Martellus Bennett Eloquently Breaks Down Why He’s More Than Just an Athlete on Twitter

And some of you always thought Martellus Bennett was just some mercurial guy, who just happened to make it to the NFL.

For years, especially during his early days with the Dallas Cowboys, Martellus Bennett was known more for his goofy antics than catching touchdowns or speaking deeply about social issues.

With age, maturity and a Super Bowl ring comes growth and perspective, so after the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl parade, Bennett took to Twitter to share some wisdom and inspire others.

Bennett went hard in the paint, breaking down why he thinks the way he does, how he’s more than an athlete and most importantly, he’s still a black man first.

I don't come on the internet to build my self esteem nor will what strangers think ever bother me.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I'm that black boy. That black boy is me.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

Buy my children's book. It's lead character is also black like my daughter. Only 3% of children's books have characters of color.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

3%. Think about that
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

My interactive children's book app is free.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I've found Gold. Fruit. Joy. Success. Happiness and I'm going to build a bridge so that my friends can do the same. This is a metaphor
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I have two libraries in my house thousands of books. I love to read because I know that for a long time ancestors weren't allowed to.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I love to write. Because for a lonnnnnngg time my people weren't "allowed" to. So I'm going to write my books, my apps and tell my stories
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

Shut up and stick to sports!! Enjoy the low hanging fruits Marty. Don't climb to the top of the Apple tree and taste that high hanging fruit
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

When you look at me see the father, the awesome dad, the author, film director, business owner, champion, friend, Hufflepuff beast.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I'm going to speak my mind because guess what... that's right for a looonngg time my ancestors didn't have a voice.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

When you look at me what do you see? I know you wanna ask me what sport I play. I mean what else could I possibly be besides an athlete.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

This is part of the reason why I'm working to build Art Centers and Computer Labs for kids to learn coding. I'm not building gyms
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

I'm not interested in building football fields or doing football camps. I'm interested in doing film camps and coding camps.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017

You don't have to be good at sports young man. Go upstairs and finish practicing that trombone.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 7, 2017