When Bennett moved to the United States as a 29-year-old, he brought along a wealth of skills honed in Australian Rules football—a game known for its intense physicality and rigorous endurance. Australian Rules football players, or “footy” players, are versatile, requiring a mix of agility, power, and endurance. Bennett’s mastery in this sport made him stand out, particularly for his leg strength and accuracy, which transferred well to punting. Despite his athletic credentials, he faced a rough welcome in the NFL.

In a memorable encounter, Bennett was introduced to a legendary linebacker from the Green Bay Packers, known as a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the toughest defenders of his era. Eager to connect with this NFL great, Bennett introduced himself, sharing his position.

“I said ‘punter,’” Bennett recalls with a chuckle. But the linebacker’s reaction wasn’t what he expected.

“Ach,” the linebacker said dismissively, “You’re not even a real football player.” He then turned and walked away, leaving Bennett stunned.

This encounter highlights a long-standing bias in the NFL, where punters and kickers often don’t get the same level of respect as their teammates on offense and defense. Bennett, however, didn’t let these comments deter him. Instead, he focused on perfecting his craft, quickly making a name for himself as one of the most powerful and consistent punters in the league. His ability to pin opposing teams deep in their own territory became an asset that few teams could match.

Bennett’s background in Australian Rules football allowed him to introduce a unique punting style that would ultimately influence how special teams played the game. His style incorporated elements of Australian kicking techniques, such as “drop punts,” which gave him precision and control. The benefits were clear—Bennett’s punts were accurate, difficult to catch, and often limited opponents’ yardage. NFL coaches and players took notice, and soon, other punters were trying to replicate his techniques.

By the end of his career, Bennett had left an indelible mark on the NFL. He paved the way for future players from Australian Rules football and other non-traditional backgrounds, proving that punters could indeed make a significant impact on the game.