HONOLULU, Hawaii—It's debatable what was Michael Bennett's best moment in the 2016 Pro Bowl, though it's entirely possible that two of them didn't actually have much effect on the game.
During one TV timeout, the Seahawks defensive end danced in the end zone with mascots, hardly a moment you'd expect to see in a football game, but a fitting one for a fun-loving player like Bennett, who was soaking in every moment of the first Pro Bowl appearance in his seven-year career. Late in the game, Bennett somehow talked his way into the game at running back, where he took a direct snap and appeared to run 57 yards for the unlikeliest of touchdowns. Bennett, however, was whistled down after a 7-yard gain, the result of officials having quick whistles when a play was even close to over given the lack of real tackling going on late in the game.
But Bennett's day was a lot more than just goofing around. He had the game's only sack, another quarterback hit (though he showed tremendous restraint to not level Derek Carr on that play) and deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage, leading to a Jurrell Casey interception.
For all of that work in a 49-27 Team Irvin victory, Bennett was named the defensive MVP of the 2016 Pro Bowl. And Bennett wasn't alone accepting that honor on a stage after the game, because Russell Wilson earned offensive MVP honors after throwing three touchdown passes, all in the first half.
The play of Wilson and Bennett highlighted a big day for the Seahawks in the Pro Bowl, which also included Bobby Wagner piling up a game-high 10 tackles—including one memorable one of Richard Sherman—Tyler Lockett catching a pass for 10 yards and returning a punt for 24 yards, and Sherman breaking up three passes.
"It was exciting," Wilson said of his and Bennett's big day. "To see Michael Bennett and myself be fortunate enough to get MVP. This opportunity is such a special thing. my rookie year I was selected for the Pro Bowl and I got to be around Drew Brees and Eli Manning and Peyton Manning, and just gain knowledge. Every day you get an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it, so I'm just grateful for that opportunity."
Wilson, who completed 8 of 12 passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns, good for a 149.3 passer rating, has been spectacular in his only two Pro Bowl appearances. After his rookie season, Wilson went 8 for 10 for 98 yards and three touchdowns in the Pro Bowl. And while it might be easy to dismiss Wilson's 73 percent completion rate (16-of-22), 262 yards, six touchdowns, and 151.9 rating through two all-star exhibitions, the seven interceptions thrown by other quarterbacks on Sunday shows that big passing numbers aren't just a given in the Pro Bowl.
"We made a lot of plays today, it was special to see," Wilson said.
For Bennett, who spends his offseason in Honolulu, this would have been a special game even if he hadn't left with an award.
"It's always good to get acknowledged, but it was good just to get a chance to play with those guys… I had a great time," he said, "So many great guys, so many great friends. It's just been a great experience overall."
Both Bennett and Wilson made a point to stick up for the relevance of the Pro Bowl, a game that has come under scrutiny in recent years, especially this season when a record number of players who were selected decided did not attend.
"It's just the fans, how many fans came out," Bennett said. "This game being under scrutiny, it was a good chance for fans to sell out the stadium and enjoy a great game."
Added Wilson: "You can't get rid of this game, just because it's a great opportunity to get around so many great players and enjoy the game."
Still, as big of a day as it was for Seahawks at the Pro Bowl, Bennett had one complaint.
"I didn't get touched, did I?" he said of his long run that wasn't. "I was robbed, man. The story of my life."
Game photos from the 2016 Pro Bowl between Team Rice, featuring wideout Tyler Lockett and linebacker Bobby Wagner, and Team Irvin, with quarterback Russell Wilson, defensive end Michael Bennett, and cornerback Richard Sherman at Honolulu's Aloha Stadium.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3), of Team Irvin, enters the stadium prior to an NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Rice on, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3), of Team Irvin, signs autographs as he enters the stadium prior to an NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Rice on, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Bobby Wagner greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Bobby Wagner greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks Cliff Avil, left, mascot Blitz, and Bobby Wagner have a fun moment with the guests during the American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks Cliff Avil, left, mascot Blitz, and Bobby Wagner have a fun moment with the guests during the American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril greets hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
General atmosphere during American Express "Dinner on the 50," exclusive to hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
General atmosphere during American Express "Dinner on the 50," exclusive to hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) of Team Irvin makes a pass to Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman during the first quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril waves to the crowd as he enters CenturyLink Field during the American Express "Dinner on the 50"on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks star Cliff Avril waves to the crowd as he enters CenturyLink Field during the American Express "Dinner on the 50"on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for American Express)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) T of Team Irvin celebrate after Freeman made a touchdown during the first quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
The Sea Gals greet hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
The Sea Gals greet hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
General atmosphere during American Express "Dinner on the 50," exclusive to hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
General atmosphere during American Express "Dinner on the 50," exclusive to hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks drumline Blue Thunder performs for hundreds of fans and Seattle business owners during American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants attend the return of American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Appetizers are served during the American Express "Dinner on the 50" at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Paul Conrad/Getty Images for American Express)
General atmosphere during American Express "Dinner on the 50," exclusive to hundreds of Seattle Card Members and local merchants at CenturyLink Field on August 29, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for American Express)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) of Team Irvin normally a defensive player runs with the football on offense as Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) and Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) of Team Rice close in on him in the third quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Sherman lost 22 yards on the play. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) of Team Irvin attempts to stiff-arm Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) of Team Rice in the third quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) celebrates with the mascots in the end zone during the 2016 Pro Bowl against between Team Rice and Team Irvin on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
during the 2016 Pro Bowl against XX on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Jennifer Stewart/NFL)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Russell Wilson (3), of Team Irvin, celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during an NFL Pro Bowl football game against Team Rice on, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) of Team Irvin reacts after winning offensive MVP award while being interviewed by ESPN sideline reporter Lisa Salters at the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Team Irving beat Team Rice 49-27. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, right, of Team Irvin kisses his award as Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson of Team Irvin looks on after the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Bennett won the defensive MVP and Wilson won the offensive MVP award. Team Irving beat Team Rice 49-27. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, of Team Irvin, left, Michael Irvin, Pro Bowl legend team captain and Pro Football Hall of Famer, center, and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, of Team Irvin, right, stand with the winning trophy after the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Bennett won the defensive MVP and Wilson won the offensive MVP award. Team Irving beat Team Rice 49-27. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)
Michael Irvin, Pro Bowl legend team captain and Pro Football Hall of Famer, center, takes a photo with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3), who was named the offensive player of the game, and defensive end Michael Bennett, of Team Irvin, right, after the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Team Irvin won 49-27. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, of Team Irvin, acknowledges the fans after being name offensive player of the game after the NFL Pro Bowl football game Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, in Honolulu. Team Irvin won 49-27. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)
