Michael Bennett (defensive lineman)

Michael Bennett, Jr. (born November 13, 1985) is an American football defensive end who is currently signed to a 1-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Texas A&M.

He is the brother of Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett.

Early years
Bennett earned first-team All-District honors as a defensive lineman as a senior at Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas, after compiling 110 tackles and four quarterback sacks. He earned honorable mention All-District honors as a junior.

College career
In 2008, Bennett played in 11 games and made 42 tackles with 12.5 for losses and 2.5 sacks. In 2007, he was selected to the honorable mention All-Big 12 team at defensive end after registered 43 tackles including six tackles for a loss of yardage. In 2006 he 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 2005, as a freshman, he made 27 tackles, including 3.5 quarterback sacks, while seeing action in all 11 games (4 starts).

Pre-draft
At the NFL combine Bennett measured 6-3½ and 274 pounds and did 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, had a 31" vertical jump and a 9'2" broad jump. He ran a 5.00 forty-yard dash with a 10-yard split of 1.62 and a 20-yard split of 2.84.

Seattle Seahawks
Bennett was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks on April 27, 2009. 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. During the preseason, he compiled nine tackles, two sacks, five QB hurries, a tipped pass and a fumble recovery. He made the final roster by the end of the preseason.

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.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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.

Seattle Seahawks
Bennett was signed as a unrestricted free agent on March 14, 2013.