Michael Bennett (defensive lineman, born 1985)

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Michael Bennett

| image = Michael Bennett 2013 Seahawks.jpg

| caption = Bennett with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013

| current_team =

| number = 71, 72, 77, 79

| position = Defensive end

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|11|13|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Independence, Louisiana, U.S.

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 4

| weight_lbs = 274

| high_school = Alief Taylor (Houston, Texas)

| college = Texas A&M (2005–2008)

| undraftedyear = 2009

| pastteams =

Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2009}})
Tampa Bay Buccaneers ({{NFL Year|2009}}–{{NFL Year|2012}})
Seattle Seahawks ({{NFL Year|2013}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})
Philadelphia Eagles ({{NFL Year|2018}})
New England Patriots ({{NFL Year|2019}})
Dallas Cowboys ({{NFL Year|2019}})

| status =

| highlights =

Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
3× Pro Bowl (2015–2017)

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 359

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 69.5

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 10

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 3

| statlabel5 = Pass deflections

| statvalue5 = 5

| statlabel6 = Defensive touchdowns

| statvalue6 = 1

| pfr = BennMi99

}}

Michael Bennett Jr. (born November 13, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies, and signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Bennett also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and Dallas Cowboys. Over his career Bennett made three Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks. He is the brother of former tight end Martellus Bennett.

Early life

Bennett attended Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas, where he played football, baseball, and competed in track. In football, he earned first-team All-District honors as a defensive lineman in his senior year, after compiling 110 tackles and four sacks. He also earned honorable mention All-District honors as a junior. In track & field, Bennett was a standout discus thrower, with a top-throw of 45.72 meters (147 ft).{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett | Louisiana Tech | Seahawks DE |url=https://www.trackingfootball.com/players/michael-bennett-7500/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109193045/https://www.trackingfootball.com/players/michael-bennett-7500/ |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |access-date=November 9, 2014 |df=mdy-all}} In addition, he also ran a 4.79-second 40-yard dash and jumped 36.5 inches in the vertical jump.{{Cite web |title=Rivals.com |url=https://tamu.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=51047 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109193202/https://tamu.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=51047 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |website=tamu.rivals.com}}

College career

In 2005, as a freshman at Texas A&M, he made 27 tackles, including 3.5 quarterback sacks, while seeing action in all 11 games and starting 4. In 2006, he was the team's top tackler among defenders that did not start a game—he posted 27 tackles, including two sacks and 6 tackles for loss, while seeing action in every game. He also forced a pair of fumbles and batted down a pass. In 2007, he was selected to the honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference team at defensive end after registered 43 tackles including six tackles for a loss of yardage. In 2008, Bennett played in 11 games and made 42 tackles with 12.5 for losses and 2.5 sacks. He also played alongside his brother, Martellus Bennett, from 2006 to 2008 at Texas A&M.

Professional career

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 3 1/2

| weight = 274

| dash = 5.13

| ten split = 1.62

| twenty split = 2.84

| shuttle =

| cone drill =

| vertical = 31.0

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 2

| bench = 24

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 33 1/2

| hand span = 9 3/4

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/michael-bennett/32004245-4e38-4391-8392-8d07ba42fc4c |title=Michael Bennett Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 26, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=8132 |title=Michael Bennett, Combine Results, DE - Texas A&M |website=nflcombineresults.com |access-date=April 26, 2022}}

}}

=Seattle Seahawks (first stint)=

Bennett was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on April 27, 2009.{{Cite news |last=Johns |first=Greg |date=August 29, 2009 |title=A Seahawks sleeper: Rookie Bennett making his mark |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlesports/archives/177771.asp}} An NFL Draft analyst noted that Bennett was not drafted probably due to his inconsistent performance in college. The team initially believed he could serve at left defensive end. After working with coaches during training camp, he was moved to the inside as a pass-rushing tackle.{{Cite news |title=Seahawks rookie tackles new role |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/story/864574.html?source=rss}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Undrafted Michael Bennett showing size isn't everything on Seahawks' defensive line |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawks/2009787055_hawks02.html}}{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Michael Bennett's move inside says something about Seattle's ends |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/seahawksblog/2009793767_michael_bennett.html}} During the preseason, he compiled nine tackles, two sacks, five QB hurries, a tipped pass and a fumble recovery.{{Cite news |title=Monday Morning QB |url=http://blog.seahawks.com/2009/09/07/monday-morning-qb-3/ |access-date=September 8, 2009 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721131111/http://blog.seahawks.com/2009/09/07/monday-morning-qb-3/ |url-status=dead }} He made the final roster by the end of the preseason.{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Eric |date=September 5, 2009 |title=Seahawks final 53-man roster |url=http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2009/09/05/seahawks-final-53-man-roster/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009023937/http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2009/09/05/seahawks-final-53-man-roster/ |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |access-date=September 6, 2009 |work=The News Tribune |df=mdy-all}}{{Cite news |title=Poster players for perseverance |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Poster-players-for-perseverance/a74c7264-9e7d-42b6-aa1c-c4b50b95e751 |access-date=September 6, 2009 |archive-date=September 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909182829/http://www.seahawks.com/news/articles/article-1/Poster-players-for-perseverance/a74c7264-9e7d-42b6-aa1c-c4b50b95e751 |url-status=dead }}

