Ben attended Union Scioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio, where Ben caught 86 passes for 1562 yards. Ben also played running back, placekicker, and linebacker. Ben recorded 61 tackles, and 19 quarterback sacks during his senior season, after switching from linebacker to defensive end. Hartsock was a three-year captain and four-year letter winner. Benjamin Hartsock committed to play at Ohio State University during his senior year of high school. Ben attended Ohio State University from 1999 to 2004 and then was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
College career
Benjamin Hartsock attended the Ohio State University, where Ben played tight end. Ben was a three-time Academic All-Big 10 Conference honoree and won CoSIDA Academic All-American honors as a junior. During his college career, Benjamin Hartsock started 31 of 51 games. For his career, Ben had 58 receptions for 519 yards. Benjamin Hartsock recorded 33 catches for 290 yards in his senior year alone and was a contributor for the 2002 National Championship team that defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Professional career
Indianapolis Colts
Benjamin Hartsock was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Ben served as a reserve tight end in his time with the Colts, playing behind Marcus Pollard and Dallas Clark.
Tennessee Titans
In 2006, Benjamin Hartsock signed with the Colts' division rival, the Tennessee Titans. Ben started twelve games, compiling 206 yards receiving in two years at tight end for Tennessee. The Titans lost Benjamin Hartsock to unrestricted free agency in March 2008.
Atlanta Falcons
On March 2, 2008, the Atlanta Falcons came to an agreement with Benjamin Hartsock. He was released on September 1, 2009.
New York Jets
Benjamin Hartsock was signed by the New York Jets on September 2, 2009 to a one-year $1.2 million contract. Benjamin Hartsock recorded his first career touchdown on a two-yard pass from Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez against his former team, the Tennessee Titans, in September 2009. Benjamin Hartsock was re-signed by the team to a two-year contract in March 2010. On March 2, 2011, Benjamin Hartsock was released by the Jets after spending the past two seasons with the team primarily as a blocker.
Carolina Panthers
Benjamin Hartsock signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on July 27, 2011.
