Cedric Benson death: Ex-NFL running back killed in crash just hours after posting photo of motorcycle to Instagram
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The University of Texas has led the tributes to its famed former running back Cedric Benson, who was killed in a crash just hours after posting an image of his motorcycle on social media.
He was hit by a van at a junction while riding in Austin, Texas, on Saturday night - and his female passenger was killed instantly.
Benson, 36, was reportedly conscious and responsive when emergency crews arrived, but died shortly afterwards.
"Very sad day with the passing of Longhorn Legend Cedric Benson," the University of Texas football team tweeted. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and our community of lettermen. He will be missed."
Benson had posted an image of a motorcycle to his Instagram account just hours before the crash, with the caption: "My Saturday evening"surrounded by hearts.
He was the 9th-leading rusher in college football history, with 5,540 yards. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons as a Texas Longhorn, scoring 64 career rushing touchdowns.
He won the Doak Walker Award - given to the nation's top running back - after he rushed for 1,834 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Benson went on to play for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers after college.
His three seasons in Chicago were considered a disappointment, but he found success with Bengals, where he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in three of his four seasons with the team.
He was forced into retirement by a foot injury in 2012.
Benson had multiple run-ins with the law. His lawyer said that while his client was “imperfect in some respects”, “once Cedric was your friend, you understood how kind, sensitive and loyal he was as a man.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments