Michael Bennett (running back)

Michael A. Bennett (born August 13, 1978 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an American football running back for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings 27th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin.

A Pro Bowl selection with the Vikings in 2002, Bennett has also been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers. He was one of the fastest sprinters in college history clocking in a record 4.13 in the 40-yard dash, the fastest in NFL history.

Early years

Bennett attended Milwaukee Bradley Tech High School. As a senior, he was ranked the top football player in the state, and was an All-State selection. As a junior at the 1997 state track meet, he set records in the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes, then broke both records as a senior in 1998. His nationally ranked records of 10.33 in the 100 and 20.68 in the 200 still stand to this day.

College career

Bennett attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison 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 (plus 10.00 wind-aided), and 20.66 seconds in the 200-meter dash.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Bennett, at , ran a 4.28 in the 40...
Read More