From Gridiron to Disney Jr.: Martellus Bennett's Journey as a Children's Storyteller
In a remarkable career shift, former NFL star Martellus Bennett has traded in his football helmet for a pen and paper, bringing his daughter's imagination to life on the Disney Channel. His new animated series, Hey A.J., is not only a reflection of his own experiences as a parent but also an invitation for families to tap into their creative potential.A Personal Journey
Bennett's journey began when he started buying children's books for his daughter, only to realize that there was a lack of representation and diversity in the stories. He wanted to create something that would inspire his child and others like her, with imagination as the central theme. 'You start buying children's books, or you start looking at these shows, there's not a lot of representation,' he explains. 'All of my work is truly just a reflection. It's just a reflection of my Black experience through the world.'
A Creative Shift
Bennett credits his daughter for inspiring his creative shift, saying that she is both the representation and the genesis of his writing career. 'A.J. is a representation of my daughter, but she's also the genesis of my writing career,' he notes. The show reflects the balance between creativity and structure, with A.J.'s imagination spilling into every environment while being grounded by her family ecosystem.
Community and Creativity
Bennett emphasizes the importance of community in his daughter's life, saying that 'just being a good neighbor by helping out another parent along the way' is built into the show's rhythm. He hopes that the series will encourage families to engage with each other in creative play, rather than just watching it on television.
A Message for Families
Ultimately, Bennett sees Hey A.J. as an invitation for families to recognize the power of imagination in everyday life. 'The shenanigans between dad and daughter, that's very much our reality,' he says. He encourages parents to nurture their child's creativity while also teaching them how to clean up after themselves.
Martellus Bennett's journey from the gridiron to Disney Jr. is a testament to the power of imagination and creativity in everyday life. His new series, Hey A.J., is not only an entertaining show for children but also a reflection of his own experiences as a parent. As families tune in to watch A.J.'s adventures, they are invited to tap into their own creative potential and recognize the importance of community and play in their lives.
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