New England Patriots

Texas A&M Football: Martellus Bennett is a Super Bowl Champion

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:52 p.m. ET

Fansided, Matthew Bartlett/FanSided via Gig Em Gazette

After trailing by 25 points in the third quarter, the New England Patriots stormed back to beat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 in Houston, Texas.

Coming into Sunday, Martellus Bennett had not been a prominent piece in the Patriot offense. In New England’s prior two playoff games the 6’6″ tight end had six catches for 36 yards. He played a bigger role in the Big Game.

On the biggest stage, Bennett caught five passes for 62 yards. However, it’s what didn’t happen that might have stood out the most. After rallying back from a 28-3 deficit the Patriots were able to force overtime by scoring 19 fourth quarter points.

The coin toss fell the way of New England and Tom Brady drove the length of the field into the red zone. On first down from the 15 yard line, Brady looked Bennett’s way, but number 88 was unable to haul in what would have been the game winning touchdown. Instead, Falcons’ linebacker Devonte Campbell was called for pass interference.

On first and goal, Brady targeted Bennett again. This time the pass was broken up in the corner of the endzone by Vic Beasley. If Bennett is able to haul in either of those passes, he would have become the only player in NFL history to score an overtime touchdown.

James White would take a toss around the right side on the next play to cap off the Patriot victory. Bennett doesn’t get any neat records, but he does get a Super Bowl ring. Not a bad consolation prize.

Bennett grew up in Houston and played graduated from Alief Taylor High school. Now Martellus Bennett is a Super Bowl Champion. Better still, he was able to achieve the feat in his home town.

***Stats from ESPN***