Cornelius Bennett was an exceptional force on the football field, and has continued to have an impact on the game, serving as a representative and a voice for retired players working closely with the NFLPA on the new collective bargaining agreement, helping to found the Legacy Fund, a $620 million fund to pay benefits to retired players. Pro Player Insiders caught up with Bennett at the NFLPA PULSE Awards, during the NFL Playoffs.
Bennett played his college ball in his home state, for Alabama, where he clearly still has a strong allegiance. When asked which players he watches closely today, his answer was, “Anybody from Alabama.”
He also correctly called this weekend’s Super Bowl participants, in this interview taped before the AFC and NFC Championship games. Then again, Bennett knows a few things about Super Bowls. As a member of the Buffalo Bills in the early 1990s, Bennett was part of that team that made it to a record four Super Bowls in a row. He played linebacker in Buffalo from 1987 to 1995, and then played for the Falcons and finally the Indianapolis Colts, hosts for Super Bowl XLVI.
PPI: What is the significance of the Pulse Awards to you?
CB: I mean, especially for us former players and board guys, it’s a culmination of appreciation for all of the hard work that we put in over the years. You know we had a tough battle with the CBA and we were able to come together and get a great deal done for the active and the former players.
PPI: For Buffalo, they have a lot of work to do to rebuild their team. What are some of the things you think they need to focus on?
CB: Togetherness. I thought once they hit the little rough patch this past season they kind of fell apart as far as being together. That was something we always had when I was there…guys hanging together even in the rough periods of time. I think if they can come together as a team in the locker room, I think they can carry that over to the field and be successful
PPI: Who do you think is going to be in the Super Bowl this year?
CB: The Pats and the Giants.
PPI: Name two players that you watch on the current rosters.
CB: Anybody from Alabama. You know I hated to see Mark Ingram get hurt. And then of course I went to see Julio Jones…I took my young son to see him play in Atlanta this year. Both of them are phenomenal football players. But, anybody from Alabama.
