NY Times - Martellus Bennett’s enterprising spirit has early roots. In second grade, he says, he formed a gang that dabbled in black-market toy distribution — “we would jump kids and take their toys and sell them” — but was focused on relieving the ice cream man of his wares. The plan, as concocted by Bennett, was simple: “I would take a dollar and go to the ice cream truck. I would tell a few kids to bang on the other side of the truck. The ice cream guy would turn around and look out that side, then the rest of the kids would run in on this side and grab all the ice cream. When he turned back, I’d still be standing there with my dollar and be like, ‘They went that way!’ It worked every time.” The memory makes Bennett smile — until he is asked the name of the gang. “We were the Ocean View Gangsters,” he says quietly, sending his wife into hysterical fits of laughter. “Ocean View? Ocean View?” she says, struggling to catch her breath. Bennett looks sheepish. “O.K., the name wasn’t the best,” he says.

Sticking up kids in the hood for their Pogs/Pokemon and masterminding regular ice cream heists while staring Mr. Softee right in the face is exactly what I’d have guessed if ever asked what I thought Martellus Bennett was up to at 8 years old. Seriously, what’s not to like about this guy? Most pro athletes don’t have such personalities. Those that do come off so forced it’s annoying (I’m looking at you, Brian Wilson). But New York’s been falling in love with the Black Unicorn since he got here, and his legend is growing with every game he plays.

His 80/1000/16 pace puts him right up there with the Gronks & Grahams. Sure, it’s obviously just 3 games, but what makes you think he’ll slow down? Bennett’s always been a great blocking TE, and if you block for Coughlin, you play. If you play with Eli, he finds you. Manning made a bit of a name for an undrafted Jake Ballard after doing so for Kevin Boss. The Unicorn’s pedigree is much better than both of them and, flanked by arguably the best WR duo in the NFL with #10 in his prime, the sky’s the limit now that he’s outside Witten’s shadow in Dallas. Thanks, Jerry Jones. Dude’s been destined for greatness ever since the days of looting Bomb Pops & Chipwiches in bulk. I’m just glad it’s the G-Men he’s taking with him on his awesomely zany ascension.

@610Barstool