Michael Bennett may have some more apologizing to do.
The Seahawks defensive end, who made waves with critical public comments of Cam Newton for which Bennett later apologized privately, gave an extended interview (along with his brother, Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett) to Mina Kimes of ESPN The Magazine. The entire article should be read. Appearing below are some of the comments others most likely to generate laughter, provoke thought, and/or prompt one brother or the other (or both) to issue an apology.
Martellus, on a visit to the house of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: “Once you get rich, you start collecting weird sh-t like silverware.” (Martellus and Michael both said, simultaneously, that they would collect people -- for blood transfusions and kidney transplants.)
Martellus, on former teammate and Cowboys TE Jason Witten: “I hated Jason Witten. I appreciated his game, but I always hated him.”
Michael, on his willingness to be blunt: “I’m not gonna go up there and give a Russell Wilson answer.” (Michael’s criticism of Newton implicitly criticized Wilson, since Michael was calling out players who take big dollars but remain silent on social causes.)
Michael, on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler: “Worst quarterback in the NFL.”
Martellus, on Cutler: “I’d be open and he’d throw into double coverage.”
Martellus, on Giants QB Eli Manning: “He’s like a normal white guy you see at the park trying to teach his kids how to play soccer and you know he can’t really play soccer himself.”
Michael, on the lack of prominent players taking leadership of the union: “In the NBA, LeBron James, Chris Paul . . . they’re at the forefront. There’s no Peyton Manning standing up for the rest of the players. He’s a great player, but what has he done for the league?”
Martellus, on Rams coach Jeff Fisher: “If a QB went 7-9, he’d never be able to find a job.”
Michael, on Fisher: “Make sure he’s in the NFC West.”
Michael, on Commissioner Roger Goodell: “A--hole. Nah, I’m just joking -- you can’t say that. Overpaid.”
Martellus, on Texans defensive end J.J. Watt: “Corny. Half of the NFL is corny, though.”
Michael, on Watt: “People love J.J. Watt, but they don’t really like J.J. Watt, know what I’m saying?”
And, lastly, when Michael is asked what he grows in the garden at his house in Hawaii, Marcellus leans in and drops the name of a presidential candidate.