Bama in the NFL: The Buffalo Bills were AFC Kings with Cornelius Bennett
When it comes to the NFL draft, the Buffalo Bills have selected fewer former Alabama Crimson Tide players than any longstanding franchise. Overall, the team has made just five selections, of which three have been during the Nick Saban era, topped by Marcell Dareus, the third-overall pick in 2011.
But one of the best, and most successful players in Bills history came out of Alabama, and helped key the franchise's amazing run of four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. Of course, we're talking about Cornelius Bennett.
After being the second-overall selection in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on a contract. Shortly before the trade deadline, Bennett was part of an unusual massive three-way deal that also included Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson and Buffalo running back Greg Bell, sending his negotiating rights to the Bills.
It’s considered the move that made Buffalo a title contender, although some didn’t see it that way at the time.
“I don’t know how we ever made the trade for Cornelius Bennett,” former Bills general manager Marv Levy said. “I was opposed to what we had to give up, it was so much. A first, a second, Greg Bell and so on. Finally at 3 in the morning I told Bill Polian, ‘OK, let’s go along with it.’
"The next year, we didn’t have a first-round pick and we needed a top-shelf running back. We took one in the second round. A guy named Thurman Thomas.”
Because of his holdout, Bennett played in only eight games as a rookie, but recorded 8½ sacks. A year later he helped the Bills win their first AFC Eastern Division title in eight years, and made the first of five appearances in the Pro Bowl.
During his 14 National Football League seasons, Bennett notched 71 sacks, seven interceptions, and his 26 fumble recoveries ranked third in league history. He was an All-Pro and played in a fifth Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons.
Bama in the NFL: Buffalo Bills
The Franchise
American Football Conference
East Division
Team Colors: Royal, Red, White and Navy
Founded: 1960 as chartered member of the AFL, joined the NFL as part of the 1070 merger.
Stadium: Highmark Stadium
Playing Surface: A-Turf Titan
Training Camp: Orchard Park, NY
All-Time Alabama Players
Crimson Tide Players Drafted
Super Bowl Appearances
Cornelius Bennett and Chris Mohr, Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII
- Jan. 27, 1991: Giants 20, Bills 19
- Jan. 26, 1992: Redskins 37, Bills 24
- Jan. 31, 1993: Cowboys 52, Bills 17
- Jan. 30, 1994: Cowboys 30, Bills 13
Bennett tallied 21 tackles in the four games.
Chris Mohr had 14 punts, including six within the 20, in three games.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (78) and linebacker Cornelius Bennett (97) react on the field during Super Bowl XXV against the New York Giants at Tampa Stadium.
USA Today Sports
Notable Awards/Honors
In conjunction with our revamped Bama in the NFL Database, this is the fourth story in a series examining the team-by-team history of Alabama's former players in the NFL.
AFC
NFC
See Also:
Bama in the NFL: The Ultimate Crimson Tide Database
Bama in the NFL: Active Alabama Crimson Tide Players by Team
