JANESVILLE — Although Janesville Craig grad and former Badger defensive lineman Keeanu Benton was the center of attention when his name was called in the NFL draft, his former high school wrestling coach had some airtime, too.
Benton was drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But during the profile that followed his pick, ABC’s Reese Davis highlighted the special bond that Benton has with Janesville Craig teacher and wrestling coach Mark Mullen.
Reese recounted that it was Mullen who reached out to the UW football staff after Benton’s second runner-up finish at the WIAA state wrestling meet, setting the stage for a successful career as a Badger.
It also was Mullen who years earlier had revived Benton’s sister whose heart had stopped beating during gym class.
Benton and Mullen have remained close, and the pair reunited last week at Craig High School.
At a special assembly, Mullen received a Crystal Apple educators’ award, while students participated in a sendoff for the soon-to-be future NFL player.