Larry Walker Benz (born January 28, 1941) is a former professional American football safety in the National Football League (NFL). He played three seasons for the Cleveland Browns.
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| Position: | Safety | ||||||||
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| Born: | January 28, 1941 Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||||||
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| High school: | Cleveland Heights (OH) | ||||||||
| College: | Northwestern | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1963 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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Early life
editBenz attended Cleveland Heights High School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where he earned eight letters in football, baseball, basketball, and track.[1][2]
College career
editBenz played college football at Northwestern, primarily as a running back, but also as a safety and occasionally as a quarterback.[3] As a junior in 1961, he threw two touchdown passes to lead the Wildcats to a 12–10 victory over Notre Dame.[3][4] Benz was an honorable mention all-Big Ten Conference selection as a senior.[2] He graduated with a degree in geography and history.[5]
Professional career
editAfter going unselected in the 1963 NFL draft, Benz was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent and became a regular member of their defensive unit as a safety after the accidental death of Don Fleming in the offseason.[1][6] As a rookie, Benz tied for the team lead for interceptions with seven.[6] In 1964, he recorded four interceptions and helped the Browns defeat the Baltimore Colts in the NFL Championship Game.[5][7] In his third season with the team, he led the team with five interceptions.[5]
In February 1966, Benz was one of three Browns players selected by the newly created Atlanta Falcons in the 1966 NFL expansion draft.[8] However, he quit the team suddenly in July.[9]
Personal life
editBenz is of German descent and has two older brothers named Tom and Dick.[10] He and his wife Dalia lived in Euclid, Ohio, during his time on the Browns.[2] After his playing career, Benz started his own construction business.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b "Rookie Larry Benz 'Johnny on the Spot' for Browns". The Jersey Journal. November 6, 1963. p. 12. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c Stewart, D.L. (March 27, 1966). "Benz Eyes Season With Mixed Views". Mansfield News Journal. p. 34. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Dietrich, John (September 13, 1962). "Heights' Benz Will Lead Northwestern's Offense". The Plain Dealer. p. 40. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "NU Halfback's Only 2 Aerials Score; Beat Notre Dame, 12-10". The Star Press. October 29, 1961. p. 19. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d Butler, Jason (August 20, 1999). "Football not his game of life". Akron Beacon Journal. p. 48. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Larry Benz Likes To Take Chances". The Daily Reporter. November 11, 1964. p. 17. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Browns Beat Colts For Title". The Baltimore Sun. January 3, 1965. p. 92. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hauck, Allen (February 17, 1966). "Benz Looks To Atlanta And Future". The Atlanta Constitution. p. 47. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Thomy, Al (July 13, 1966). "Benz 'Steals' Away, Says Not Single Word". The Atlanta Constitution. p. 40. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Heaton, Charles (August 6, 1963). "Browns Start Benz at Half". The Plain Dealer. p. 23. Retrieved June 8, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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