Michael Bennett

In the midst of a promising season sidetracked by injuries, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found themselves in dire need of running back.  They promptly found their man by trading for Michael Bennett.  After spending the early part of the 2007 season with Kansas City, Bennett spent the final 8 games with the Bucs where he complied a 4.6 yards per carry average and 2 touchdowns, helping Tampa Bay to the NFC South Division title.

After five successful seasons in Minnesota, where he amassed over 4,200 total yards, Michael Bennett spent 2006 with the Kansas City Chiefs.  With the Chiefs, Bennett formed one of the deepest and most talented backfields in the NFL, as he played alongside, All-Pro running back Larry Johnson.  The rushing tandem combined for 2,100 yards combined, finishing 5th in the AFC in rushing.   

In 2005 Michael Bennett caught 27 passes, recorded 597 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns in 16 games for the Minnesota Vikings. Michael's season was highlighted by a 106 yard rushing performance, which included a receiving TD in week 9 against Detroit. Bennett has proven to be one of the top backs in the National Football League.  In just five years with the Minnesota Vikings, Michael has moved into the Top Ten all time on the Minnesota Vikings career rushing with 3,174 total yards.  His 1,296 yards in 2002 is the 2nd-best single-season rushing performance in Vikings history, which in turn earned him a trip to the 2002 Pro Bowl.

Bennett established himself as a breakaway threat in the final 8 games of his rookie season averaging 4.4 yards per carry, running 111 times for 485 yards and a pair of TD's. He has started 36 of the 37 games in his career and has started 24 straight contests.

Michael comes from a football family. He grew up watching his Uncle Tony Bennett play for the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts. Being around football was natural and led to a football scholarship at the University of Wisconsin. While attending UW, Michael was also a stand out athlete in track and field. He won the Big Ten indoor 60m and 200m titles and the outdoor 100m and 200m titles in 2000. Bennett has turned down chances for Olympic glory to focus on his NFL dream.
 
Though out his high school and college career, Michael was a big influence at the Milwaukee and Madison Boys & Girls Clubs. In both cities he reached out, mentored and befriended children of all ages. Bennett now is a key contributor to activities surrounding the Vikings Children's fund; such as American Dairy Associations Jingle Jam and “Bowl with the Vikings”.
 
Michael is also an avid fisherman who sponsors and competes in numerous fishing tournaments during the off-season and also enjoys off-roading on ATV's.

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