Bennett was waived by the Seahawks on October 10, 2009 in order to make room for offensive tackle Kyle Williams, who was signed off of the practice squad.{{Cite news |title=Seahawks add OT Williams, release DL Bennett |url=http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2009/10/10/seahawks-add-ot-williams-release-dl-bennett/ |url-status=dead |access-date=October 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009023958/http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2009/10/10/seahawks-add-ot-williams-release-dl-bennett/ |archive-date=October 9, 2011 |df=mdy-all}}

=Tampa Bay Buccaneers=

File:Michael Bennett (defensive lineman).JPG

Bennett was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 12, 2009. Tampa Bay switched him back to defensive tackle, and he became a key part of the defense filling in for the injured Gerald McCoy.

Bennett's best season as a Buccaneer came in 2012 when he recorded career-highs in tackles (41), sacks (9), and forced fumbles (3).

=Seattle Seahawks (second stint)=

Bennett was signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Seahawks on March 14, 2013.{{Cite news |last=Farnsworth |first=Clare |date=March 15, 2013 |title=MICHAEL BENNETT SIGNING IS OFFICIAL |publisher=Seattle Seahawks |url=http://blog.seahawks.com/2013/03/15/michael-bennett-signing-is-official/ |access-date=August 22, 2016 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915223001/http://blog.seahawks.com/2013/03/15/michael-bennett-signing-is-official/ |url-status=dead }} He signed a 1-year contract reportedly worth $4.8 million, with $1.5 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Spotrac.com |title=Michael Bennett |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/michael-bennett/ |website=Spotrac.com}} On March 24, 2013, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Bennett had a torn rotator cuff.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=March 24, 2013 |title=Michael Bennett reportedly has torn rotator cuff |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/michael-bennett-reportedly-has-torn-rotator-cuff-0ap1000000153219 |access-date=March 24, 2013 |publisher=National Football League}} On December 2, 2013, Bennett scored his first NFL touchdown against the New Orleans Saints after recovering a fumble from the Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Bennett was a key contributor to the 2013 Seahawks defensive unit that ranked first in the NFL and went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII.

On March 10, 2014, the day before free agency began for the 2014 season, the Seahawks re-signed Bennett to a four-year, $28.5 million contract with $16 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=March 10, 2014 |title=Michael Bennett re-signs with Seattle Seahawks |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/michael-bennett-re-signs-with-seattle-seahawks-0ap2000000332423 |access-date=March 10, 2014 |website=NFL.com}} Rumors had previously stated that Michael could be joining his brother Martellus in Chicago.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Rich |date=March 10, 2014 |title=Michael Bennett re-signs with Seahawks |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-michael-bennett-bears-martellus-20140310,0,7854962.story |access-date=March 10, 2014 |website=Chicagotribune.com}}

After the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game on January 18, 2015, Bennett commandeered a Seattle police officer's bicycle and took a victory lap around Century Link Field.{{Cite news |last=Quinton |first=Sean |date=January 18, 2015 |title=Michael Bennett takes a victory lap |work=The Seattle Times |url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2015/01/18/michael-bennett-takes-a-victory-lap/ |access-date=August 22, 2016}}

In Super Bowl XLIX, with 18 seconds left in the end of the game, Bennett committed a neutral zone infraction. Afterward, a brawl ensued, which Bennett took part in. The Seahawks lost to the New England Patriots 24–28.

