.

Stanley Douglas Morgan is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. A "deep threat" receiver, he holds the NFL record with 19.2 yards per catch, and also holds the Patriots team record for total receiving yards in a career.

Nathaniel DeWayne Vasher is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was an All-American for the Texas Longhorns where he played college football for four seasons. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft and with them became a Pro Bowler and played in Super Bowl XLI. He was also a member of the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Cutler</span> American football player (born 1983)

Jay Christopher Cutler is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. A member of the Chicago Bears for most of his career, he is the franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Devin Hester</span> American football player (born 1982)

Devin Devorris Hester Sr. is an American former football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL). The only primary return specialist to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is widely considered to be the greatest return specialist of all time. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, where he was the first player in the university's recent history to play in all three phases of American football: offense, defense and special teams. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. In addition to Chicago, Hester also played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks over his 11-season NFL career. He is also the only player to return the opening kick of a Super Bowl for a touchdown. Hester was selected to the NFL All-Decade Team for both the 2000s and 2010s.

Skyler Levon Green is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints. He also was a member of the Edmonton Eskimos in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers, earning All-American honors.

Timothy Dwayne Hatchett McGee is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1994. Before his NFL career, he played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he set school career records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions, and was named an All American his senior year.

The 2006 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Tennessee entered the 2006 season coming off a 5–6 record in 2005. The Volunteers were given a preseason ranking of #23 in both the Coaches' Poll and the AP Poll.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeSean Jackson</span> American football player (born 1986)

DeSean William Jackson is an former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the California Golden Bears, where he was recognized as a two-time, first-team All-American in 2006 and 2007. He was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft, and also played for the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens. Jackson was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and was the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year when he was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a wide receiver and return specialist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Royal</span> American football player (born 1986)

William Edward Royal is an American former football wide receiver and return specialist. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies and was elected to its sports hall of fame in 2018. Royal also played for the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D. J. Moore (cornerback)</span> American football player (born 1987)

David James "D.J." Moore is a former American football cornerback. He was selected 119th overall in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He played college football at Vanderbilt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alshon Jeffery</span> American football player (born 1990)

Alshon Jeffery is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, earning first-team All-American honors in 2010. Jeffrey was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, he won Super Bowl LII. South Carolina retired his number in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dane Sanzenbacher</span> American football player (born 1988)

Dane Sanzenbacher is a former American football wide receiver. He was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Ohio State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marc Mariani</span> American football player (born 1987)

Marc Steven Mariani is a former American football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football for the University of Montana, and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarius Wright</span> American football player (born 1989)

Jarius Wright is a former American football wide receiver. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, where he was an All-SEC first-team selection in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cordarrelle Patterson</span> American football player (born 1991)

Cordarrelle Patterson, nicknamed "Flash", is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). A versatile utility player, he plays running back, wide receiver, return specialist, and occasionally on defense. Patterson played college football for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers, where he earned first-team All-SEC honors. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and the Atlanta Falcons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Matthews</span> American football player (born 1992)

Jordan Armand Matthews is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Vanderbilt and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. Matthews started his NFL career as a wide receiver before switching positions after the 2020 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Kirk</span> American football player (born 1996)

Christian Davon Kirk is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas A&M, and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

References

  1. "ESPN Profile". ESPN.com.
  2. "2006 Rivals.com All Americans". Archived from the original on May 3, 2008. Retrieved November 30, 2006.
  3. "2006 AP All-SEC Team". Archived from the original on May 3, 2008. Retrieved December 5, 2006.
  4. "2006 Coaches' All-SEC Team". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved December 6, 2006.
  5. "2006 Rivals.com All-SEC Team".[ permanent dead link ]
  6. "2006 Scout.com All-SEC Team".
  7. "2006 Rivals.com All American Team". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2008. Retrieved November 29, 2006.
  8. "Earl Bennett Named First Team All-SEC (info updated for accuracy)". Rivals.com . Retrieved January 17, 2007.
  9. "2008 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  10. Wright, Michael C. (March 2, 2012). "Bears wonder if Saints targeted them - Chicago Bears Blog - ESPN Chicago". Espn.go.com. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  11. "Earl Bennett fined $5,000 for orange shoes | ProFootballTalk". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. November 10, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  12. "Earl Bennett is committed to his orange shoes | ProFootballTalk". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. November 17, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  13. "Report: Earl Bennett fined for wearing orange cleats". National Football League . October 25, 2012. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  14. "Bears sign Bennett to 4-year extension". Chicagobears.com. December 2, 2011. Archived from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  15. Mayer, Larry (December 30, 2012). "Bennett provides a boost with career day". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on January 12, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
  16. Mayer, Larry (March 18, 2014). "Bears release receiver Earl Bennett". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  17. Campbell, Rich (March 18, 2014). "Bears release Earl Bennett after he declines pay cut". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved March 18, 2014.
  18. Melnick, Andrew (May 15, 2014). "Cleveland Browns sign Earl Bennett". fansided.com. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  19. "Vanderbilt Commodores coach Clark Lea adds Earl Bennett to his staff". ESPN. February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  20. "Bennett set to host a 'prime experience'". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  21. "Bennett among the honorees at benefit". Chicagobears.com. February 10, 2012. Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  22. Greenberg, Jon (February 2, 2023). "Earl Bennett's post-NFL success: From Bears receiver to life with a Ph.D." The Athletic. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2023.