Cornelius Bennett facts for kids
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||
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| Born: | August 25, 1965 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Ensley (Birmingham) | ||||||||
| College: | Alabama (1983–1986) | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1987 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Cornelius O'Landa Bennett, born on August 25, 1965, is a famous former American football player. He was an amazing linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Cornelius played for the Buffalo Bills from 1987 to 1995. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1996 to 1998 and the Indianapolis Colts from 1999 to 2000.
Bennett was chosen for the Pro Bowl five times, which is a big honor for football players. He also won the AFC Defensive Player of the Year award twice.
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Early Life and High School Sports
Cornelius Bennett was born in Birmingham, Alabama. When he was in Ensley High School, he played many different positions on the football team, including halfback.
He was also a very good basketball and baseball player in high school. In his senior year, he was an all-state football player. He ran for over 1,000 yards! His friends called him "Biscuit" because he always seemed to have room for more food.
College Football Career
Cornelius Bennett played college football for the University of Alabama from 1983 to 1986. He was chosen for the College Football All-America Team three times, which is a rare achievement. Only one other Alabama player has done this.
In his senior year, he won the Lombardi Award, which goes to the best college football lineman or linebacker. He was also named the SEC Player of the Year. He even finished 7th in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football.
During his four years at Alabama, Bennett made 287 tackles and 21.5 sacks. One of his most famous plays happened in 1986. He made a huge tackle on Notre Dame quarterback Steve Beuerlein. This play was so memorable that an artist even made a painting of it called ‘The Sack.’ In 2005, Cornelius Bennett was honored by being chosen for the College Football Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Journey
After his amazing college career, Cornelius Bennett was picked by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1987 NFL draft. He was the second player chosen overall, which shows how talented he was. Many people thought he was the best linebacker in his draft class.
However, Bennett and the Colts could not agree on a contract. So, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills. This trade was a big deal at the time. It involved three teams and was called "the trade of the decade" by The New York Times.
Playing in the NFL
Cornelius Bennett was a very talented player at the left outside linebacker position. His skills helped the teams he played for reach the Super Bowl five times. He went to four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills and one with the Atlanta Falcons.
During his 14 seasons in the NFL, he had 71.5 sacks and 7 interceptions. He also forced 31 fumbles and recovered 27 fumbles. At the time he retired, his 27 defensive fumble recoveries were among the most in NFL history.
In 2004, Bennett was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Cornelius Bennett is also a cousin of the late Marquise Hill, who was a defensive end for the New England Patriots.
Supporting Brain Health Research
In May 2010, Cornelius Bennett announced that he would support research into long-term brain injuries that can happen from playing football. This research helps scientists learn more about how to keep athletes safe.