On October 22 of the 2015 season, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Michael Bennett recorded 3.5 sacks of Colin Kaepernick. The Seahawks won the game 20-3, and Bennett was named defensive player of the week for his performance.{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett named NFC Defensive Player of the Week |url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seattle-seahawk-michael-bennett-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week/}}

Eight games into the 2015 season, Bennett was ranked as the ninth-best edge defender in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. Through those eight games he had 31 total tackles (21 solo), 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 8 tackles for loss.{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Focus - In-Depth Football Stats and Rankings |url=http://profootballfocus.com/ |website=profootballfocus.com}} He was ranked 59th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 59 Michael Bennett |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000666116/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-59-Michael-Bennett |website=NFL.com}}

On December 30, 2016, Bennett signed a three-year $31.5 million contract extension with the Seahawks, with one year still on his previous contract, now keeping Bennett signed through the 2020 season.{{Cite web |last=Orr, Conor |date=December 30, 2016 |title=Michael Bennett inks $31.5M extension with Seahawks |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/michael-bennett-inks-31-5m-extension-with-seahawks-0ap3000000766127 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Kapadia, Sheil |date=December 30, 2016 |title=Michael Bennett, Seahawks reach 3-year extension |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18376951/de-michael-bennett-sign-extension-seattle-seahawks |website=ESPN.com}} He was named to his second straight Pro Bowl in 2016, and was ranked 46th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title='Top 100 Players of 2017': No. 46 Michael Bennett |url=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000811947/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-46-Michael-Bennett |website=NFL.com}}

On December 10, 2017, in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bennett struck the knees of Jaguars center Brandon Linder on a kneel down. This led to an altercation between the two teams, and that resulted in teammates Sheldon Richardson and Quinton Jefferson being ejected from the contest.{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett sparked scuffle after dangerous cheap shot during Jaguars kneel-down |date=December 11, 2017 |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/12/michael-bennett-video-cheap-shot-jaguars-seahawks-kneel-down-center-hit-penalty-nfl |access-date=December 11, 2017 |publisher=For the Win}}

On January 22, 2018, Bennett earned his third straight invite to the Pro Bowl after Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen could not attend due to injury.{{Cite web |last=Boyle, John |date=January 22, 2018 |title=Seahawks Defensive End Michael Bennett Named To 2018 Pro Bowl Roster |url=http://www.seahawks.com/news/2018/01/22/seahawks-defensive-end-michael-bennett-named-2018-pro-bowl-roster |website=Seahawks.com}}

=Philadelphia Eagles=

On March 7, 2018, the Seahawks agreed to a trade that would send Bennett and a seventh round pick in the 2018 NFL draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for wide receiver Marcus Johnson and a fifth round draft pick.{{Cite web |last=Sessler, Marc |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Seahawks trading DE Michael Bennett to Eagles |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/seahawks-trading-de-michael-bennett-to-eagles-0ap3000000919976 |website=NFL.com}} The deal became official on March 14, 2018, at the start of the new NFL league year.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2018 |title=Eagles Acquire DE Michael Bennett From Seahawks |url=http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagles-Acquire-DE-Michael-Bennett-From-Seahawks/740f9d1d-4895-47ed-8434-638961b689a0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023034/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagles-Acquire-DE-Michael-Bennett-From-Seahawks/740f9d1d-4895-47ed-8434-638961b689a0 |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2018 |website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com |df=mdy-all}} He played in all 16 games with 10 starts, recording 34 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.

=New England Patriots=

On March 14, 2019, Bennett and a seventh-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft were traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for a fifth-round 2020 draft selection.{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Chris |date=March 14, 2019 |title=Eagles acquire 2020 draft pick from New England for DE Michael Bennett |url=https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/eagles-acquire-2020-draft-pick-from-new-england-for-de-michael-bennett |website=PhiladelphiaEagles.com}}

In week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, Bennett recorded his first sack of the season in the 43-0 win.{{Cite web |date=15 September 2019 |title=Newcomer Brown scores as Patriots beat Dolphins 43-0 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127862 |access-date=15 September 2019 |website=ESPN}} On October 15, Bennett was suspended by the Patriots for one game — a Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets — for conduct detrimental to the team. Bennett said his suspension was the result of a "philosophical disagreement" with his position coach, and apologized for his conduct.{{Cite tweet |number=1184186339199201282 |user=schultz_report |title=Just spoke with #Pats DE Michael Bennett, who provided this statement to ESPN re his one-week suspension: “On Friday, I had a philosophical disagreement with my position coach that has led to my suspension. I apologize to my teammates for any distraction this may have caused.” |author=Schultz, Jordan |date=October 15, 2019}} He was reinstated from suspension on October 22, but his return was short-lived as he was traded just days later.{{Cite web |last=Abdeldaiem |first=Alaa |date=October 24, 2019 |title=Report: Patriots Trade DE Michael Bennet to Cowboys for 2021 Seventh-Round Pick |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/24/patriots-trade-michael-bennett-cowboys-seventh-round-pick |access-date=October 24, 2019 |website=SI.com |publisher=Sports Illustrated}}

