Martellus Bennett is the character element the Green Bay Packers need
Martellus Bennett, one of the newest Green Bay Packers, is one happy guy … and it’s infectious.
Thursday night, when the Packers bench was filled with nearly a third of the roster in street clothes, Bennett sauntered about in his Packers sweats smiling and exchanging high-fives with whomever was close by.
But he also sought out players he spotted at the other end of the bench, pointing to his hand and meeting the likes of an Aaron Jones or a Nick Perry halfway for a slap and a smile.
Bennett’s easy going banter and jovial nature he displayed Thursday night will most likely change when he’s fully padded for the 2017 Packers opener against the Seattle Seahawks Sept. 10, but for at least one night he showed why he is going to be a valued addition to this team.
Led by head coach Mike McCarthy, the stogdy, straight laced, focused product of Pittsburgh, the Packers sidelines have not been known as a bastion of comedy.
But, if you haven’t noticed, McCarthy has himself let his hair down a bit this preseason. Unlike years past, he seems more relaxed than ever – actually joking during press conferences and showing a smile now and again.
Maybe Marty B. is rubbing off on him a little.
Anyone who has ever been in any men’s locker room understands the testosterone-ladened air that permeates. But anyone who has also experienced the likes of someone of Bennett’s character understands that breaking up the tension is beneficial.
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Not only does Bennett bring a boatload of talent to the Packers’ offense and everyone expects his impact could be profound, but he brings a humanity that will help this team in ways we don’t or won’t expect.
His rapport with teammates is legendary … no matter where he’s been, whether it was Dallas, Chicago or New England … he’s had a huge impact on the field and off the field.
If you haven’t followed him on Twitter yet, I have to ask why you’re waiting. Here’s the link to his personal page: https://twitter.com/MartysaurusRex.
And here’s the link to his multimedia company: https://twitter.com/ImaginationAgcy.
Thursday night, Packers fans behind the team’s bench chanted Bennett’s name and it didn’t take him long to recognize his new-found fan base. He smiled, pointed and smiled some more. He was clearly taking it all in.
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So, as the start of the NFL season approaches, Packers fans can expect to see a team that plays hard and wins games. But they will also see a team that knows how to have fun.
After all, it is all a game.
There’s nobody on this team that understands that better than Martellus Bennett.