John Wendling

John Wendling

Wendling with the Detroit Lions in 2012
No. 29, 21
Position	Safety / Special teamer
Personal information
Born	(1983-06-04) June 4, 1983 (age 42) Cody, Wyoming, U.S.
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school	Rock Springs (WY)
College	Wyoming
NFL draft	2007: 6th round, 184th overall pick
Career history
Buffalo Bills (2007–2009) Detroit Lions (2010–2013)
Awards and highlights
First-team All-MW (2006)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles 148 Fumble recoveries 1 Pass deflections 1 Interceptions 1 Stats at Pro Football Reference

John Wendling (born June 4, 1983) is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round (184th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football at Wyoming.

During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Wendling saw most of his playing time as a gunner on special teams. He led the Bills in special teams tackles in 2009, and also led the Lions in 2010.

College career

Wendling redshirted as a freshman in 2002. In his redshirt freshman season, he played on special teams, ending up with two blocked kicks. During his sophomore redshirt season 2004, Wendling led the Cowboys in tackles with 89, and garnered Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. He also had a huge game against Air Force, making 11 tackles and breaking up two passes in a 43-26 victory over Air Force, eventually to be named MWC Defensive Player of the Week. Wendling also succeeded in his junior season, and once again earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

College statistics

Year	Games	Tackles	Assisted tackles	Interceptions	Yds	TD
2004	5	56	33	3	7	0
2005	3	0	0	3	2	0
2006	5	38	40	1	15	0
Total	13	94	73	7	24	0

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

Wendling was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round with the 184th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. ^[1] He signed a contract with the team on July 24, 2007. He was waived on February 16, 2010.

Detroit Lions

Wendling signed with the Detroit Lions on August 27, 2010.

Wendling was named a special teams Pro Bowl alternate for the NFC during the 2010 NFL season. ^[2]

Wendling's contract ran out following the 2013 season and he was not re-signed by the Lions. ^[3]

NFL career statistics

Legend
Bold	Career high

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2007	BUF	14	0	10	10	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
2008	BUF	16	0	13	10	3	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2009	BUF	16	0	27	20	7	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0
2010	DET	16	0	30	22	8	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2011	DET	16	1	25	20	5	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2012	DET	16	3	29	23	6	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2013	DET	16	0	14	10	4	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career		110	4	148	115	33	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0

Playoffs

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	TFL	Int	Yds	TD	Lng	PD	FF	FR	Yds	TD
2011	DET	1	0	1	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Career		1	0	1	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Personal life

Wendling's wife suggested that he grow out a mullet while watching a Colorado Rockies baseball game in which one of the players donned the prolific hairstyle. Wendling's teammate Reggie Bush referred to him as "Joe Dirt" due to Wendling's resemblance to David Spade's character in the 2001 comedy film by the same name. ^[4]

References

1. "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
2. Birkett, Dave (July 27, 2011). "Lions bring back John Wendling, Drew Stanton". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on September 11, 2013.
3. "Lions not planning to re-sign five free agents". February 21, 2014.
4. "Detroit Lions Q&A: John Wendling, aka 'Joe Dirt,' reveals the origins of his legendary mullet". November 8, 2013.

External links

• Detroit Lions bio Archived November 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
• Wyoming Cowboys football bio Archived March 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine