From a blog I stumbled across while trying to challenge Barry before yesterday’s foray to the gym…
… we thought we’d take a look at how other athletes and celebrities have fared over the years with the bench press. We should note that not all of the numbers we’ve compiled are for max lifts. If they use certain weights for reps, we’ll mention that. Our list is below, but all you really need to know is this, our current President benches more than Durant.
President Bush: 5 reps of 185 lbs.
Brady Quinn: Max – 350 lbs. and 28 reps of 225 lbs.
Yao Ming: Max – 300 lbs.
Former Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen: Max – 700 lbs.
Former NHL hockey goon Tony Twist: Max – 405 lbs.
Refrigerator Perry: Max – 465 lbs.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Max – 430 lbs.
The Rock: Max – 425 lbs.
Reggie Bush: Max – 335 lbs.
Matt Leinart: Never did one (Somehow I’m not surprised).
Power lifter and world bench press record holder Scot Mendelson: Max – 715 lbs.
MMA fighter and former pro football player Bob “The Beast” Sapp: Max – 600+ lbs.
Titans offensive lineman Justin Geisinger: Max – 600 lbs. and 43 reps of 225 lbs.
Former wrestler SuperFly Jimmy Snuka: Max – 525 lbs.
Shaq: Claimed Max – 455 lbs.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: Best ever Max – 455 lbs.
JaMarcus Russell: Max – 335 lbs.
49ers Tight End Vernon Davis: Max – 465 lbs.
Olympic Gold medalist and current pro wrestler Kurt Angle:Max – 420 lbs.
Dwight Howard: Max – 345 lbs.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Derek Landri: Max – 425 lbs.
Actor Hugh Jackman: Max – 315 lbs. (during X-Men)
Former wrestler Brett “The Hitman” Hart: Max – 405 lbs.
Actor Will Smith: Max – 385 lbs. (during I-Robot)
100 meter dash world record holder Maurice Green: Max -365 lbs.
Michael Vick: Max – 335 lbs.
Tedd Ginn Jr.: Max – 250 lbs.
Former wrestler Lex Luger: 5 reps of 405 lbs.
Actor Jack Lemmon: Claimed Max – 300+ lbs. (I assume this is a joke)
Tiger Woods: Max – 300 lbs. Reportedly does reps at 190 lbs.
Wilt Chamberlain: Witnesses claim he once benched 465 lbs.
To which I have to say — First I’m going to pass Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) in the next month, then I’m going to go after Michael Vick and JaMarcus Russell. Then Dwight Howard. Then Brady Quinn.
I never thought I’d aspire to beat Brady Quinn.
Geez.
At least I’m stronger than a seven footer (Yao Ming). Of course, at 5′8″, my arms don’t have to push the weight as far, eh? 
And no, I don’t think I’ll ever catch Larry Allen — geez!
[...] For a dose of perspective on how much this is, check out my little comparison chart. [...]