Beanie Wells
A powerhouse Ohio State running back whose explosive college career led to a first-round NFL draft selection, though injuries cut his professional time short.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: August 7·Millennials
Biography
Beanie Wells was a force of nature on the football field, a bruising runner who seemed destined for a long NFL career. At Ohio State, he became a folk hero, combining surprising speed for his size with a punishing running style that demoralized defenses. His sophomore season in 2007 was spectacular, leading the Buckeyes to the BCS National Championship game and cementing his status as a top prospect. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the first round of the 2009 draft, hoping he would be the cornerstone of their ground attack. He showed flashes of that college brilliance, including a memorable 228-yard, three-touchdown game against the St. Louis Rams in 2011. However, persistent knee injuries became an inescapable adversary, robbing him of his explosiveness and ultimately leading to his retirement after just four seasons. His story remains one of unfulfilled potential, a reminder of how physical the sport truly is.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Beanie was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Beanie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Beanie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Rushed for 3,382 yards and 30 touchdowns during his three-year career at Ohio State University.
- Selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
- Recorded a career-high 1,047 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2011 NFL season.
- Helped lead Ohio State to the BCS National Championship game in the 2007 season.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Beanie' was given to him by his grandmother when he was a baby.
In high school, he was also a standout track athlete, competing in the 100-meter dash and the shot put.
He and NFL quarterback Terrelle Pryor were high school teammates at Jeannette Senior High School in Pennsylvania.
“I run with a purpose: to punish the man trying to tackle me.”
