Beanie Wells facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Beanie Wells

Wells (center) with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2008
No. 26
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1988-08-07) August 7, 1988 (age 37) Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:	229 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school:	Garfield (Akron)
College:	Ohio State (2006–2008)
NFL Draft:	2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 31
Career history
Arizona Cardinals (2009–2012)
Career highlights and awards
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2009) First-team All-Big Ten (2007) Second-team All-Big Ten (2008)
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts: 625 Rushing yards: 2,471 Receptions: 28 Receiving yards: 293 Total touchdowns: 24
Player stats at PFR

Christopher Michael Wells (born August 7, 1988), known as Chris Wells or Beanie Wells, is a former professional football player. He played as a running back for the Arizona Cardinals in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Cardinals chose him in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Football

Chris Wells was a highly talented athlete in high school. He played football at Akron Garfield High School and also ran track. His coach said Beanie was one of the most exciting players he had ever seen. Many people thought he was the best football recruit from Ohio.

Wells played at Akron Garfield High from 2002 to 2005. He was very fast, running the 100 meters in 10.8 seconds. He also ran a 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. In 2006, he was named a top running back and an All-American by Parade magazine. Even though big schools like Michigan and USC wanted him, Wells always dreamed of playing for Ohio State.

College Football Career

Beanie Wells wore the number 28 during his time at Ohio State.

Freshman Season (2006)

In his first year, Wells shared playing time with another running back, Antonio Pittman. He had a strong freshman year and was an important part of the 2006 Buckeyes. In his very first college game, he ran for 50 yards and scored a touchdown. A big moment was in the game against Michigan, where he ran 52 yards for a touchdown. This play helped Ohio State win the game.

Freshman Statistics

Sophomore Season (2007)

After Antonio Pittman left for the NFL, Wells became the main starting running back for Ohio State. He started every game that year. On October 20, he had an amazing game against Michigan State, running for 221 yards and scoring a touchdown. Later, against Michigan, he rushed for 222 yards. This was the second-highest rushing total by an Ohio State player against Michigan. He led the Big Ten Conference in rushing attempts that season.

Sophomore Statistics

Junior Season (2008)

Wells started his junior year strong, rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown in his first game. However, he got a foot injury and missed three games. He returned on September 27, 2008, and continued to play well. He rushed for 106 yards against Minnesota and 168 yards against Wisconsin. In one game against Illinois, he made a memorable play by leaping over a defender.

Junior Statistics

College Awards and Honors

• 2006 Parade All-American
• 2006 U.S. Army All-American Bowl MVP (Most Valuable Player)
• 2007 All-Big Ten first-team
• 2007 Rivals.com Second-team All-American
• 2008 team MVP

Professional Football Career

Wells (left) and teammates during 2010 preseason camp.

The Arizona Cardinals picked Chris Wells in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He was the 31st player chosen overall. He competed with Tim Hightower for the starting running back position.

On August 1, 2009, Wells signed a five-year contract with the Cardinals. Later that day, he got an ankle injury during practice.

In his first NFL game in Week 1 of the 2009 season, Wells ran for 29 yards. In Week 7, he scored his first NFL touchdown with a 13-yard run. In Week 15, he had his first game with over 100 rushing yards, gaining 110 yards and scoring a touchdown. In the playoffs, he scored his first postseason touchdown. He finished his first NFL season with 793 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

In the 2010 season, Wells played in 13 games. He rushed for 397 yards and two touchdowns.

For the 2011 NFL season, the Cardinals decided to focus more on running the ball, with Wells as their main running back. This was because Tim Hightower had left the team.

In Week 4 of the 2011 season, Wells had a great game, rushing for 138 yards and three touchdowns. On November 27, 2011, he set a new Cardinals team record by rushing for 228 yards in one game. This was also his personal best. Wells finished the 2011 season with over 1,000 rushing yards, totaling 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns.

In 2012, Wells was placed on the injured reserve list because of a foot injury. He returned to play on November 25, 2012, and scored two touchdowns. His time with the team ended on March 11, 2013, when the Arizona Cardinals released him.

On October 9, 2013, Wells suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during a workout with the Baltimore Ravens. After this injury, he did not sign with another NFL team.

NFL Career Statistics

Personal Life

Chris Wells is one of eleven children in his family. His parents are James and Paulette Wells. He got the nickname "Beanie" from his family when he was young. He once said his big brother called him "skinny like a bean pole," and the name stuck!