(AP) Former NFL and Texas Longhorns running back Cedric Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA history, has died in a motorcycle crash in Texas. He was 36.
Benson’s attorney, Sam Bassett, said Austin law enforcement told him that Benson was killed in the wreck Saturday night. Bassett said he did not have details about what happened.
He then went on to be a key player in the Longhorns’ resurgence under coach Mack Brown. Benson played at Texas from 2001 to ’04, and his 5,540 yards ranks second at the university behind Ricky Williams’ total and ninth in NCAA history. He scored 64 career touchdowns with the Longhorns and won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back, in 2004.
He was the only player in school history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in four seasons and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor in 2014.
Benson was drafted No. 4 overall by the Chicago Bears in 2005 and helped Chicago reach Super Bowl XLI. He had his finest years with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2008 to ’11, taking over as the featured back on a team that made the playoffs twice but lost in the first round each time.
Benson finished his NFL career with 6,017 yards and 33 touchdowns.
The Bears, Bengals and Packers each released statements on Sunday acknowledging Benson’s passing.
