Cedric Benson: Former NFL Star Dies In Motorcycle Crash, Tributes Pour In

Cedric Benson, the former Chicago Bears and Texas Longhorn running back, died Saturday night after being involved in a motorcycle crash. The NFL and Texas alum was 36 years old.

Austin police said the crash occurred when a minivan collided with the motorcycle when trying to cross the intersection of FM 2222 and Mount Bonell Road in Austin, Texas. Benson and the woman aboard the bike were pronounced dead at the scene while the occupants of the van are said to have suffered minor injuries.

Longhorn fans mourned the death of a true legend over the weekend with tributes pouring in from his former teams and coaches. Benson played four seasons with the Longhorns under coach Mack Brown and his 5,540 yards ranks second at the university and ninth in NCAA history while his 64 career rushing touchdowns ranks second in school history.

Benson won the Doak Walker Award which is given to the nation’s top running back after he rushed for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2004. He also earned All-American honors the same year and was also inducted into the school’s Hall of Honor in 2014.

“He was as good as you’ll ever see as a football player and as tough as they come,” Brown told the Associated Press. “But what I’ll remember most is what a special, special person he was. We always enjoyed talking with him because he was such a bright and unique guy. There will never be another one like him, and he will be dearly missed by so many. It’s just heartbreaking, but we feel very fortunate to have had him in our lives.”

Benson was picked 4th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Bears, but in his eight years in the NFL, he also played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers. His former teams and coaches were quick to pay tribute and praise the running back not only for being a tough player he was but also his special personality.

"Our condolences to the friends and family of former Bears running back Cedric Benson, our 4th overall Draft pick in 2005 and member of the 2006 NFC Champions team," the Chicago Bears tweeted Sunday.

Cedric was a fine football player for us," Cincinnati Bengals President Mike Brown said. "Our organization is deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic passing. The Bengals extend our deepest condolences to Cedric's family."