Earl Bennett wishes his Chicago Bears career could’ve gone on longer than it did. For a brief time from 2009 to 2011, it looked like he could become a reliable weapon for quarterback Jay Cutler. However, so many things got in the way. Part of it was injuries but another was coaching changes. In his Chicago run, Bennett had four different offensive coordinators.
Not to mention two head coaches. After Lovie Smith was fired in 2013, Bennett’s status on the roster was more in doubt than ever. Both the GM and the head coach who drafted him were gone. He’s already had to take a pay cut to stay on the roster in 2013. When he didn’t produce much, he knew another decision was coming.
Either he accepts another pay cut or embraces the reality that the team would likely cut him. Sure enough on March 18th of 2014, he got that phone call. Bennett decided to take a stand and refused a pay cut. So the Bears followed through on their plan to release him if that happened. The biggest surprise to him wasn’t the end, it was the exit.
Earl Bennett didn’t hear from Jay Cutler after he was cut
Bennett heard from teammates shortly after he was released including Matt Forte, Martellus Bennett, and Josh McCown. They all wished him future success. However, the biggest surprise was the silence he received from Jay Cutler. The man who’d been his teammate dating back to college never said a word. Not until months later.
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“After being released, friends reached out. Guys such as RB#1, TE#1, and QB#2 all sent well wishes. QB#1 did not reach out. However, I would receive a text message in June after I signed with the Browns.
The insolent text from QB#1 read: “At least you get to meet Drake.” Yes, Drake the Rapper/ Pop singer from Toronto, aka The 6 God. In the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M Johnny Manziel. Manziel is friends with Drake and is a member of his OVO crew. That’s why QB#1 was referencing meeting Drake.”
Sadly, his stay in Cleveland didn’t last long. Bennett was released on June 17th. It’s probably just as well. What followed with the Manziel fiasco was some of the worst football experience there could’ve been for any franchise. The receiver didn’t receive any offers after that and eventually chose to retire.
