Kelvin Benjamin is a former American professional football player, playing as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons.
He is best known for his impressive rookie season with the Carolina Panthers in 2014 when he had over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
He played for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, but injuries and inconsistent performance hampered his career.
In 2021, he attempted to return as a linebacker for the New York Giants but was cut before the season began.
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- Full Name: Kelvin Shawon Benjamin
- Date of birth: February 5, 1991
- Age: 33 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Belle Glade, Florida, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Former NFL player
- Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
- Parents: None
- Siblings: None
- Partner: Khloe
- Children: Kelvin Jr. Benjamin (son), Kelyiah Benjamin (daughter)
- Relationship Status: Dating
- Net worth: $6 million
Early life and education
Kelvin Benjamin, now 33, was born on February 5, 1991, in Belle Glade, Florida, to an American mother and a Jamaican father who was deported when Benjamin was very young. He had a troubled childhood and spent time in a juvenile detention center.
He played football, basketball and track at Glades Central High School, where he was a four-star recruit.
He attended Florida State University from 2011 to 2013, where he won the BCS national championship and was named a first-team All-American in his senior season. He majored in social sciences.
Personal life
Kelvin Benjamin has a son named Kelvin Jr., born in 2014 with his ex-girlfriend Briona Mae. He also has a daughter named Kelyiah, born in 2017 with his current girlfriend Khloe.
He did not reveal the names of his parents or siblings, but he said he has a close relationship with his mother and that she is his inspiration.
Career
Kelvin Benjamin was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft and had a promising rookie season with over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
However, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in 2015 and missed the entire season. He returned in 2016 with 941 yards and seven touchdowns, but his production declined in 2017 and he was traded to the Buffalo Bills midseason.
He struggled with the Bills and was released in 2018. He then signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but failed to make much of an impact.
He did not play in the NFL in 2019 or 2020 and attempted to return as an edge rusher for the New York Giants in 2021, but was cut before the season began. He announced his retirement from football in August 2021.
Net worth
Kelvin Benjamin’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. He makes most of his money from NFL contracts, sponsorship deals, and investments.
In 2014, he signed a four-year, $7.66 million contract with the Panthers, which included a $3.96 million signing bonus.
Argumentative
Kelvin Benjamin has faced some controversy during his career, such as being criticized by former teammates and coaches for his weight and work ethic, and being accused of sexual assault by a woman in 2014. However, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
He also had a heated exchange with former quarterback Cam Newton before a 2018 preseason game and was admonished by Giants head coach Joe Judge for refusing to abide by team rules in 2021.
Social media
- Instagram: @kb13zone
- Twitter: @kelvinbenjamin
