Martellus Bennett

Martellus Bennett – Life, Career, and Meaning Beyond the Field

Martellus Bennett (born March 10, 1987) is an American former NFL tight end turned children’s author and creative entrepreneur. Discover his journey, achievements, philosophy, and memorable words.

Introduction

Martellus Demond Bennett is a retired American football player, best known for his ten seasons as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). But Bennett has also cultivated a rich creative life off the field—writing children’s books, producing films, and founding “The Imagination Agency.” His story is one of athletic success, creative reinvention, and the bridging of sport and art.

Early Life and Family

Bennett was born on March 10, 1987 (often cited as born in San Diego, California) Alief Taylor High School in Houston, Texas, where he played both football and basketball.

He comes from an athletic family: his older brother, Michael Bennett, is a former NFL defensive lineman.

Youth, Education & College Career

At Texas A&M University, Bennett played three seasons of football (2005–2007). 105 receptions for 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns—a record for a tight end at the school.

As a sophomore, he caught 38 passes for 497 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors.

Interestingly, Bennett also played college basketball for Texas A&M for two seasons before committing fully to football.

Professional Career & Achievements

NFL Entry & Dallas Cowboys (2008–2011)

Bennett was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (61st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.

New York Giants (2012)

In 2012, Bennett signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants.

Chicago Bears (2013–2015)

Bennett then joined the Chicago Bears in 2013 on a multi-year contract. Pro Bowl selection in 2014.

In 2015, injuries and disputes with management marred his season; he finished with 53 catches and 439 yards, and later expressed frustration publicly about team dynamics.

New England Patriots (2016)

In 2016, Bennett was traded to the New England Patriots, where he became a key target, especially after injuries to other tight ends. 7 touchdowns—a career high in scoring. Super Bowl LI, he caught 5 passes for 62 yards and drew a crucial pass interference penalty in overtime that set up the game-winner.

Green Bay Packers & Return to Patriots (2017)

In 2017, Bennett signed a three-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. Patriots again. injured reserve, and he did not play beyond that season.

Retirement

On March 23, 2018, Bennett officially announced his retirement from the NFL to focus on his creative endeavors. 144 NFL games, amassed 433 receptions, 4,573 receiving yards, and scored 30 touchdowns.

Other Ventures & Creative Life

The Imagination Agency

Upon retiring, Bennett pivoted to his company, The Imagination Agency, which produces children’s books, animated shorts, apps, and multimedia content. Hey A.J. It’s Saturday, published in 2016.

He also created and directed an animated short film titled Zoovie, in which he provided the sketches and storyboards, and collaborated with rappers and artists.

Before his retirement, Bennett had also released musical work—an album called Fast Food (with his brother Reshaud Bennett) and a mixtape titled Year of the Orange Dinosaur.

Historical Milestones & Context

• 1987, March 10: Born.

• 2005–2007: Collegiate career at Texas A&M.

• 2008: Drafted by Dallas Cowboys (2nd round).

• 2014: Pro Bowl year.

• 2016: Wins Super Bowl LI with New England Patriots.

• 2018: Announces retirement to pursue creative ambitions.

Bennett’s career unfolded during a period when the tight end position was evolving—requiring versatility in both blocking and receiving—and when athlete branding and personal voice were increasingly prevalent.

Legacy and Influence

Martellus Bennett’s legacy is multifaceted:

• As an athlete, he showed that tight ends could be major receiving threats and contribute to playoff and Super Bowl success.

• As a public figure, he challenged the stereotype that athletes must be confined to sports, showing that creative expression, literature, and entrepreneurship can coexist with athletic identity.

• His work in children’s media pushes for more diversity, imagination, and representation in creative industries.

• His transition from sport to art offers a template for post-athletic identity—how one might reinvent life after professional sports.

Personality and Talents

From Bennett’s actions and interviews, we can observe:

• Intellectual curiosity & ambition: He pursued multiple artistic paths even during his playing career.

• Boldness & self-expression: He was outspoken, creative, and unafraid to take risks in both sports and art.

• Versatility: He juggled roles as athlete, storyteller, animator, and entrepreneur.

• Resilience & reinvention: Transitioning from NFL to creative life is not easy, but he chose to lean into it.

• Empathy & outreach: His children’s work aims to reach and inspire younger audiences.

His talents include:

1. Athletic skill & competitive drive (obvious in NFL success).

2. Creative vision & storycrafting (books, film, design).

3. Cross-disciplinary fluency (moving between sport, visual art, writing).

4. Leadership in self-branding & creative entrepreneurship.

Famous Quotes & Public Statements

While Bennett is more known for his public persona than for polished maxims, a few quotes stand out:

• About his role in Super Bowl LI: “I drew a pass interference in overtime—set up the winning drive.” (often cited in recaps)

• On football vs. creativity: In announcing his retirement, he tweeted about leaving “the world of football … to go to the fantastic and wonderful world of creativity.”

• Earlier, his bold remarks included: When comparing basketball and football: “Football is my wife and basketball is my mistress.”

These statements reflect his playful boldness, willingness to speak his mind, and desire to inhabit multiple selves.

Lessons from Martellus Bennett

From Bennett’s life, several lessons emerge:

1. Don’t be defined by one identity
   Being an athlete need not limit your other ambitions—Bennett shows you can write, animate, create.

2. Pursue passion before perfection
   He experimented with books and films while still in the NFL, rather than waiting for a “safe time.”

3. Reinvent boldly
   Transitioning from a physically demanding career to an artistic one poses challenges; he embraced them rather than retreat.

4. Voice matters
   Speaking publicly—about identity, creativity, struggles—can expand one’s impact beyond performance.

5. Leaving on your own terms can be powerful
   Choosing to retire to “live in creativity” is a declaration of self-determination.

Conclusion

Martellus Bennett is more than a former NFL tight end. He is a creative technicolor figure who defied narrow expectations and built a life that straddles sport, storytelling, and imagination. His success on the field (Pro Bowl, Super Bowl champion) is only part of the story. Equally compelling is his post-football journey: to be an author, animator, and founder of a platform that brings imaginative stories to life.