Joe Bennett (American football)

Joseph Johnston Bennett Jr.
Born	Template:Birth date Statesboro, Georgia, U.S.
Died	October 23, 1975(1975-10-23) (aged 74) Alameda, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Athlete, business executive
Years active	1920–1923 (athlete)
Known for	Football tackle for University of Georgia; Coca-Cola executive

Joseph Johnston Bennett Jr. (April 9, 1901 – October 23, 1975) was an American athlete who competed in both football and basketball representing the University of Georgia's Georgia Bulldogs. He served as captain of the 1923 football squad and gained recognition as one of the premier kick-blockers in the Southern United States. Prior to the 1960s, Bennett was regarded as Georgia's finest tackle. Following his collegiate career, he transitioned into the business world, holding executive positions with Coca-Cola in Atlanta and Los Angeles. In 1984, he was honored with induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Early years

Born on April 1, 1901, in Statesboro, Georgia, Joseph Johnston Bennett Jr. was the son of Joseph Sr., a Baptist clergyman, and Mary Conyers.

University of Georgia

From 1920 through 1923, Bennett played a pivotal role as a tackle under coaches Herman Stegeman and Kid Woodruff for the Georgia Bulldogs football team, earning a starting position during his freshman year. Throughout this period, the team achieved a record of 25 wins, 9 losses, and 4 ties while securing Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAA) championships in both 1920 and 1921. In 1922, Bennett received honorable mention on Walter Camp’s All-America list and was later selected as first-team tackle on an All-Time Georgia All-Star Team in 1935.

Death

Bennett passed away at age 74 on October 23, 1975, in Alameda, California.

See also

• 1922 College Football All-America Team
• 1923 College Football All-Southern Team