New Packer Martellus Bennett Is Giving Back To Kids

New Green Bay Packers tight end Martellus Bennett is giving back.  On Saturday, he announced via Twitter that will be donating his portion of the proceeds from his Packers jersey sales to the after school programs that he's currently working on.

Right after signing with Green Bay, Bennett took to Twitter to poll fans and followers as to what his new number should be.  He most recently wore number 88 with the New England Patriots, a number currently worn by Ty Montgomery.  Many assumed Montgomery would be changing his jersey number to a more traditional running back number however he recently said that since NFL rules don't require him to make the change, he's sticking with 88.  80 won the vote as Bennett's new number and former Packers receiver Donald Driver even signed off on it (even though his permission was not needed).  Bennett also wore 80 with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him in 2008.

Bennett should surely see an uptick in his new jersey sales and is certainly making a good impression early in his tenure with the Packers.  Many fans have already tweeted out that they'll be buying a jersey to support the cause and lauded Bennett for the gesture.

Many current and former players have been very active in the community and in support of various causes.  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has worked with the MACC Fund for years, helping to support efforts against childhood cancer.  Often times, we see pictures of Packers players visiting schools during their off day during the season.  Many fans idolize and become enamored by the players on the field but we don't know a lot about most of them as people.  It's nice to see a successful athlete giving back and trying to make a positive difference around him.

One of the big questions surrounding Bennett's fit in Green Bay was whether his boisterous personality would mesh with the typically quiet public atmosphere of the team.  So far, Bennett has been most vocal in a very positive way  involving fans in choosing his number and continuing his philanthropy during the offseason.  He's leading by example in a great way off the field and hopefully that positivity shows up between the numbers as well.

 

 

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (5)

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Lphill's picture

March 27, 2017 at 07:22 am

He seems excited to be a Packer , I think it was a good signing. I'm surprised the Patriots didn't resign him with Gronks injury history but I'm glad they didn't.

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Savage57's picture

March 27, 2017 at 08:04 am

Caught "The Brothers Bennett" E:60 show Sunday.

One thing the Packers (and fans) need to keep in mind regarding Martellus. Don't expect him to color inside the lines. He likes to author the coloring book.

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zoellner25's picture

March 27, 2017 at 08:50 am

Marty B is already the new Twitter king in Packer land

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egbertsouse's picture

March 27, 2017 at 09:15 am

I just read that Makinton Dorleant as arrested over the weekend in Iowa and charged with "Interference." Honest to
God! A cornerback charged with interference!

And it isn't even April Fools yet.

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

March 27, 2017 at 03:04 pm

Well its great that we have this guy, was excited when I heard we obtained him. I wanted him last year but will take him now.

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