As one of the 32 players representing Nike and its new uniform launch, Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was among many superstar players in New York City this week.
That's also the destination for former Cowboy tight end Martellus Bennett, who certainly wasn't at the Nike event, but simply in the Big Apple now as a part of the Giants. Looking for a big contract in free agency, Bennett got just a one-year, $2.5 million contract to sign with the Super Bowl champions.
Facing the New York media, Witten was asked about his former teammate and said a fresh start will be a good thing for Bennett.
"I think Martellus is excited about his future. I enjoyed playing with him for four years," Witten said. "I think (Giants TE coach) Mike Pope is a good coach and will probably help him. His career didn't really go as he planned and there was a lot of hype with it. But it's a fresh start for him."
Drafted in the second round in 2008, Bennett never had a shot to unseat Witten as the starter. And while he was often used in two-tight end packages, Bennett wasn't a huge factor in the passing game. He finished his four years in Dallas with 85 catches for 847 yards and four touchdowns – all occurring during his rookie season in 2008.
But Witten said Bennett should have a chance to succeed with the Giants.
"I think in that offense – he can do both blocking and run routes," Witten said. "There's not really a weakness for him that he has to worry about getting exposed. He's probably excited about. The ability to do both."