=Dallas Cowboys=

File:Michael Bennett 2019.jpg ]]

On October 24, 2019, Bennett was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a conditional 2021 sixth-round selection (#195-Roy Lopez). He was acquired to offset the loss of defensive end Tyrone Crawford, who was placed on the injured reserve list on October 15.{{Cite web |title=Jerry Jones: Nothing negative about DE Michael Bennett, he fits great with Cowboys |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article236657223.html |access-date=October 26, 2019}} He was a backup defensive end, registering 18 tackles (8 for loss), 4 sacks, and 24 quarterback pressures in 9 games. He was not re-signed after the season.

=Retirement=

On July 21, 2020, Bennett announced his retirement from the NFL after eleven seasons.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=July 21, 2020 |title=Michael Bennett retires from the NFL after 11 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/michael-bennett-retires-from-the-nfl-after-11-seasons |access-date=July 21, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}

NFL career statistics

class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

! colspan="2"| Legend

style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|

| Won the Super Bowl

Bold

| Career high

=Regular season=

rowspan="2"\| Year ! rowspan="2"\| Team ! colspan="2"\| Games ! colspan="4"\| Tackles ! colspan="4"\| Fumbles ! colspan="6"\| Interceptions
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
GP	GS	Comb	Solo	Ast	Sck	FF	FR	Yds	TD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD
rowspan="2"\|2009	SEA \| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| colspan="13"\| {{abbr\|DNP\|Did not play}}
TB \| 7 \|\| 0 \|\| 3 \|\| 2 \|\| 1 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2010	TB \| 13 \|\| 2 \|\| 15 \|\| 13 \|\| 2 \|\| 1.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1
2011	TB \| 14 \|\| 10 \|\| 39 \|\| 35 \|\| 4 \|\| 4.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2012	TB \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 41 \|\| 34 \|\| 7 \|\| 9.0 \|\| 3 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2
2013	style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"\|SEA \| 16 \|\| 3 \|\| 31 \|\| 18 \|\| 13 \|\| 8.5 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 22 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2014	SEA \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 38 \|\| 26 \|\| 12 \|\| 7.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2015	SEA \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 52 \|\| 33 \|\| 19 \|\| 10.0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2016	SEA \| 11 \|\| 11 \|\| 34 \|\| 24 \|\| 10 \|\| 5.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2017	SEA \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 40 \|\| 25 \|\| 15 \|\| 8.5 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1
2018	PHI \| 16 \|\| 10 \|\| 34 \|\| 25 \|\| 9 \|\| 9.0 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1
rowspan="2"\|2019	NE \| 6 \|\| 1 \|\| 5 \|\| 4 \|\| 1 \|\| 2.5 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
DAL \| 9 \|\| 0 \|\| 27 \|\| 20 \|\| 7 \|\| 4.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1
colspan="2"\| Career{{Cite web \|title=Michael Bennett Stats \|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/12762/michael-bennett \|access-date=March 16, 2015 \|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}	156	101	359	259	100	69.5	10	3	22	1	0	0	0.0	0	0	5

Awards and highlights

Post-NFL career

= Philanthropy =

Bennett, together with his wife, Pele, established The Bennett Foundation with the stated mission of promoting health and fitness in underserved communities.{{Cite web |title=The Bennett Foundation {{!}} Community, Education, Activity & Nutrition |url=https://thebennettfoundation.org/ |access-date=2020-12-01 |website=The Bennett Foundation |language=en-US}} The foundation operates out of Washington, Texas, and Hawaii, offering free and accessible education, children's camps and activities, and health screenings. The foundation organizes the yearly O.C.E.A.N. Health Fest has worked to develop in-school nutrition education programs.{{Cite news |last=Silverman |first=Robert |date=2020-06-12 |title=Michael Bennett: Roger Goodell's Black Lives Matter Apology Is a 'Slap in the Face' |language=en |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/nfl-star-michael-bennett-feels-roger-goodells-black-lives-matter-apology-is-a-slap-in-the-face |access-date=2020-12-01}}

= Mouthpeace =

In January 2020, Bennett partnered with Lemonada Media to launch Mouthpeace with Michael and Pele, a weekly podcast exploring topics such as family, his career, American society, and culture. Bennett hosts the series alongside his wife, Pele.

