Martellus Bennett: The Chicago Bears New Butterfly

After being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys Marty remained second string behind Jason Witten.  Even though Marty worked hard he had trouble catching on to the offense and raised some eyebrows with some off-field videos that could be considered slightly controversial.  Before the 2012 season the Cowboys and Giants both offered Marty a contract but he decided to go to New York.

It was there that Marty dubbed himself the ‘Black Unicorn’ saying he was stronger and faster than he ever had been and that he could run all day.  The Black Unicorn played through several injuries throughout the year and posted respectable numbers having 626 yards and five touchdowns.  But after just one year, the Giants didn’t resign him and the Bears, after cutting Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth signed him to a four year contract.

Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

And so begins the relationship of Marty and Cutty, which is a nickname Cutler has developed, given to him by none other than Martellus Bennett.  Marty followed Cutler around all preseason, trying to develop chemistry, wanting to get to know him and wanting to become close to him.  After being relatively quiet in the preseason Marty assured everybody that Cutty could see him.

At one point critics were saying Marty had more jokes than catches as he struggled with drops, but perhaps he just needed a quarterback that believed in him.  Marty wanted to make an impact and he did right away, catching the ball three times for 49 yards and a touchdown in week one.  For an encore in week two, Marty caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner.

Perhaps some of those critics are concerned that he only caught two passes for ten yards Sunday night against the Steelers but not Cutler or Forte.  Bennett was often left at the line, blocking the exotic blitzes the Steelers bring and clearing the room for Forte to run down the field.  It’s not easy, blocking big lineman and linebackers but keeping your hands soft enough to catch passes, but somehow Marty seems to do just fine.  So recently when he compared his coach to Willy Wonka was coach Marc Trestman surprised?

“That’s just Martellus being Martellus,” Trestman said, adding that he was a joy to work with.  In fact, it seems everybody has enjoyed working with him, including Cutler, pointing out that Marty’s humor takes away from the monotony of work during meetings and film review.  He’s changing what the offense can do and he’s set to have the best season of his career.

Rarely does a player come onto the field and not only make such an impact but also keep the locker room light, but that’s just how Marty is.  He’s motivated to be better on the field and to make you laugh.  Whether it’s the coach, the quarterback, the fresh start or his maturity; Marty is silencing critics and becoming a key part of one of the best offenses the Bears have had in years.

So the next time you don’t feel well check out one Marty’s interviews.  The next time the team is behind and needing a game winning touchdown, look Marty’s way, because he’ll be there, ready to catch the ball.  As he continues to grow with this offense and mature while growing stronger relationships with the guys on the team he will become a pro-bowl tight-end.  Until then, let’s just hope there are no ‘Black Unicorn’ nets found.