Cornelius Bennett, known for his prowess on the football field, played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). His journey began at the University of Alabama, where he gained attention for his athletic abilities and was recognized as one of the top college players in the nation. Bennett's college career was marked by numerous accolades, including being a three-time All-American and winning the prestigious Lombardi Award, which is given to the best college football lineman or linebacker.
In 1987, Bennett entered the NFL Draft and was selected as the second overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. However, he never played a game for the Colts due to a contract dispute. Instead, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills in a three-team deal that also involved the Los Angeles Rams. This trade proved to be a turning point in Bennett's career, as he became an integral part of the Bills' defense.
During his time with the Buffalo Bills, Bennett played a crucial role in the team's success. He was part of the Bills' defense that helped the team reach four consecutive Super Bowls from 1990 to 1993. Although the Bills did not win any of these Super Bowls, Bennett's performance on the field was consistently strong. He was known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and his skill in stopping the run. His efforts earned him five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors during his tenure with the Bills.
In 1996, Bennett signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he continued to demonstrate his defensive skills. He played with the Falcons for two seasons, contributing to the team's defensive strategies and helping them improve their overall performance. Bennett's experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Falcons' defense.
Bennett's career continued with the Indianapolis Colts, the team that originally drafted him, when he joined them in 1999. He played two seasons with the Colts before retiring from professional football. Throughout his career, Bennett was known for his strength, agility, and football intelligence, which allowed him to excel as a linebacker.
Off the field, Bennett was respected by teammates and coaches alike for his professionalism and work ethic. His career statistics include 71.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 1120 tackles, reflecting his effectiveness as a defensive player. Bennett's contributions to the teams he played for were recognized when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
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