The first episode of Mouthpeace was released on January 31, 2020, and subsequent guests have included Dr. John Carlos, Dawan Landry, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Beto O’Rourke, Edouardo Jordan, Laila Ali, and Cliff Avril.{{Cite web |title=Mouthpeace with Michael Bennett & Pele Bennett on Apple Podcasts |url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mouthpeace-with-michael-bennett-pele-bennett/id1493536254 |access-date=2020-12-01 |website=Apple Podcasts |language=en-us}}

Personal life

Bennett has two sisters: Ashley Bennett and Renekia Leathers; and three brothers: Donte, Martellus, and Reshaud Bennett. Martellus also played in the NFL, a tight end who was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite news |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=March 8, 2014 |title=Bears appear to be looking for Bennett family reunion |work=NBCSports.com |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/08/bears-appear-to-be-looking-for-bennett-family-reunion/ |access-date=March 10, 2014}}

Bennett's sack dance, in which he places his hands on his head and swivels his hips, was modeled after professional wrestler Rick Rude.{{Cite news |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=January 1, 2014 |title=Bennett's 'Rude' celebration has pro wrestling roots |publisher=KIRO-AM |url=http://mynorthwest.com/292/2424696/Bennetts-Rude-celebration-has-pro-wrestling-roots |access-date=January 2, 2014}}

Starting in 2017, Bennett began kneeling during the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before games. He said his stance was influenced by the violence at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.{{Cite news |last=Lutz |first=Tom |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Michael Bennett sits for anthem with more NFL players set to follow |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2017/aug/14/michael-bennett-anthem-protest-seattle-seahawks-nfl-Charlottesville |url-status=dead |access-date=September 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906173614/https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2017/aug/14/michael-bennett-anthem-protest-seattle-seahawks-nfl-charlottesville |archive-date=September 6, 2017}}{{Cite news |date=August 14, 2017 |title=Seahawks' Michael Bennett Plans to Sit for National Anthem |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/14/sports/seahawks-michael-bennett-plans-to-sit-for-national-anthem.html |access-date=September 7, 2017}} Bennett declined a trip to Israel with other NFL players in 2017 citing his support for the Palestinian cause.{{cite web | last=Danzig | first=Micha | title=What The NFL Players Refusing A Trip To Israel Can Learn From Muhammad Ali | website=The Forward | date=2017-02-15 | url=https://forward.com/community/363290/what-the-nfl-players-refusing-a-trip-to-israel-can-learn-from-muhammad-ali/ | access-date=2024-09-24}}

In the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, Bennett endorsed Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary, praising him for his positions on climate control and social justice.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-23 |title=Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett on Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders: 'He's my pick' |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seattle-seahawks-defensive-tackle-michael-bennett-on-why-hes-voting-for-bernie-sanders/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}} In the 2020 election, he again endorsed Sanders.{{Cite tweet |number=1102702279529021441 |user=OurRev305 |title=Michael Bennett is an Eagle, Super Bowl Champ, feminist, activist, organizer, & change maker. “I supported Bernie in 2016 bc we needed an unflinching vision for transforming our world that includes people of all identities & backgrounds. In 2020 I believe the same.” #Bernie2020 |date=March 4, 2019}}{{Cite tweet |number=1102715677771776001 |user=Thomasurlatoile |title=Super Bowl winner and author Michael Bennett (Philadelphia Eagles) endorses Bernie for President |date=March 4, 2019}}

In August 2020, Bennett, fellow athletes and voting rights activists joined VoteRiders to celebrate the legacy of Rep. John Lewis and mark the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by helping eligible voters get the ID needed to cast a ballot. Bennett used the #makegoodtrouble hashtag on social media to honor Rep. Lewis.{{cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Michael |title=Tomorrow marks 55 years... |url=https://www.facebook.com/MichaelBennettOfficial/posts/pfbid02gLAKXiETabUuUZ5BYSRQsYthKMEojQjrZShDhy8KqEx7AoCdQvqvaNtzpKMwkUwLl |website=Facebook |publisher=Meta |access-date=27 July 2023}}

