Introduction
John Wendling (born June 4, 1983) is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round (184th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football 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
| Year | Games | Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Interceptions | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 56 | 33 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| 2005 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 5 | 38 | 40 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| Total | 13 | 94 | 73 | 7 | 24 | 0 |
Professional career
Buffalo Bills
Wendling was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of 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 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.
Personal life
Sweet Mullet
Wendling's wife suggested that he grow out a mullett while watching a Colorado Rockies baseball game in which one of the players donned the prolific hairstyle. Wendling's wife now regrets her request. It took roughly two years for Wendling to achieve his flow. Wendling's teammate, Reggie Bush, referred to him as "Joe Dirt" due to Wendling's uncanny resemblance to David Spade's character Joe Dirt in the classic comedy film by the same name.