John Wendling (born June 4, 1983) is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the

Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills are a professional American football team based in the Buffalo metropolitan area. The Bills compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's American Football Conference (AFC) East division. ...

in the sixth round (184th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played

college football College football (french: Football universitaire) refers to gridiron football played by teams of student athletes. It was through college football play that American football rules first gained popularity in the United States. Unlike most ...

at Wyoming. During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Wendling saw most of his playing time as a gunner on special teams. He led the Bills in special teams tackles in 2009, and also led the Lions in 2010.

College career

Wendling redshirted as a freshman in 2002. In his redshirt freshman season, he played on special teams, ending up with two blocked kicks. During his sophomore redshirt season 2004, Wendling led the Cowboys in tackles with 89, and garnered Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. He also had a huge game against Air Force, making 11 tackles and breaking up two passes in a 43-26 victory over Air Force, eventually to be named MWC Defensive Player of the Week. Wendling also succeeded in his junior season, and once again earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

College statistics

Defensive Stats

Professional career

Buffalo Bills

Wendling was drafted by the

in the sixth round with the 184th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He signed a contract with the team on July 24, 2007. He was waived on February 16, 2010.

Detroit Lions

Wendling signed with the

Detroit Lions The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit. The Lions compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The team play their home games at Ford ...

on August 27, 2010. Wendling was named a special teams Pro Bowl alternate for the NFC during the 2010 NFL season. Wendling's contract ran out following the 2013 season and he was not re-signed by the Lions. He is still a free agent.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Personal life

Wendling's wife suggested that he grow out a mullet while watching a Colorado Rockies baseball game in which one of the players donned the prolific hairstyle. Wendling's teammate Reggie Bush referred to him as "Joe Dirt" due to Wendling's resemblance to David Spade's character in the 2001 comedy film by the same name.

References

External links

Detroit Lions bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wendling, John 1983 births Living people People from Cody, Wyoming Players of American football from Wyoming American football safeties Wyoming Cowboys football players Buffalo Bills players Detroit Lions players