Legal issues

In August 2017, Bennett was involved in an incident outside a Las Vegas nightclub with two police officers. Bennett claimed that the officers used excessive force on him and stated the police "threatened to blow my head off."{{cite web | title=NFL's Michael Bennett says police threatened to 'blow my head off' | website=NBC News | date=2017-09-06 | url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nfl-s-michael-bennett-says-police-threatened-blow-my-f-n799276 | access-date=2024-09-24}} The police have denied his accusations, and claim the video evidence does not corroborate Bennett's story. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said he found no evidence that three officers who encountered Bennett racially profiled him or used excessive force against him.{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2017 |title=Vegas police release body cam footage, say Michael Bennett was not mistreated, profiled |url=https://nypost.com/2017/09/29/vegas-police-release-body-cam-footage-say-michael-bennett-was-not-mistreated-profiled/ |agency=Associated Press}} The incident remains under investigation.{{Cite news |last=Boren |first=Cindy |date=September 6, 2017 |title='Terrified and confused': Seahawks' Michael Bennett tells of traumatic police encounter |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/09/06/im-going-to-die-for-no-other-reason-than-i-am-black-michael-bennett-tells-of-police-encounter/ |access-date=September 8, 2017}}{{Cite tweet |number=905430701595652096 |user=mosesbread72 |title=Equality. |author=Michael Bennett |date=September 6, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Spain |first=Kevin |date=September 7, 2017 |title=Las Vegas police: 'No evidence' race played role in Michael Bennett incident |publisher=KHOU |agency=USA Today |url=http://www.khou.com/sports/mlb/las-vegas-police-no-evidence-race-played-role-in-michael-bennett-incident/471794348 |access-date=September 7, 2017}}{{cite web | title=Bennett: Las Vegas incident a 'traumatic experience' | website=NFL.com | date=2017-09-06 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bennett-las-vegas-incident-a-traumatic-experience-0ap3000000839845 | access-date=2024-09-24}}

On March 23, 2018, a warrant was issued for Bennett's arrest by police in Harris County, Texas for allegedly injuring an elderly paraplegic worker at Super Bowl LI, held 13 months previously.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Eagles' Michael Bennett indicted on felony charge, has warrant out for arrest |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/eagles-michael-bennett-indicted-on-felony-charge-has-warrant-out-for-arrest/ |access-date=March 23, 2018 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} On March 26 Bennett returned to the U.S. from outside the country (where he was when his arrest warrant was issued) and surrendered to police custody.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=March 26, 2018 |title=Michael Bennett's lawyer defends client upon surrender |url=https://247sports.com/article/michael-bennetts-lawyer-defends-client-upon-surrender--116714882/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} He posted a $10,000 bail bond and was set free.{{Cite web |last=McManus |first=Tim |date=2018-03-30 |title=Michael Bennett to plead not guilty if case reaches trial |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22966999 |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=ESPN.com |language=en-US}} Bennett pleaded not guilty in April.{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Michael Bennett takes the high road regarding his arrest |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/Article/Michael-Bennett-takes-the-high-road-regarding-his-arrest-118999097/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} The court date was postponed six times: in April, May,{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett has court date pushed back again |url=https://247sports.com/Article/Michael-Bennett-has-court-date-pushed-back-again-118272264/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} June,{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett has court date delayed once again |url=https://247sports.com/Article/Michael-Bennett-has-court-date-delayed-once-again-119392341/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} August,{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett court date pushed back once again |url=https://247sports.com/Article/Eagles-Training-Camp-Michael-Bennett-court-date-pushed-back-once-again-120491775/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} September,{{Cite web |title=Michael Bennett court date postponed...again |url=https://247sports.com/Article/Michael-Bennett-court-date-122249780/ |access-date=2019-03-05 |website=247Sports |language=en-US}} October,{{cite web | title=Michael Bennett court date has been pushed back again | website=247Sports | date=2018-10-18 | url=https://247sports.com/Article/Michael-Bennett-Eagles-court-date-pushed-back-123467829/ | access-date=2024-09-24}} and March 2019. On April 3, 2019, criminal charges against Bennett were dropped due to insufficient evidence.{{Cite web |last=Barron |first=David |date=April 3, 2019 |title=Charges against Michael Bennett dropped because of insufficient evidence |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Charges-against-Michael-Bennett-dropped-because-13739414.php |access-date=2019-05-02 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US}}

References

Bibliography

Things That Make White People Uncomfortable. With Dave Zirin. Foreword by Martellus Bennett. Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2018.
The Bread of Teaching., 2009