Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett has revealed that he felt disrespected by New York Jets coach Rex Ryan in the build-up to their 27-19 win on Monday night.
Bennett was referring to a highlight video he had seen with Ryan speaking glowingly of receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery but failing to mention the tight end by name.
"I feel like when he talks about me he should talk about me with enthusiasm as well. He was just kind of monotone when he mentioned me. I was kind of [upset] about that. I feel like when somebody talks about me they should use some enthusiasm," Bennett said, ESPN reports.
The 27-year-old revealed that he used that as motivation for his two-touchdown performance but also claimed that Ryan laughed off his suggestion that he should show some enthusiasm when he mentions him.
Bennett leads the Bears with 20 catches for 161 yards and four touchdowns, and was prominent in the win over the Jets with both Marshall and Jeffery suffering with injuries.
The Bears star revealed that he has worked significantly on his game since last year and he believes that he also now has a better understanding with quarterback Jay Cutler.