As we continue the series on Packer Receivers of History, we want to take some time to include the Packer running backs that have contributed heavily to the passing game. To read the articles you missed, go to the Packer Receivers of History category page.
On February 11, 1992 the Packers acquired Brett Favre in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Later that spring, the Packers would use a fourth round draft pick on a man who would not only generate a bunch of yardage carrying the ball, but would frequently be on the receiving end of Brett’s passes.
Edgar Bennett was drafted in the fourth round of the 1992 NFL draft. In that rookie season, he played 16 games and started two of them. He rushed for 214 yards in 1992 but also caught 13 passes for 93 yards and gave the Packers organization a glimpse of the versatility he offered to the team.
In 1995, Bennett chewed up 1067 yards running the ball, but was also the third leading receiver on the team. Only Robert Brooks (1497 yards) and Mark Chmura (679 yards) had more receiving yards than Bennett (648 yards).
All total, Edgar Bennett played 80 games in the green and gold and started 62 of them. He carried the ball for 3353 yards and scored 19 rushing touchdowns. But, he also caught 284 passes for 2245 yards and 10 touchdowns. So, Bennett’s coaching transition from running backs coach to wide receivers coach was not such a big stretch after all. Certainly he knew something about catching the ball.
During the 1997 preseason, Edgar ruptured his achilles tendon. He would not play a down that entire season and it would be the last season that Edgar Bennett ever wore the green and gold. His final two seasons in the NFL were played with the Packers’ arch enemy, the Chicago Bears where he showed he could still catch passes. Half of his yardage during his tenure with the Bears was receiving yardage.
As a Packer fan, I’m thrilled to have Edgar Bennett as a part of the coaching staff. Most of the players we come to know and love disappear into the ether after their playing careers, but Edgar has continued to contribute to the Packers through his coaching. And, we all look forward to his next adventure as the offensive coordinator of the greatest team in the NFL.