Cedric Delon Benson (December 28, 1982 – August 17, 2019) was an American professional football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He is best known for his ten‑year career with the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers, as well as his collegiate achievements at the University of Texas at Austin.
Early life and education
Benson was born in Midland, Texas. He attended Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. As a senior running back, he rushed for 2,542 yards and 36 touchdowns, earning All‑State honors and national recognition as a top high school recruit.
College career
Benson enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin in 2001 and played for the Texas Longhorns football team from 2002 to 2004.
- 2002 (freshman): Served as a backup, recording 520 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
- 2003 (sophomore): Became the starting running back, rushing for 1,037 yards and 10 touchdowns; earned first‑team All‑Big 12 honors.
- 2004 (junior): Led the nation with 1,570 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns; selected as a unanimous All‑American and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. He finished his college career with 3,127 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.
Benson declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season, foregoing his senior year.
Professional career
Chicago Bears (2005–2009)
Selected in the first round (fourth overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Benson signed a five‑year contract. Over five seasons, he amassed 4,236 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, and 1,285 receiving yards. Notable seasons include 2006 (900 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns) and 2008 (1,028 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns). He served primarily as a feature back but also contributed on special teams.
Cincinnati Bengals (2010–2012)
Benson signed a three‑year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. In his first season, he recorded 688 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His production declined in subsequent seasons, and he was released by the Bengals in September 2012.
Green Bay Packers (2012–2013)
Benson joined the Green Bay Packers in October 2012, initially on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster. He served as a backup to starting running back Eddie Lacy, contributing primarily as a short‑yardage and goal‑line specialist. He retired after the 2013 season.
Career statistics
- Rushing attempts: 1,296
- Rushing yards: 5,236
- Rushing touchdowns: 38
- Receptions: 158
- Receiving yards: 1,285
- Receiving touchdowns: 6
Personal life and death
Benson married his high school sweetheart, Myria, with whom he had three children. In August 2019, he was found deceased at his home in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 36. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and other substances.
Legacy
Benson is remembered for his powerful running style, durability, and contributions to the Texas Longhorns' 2005 Rose Bowl victory. He remains the University of Texas’ all‑time leading rusher. His untimely death prompted discussions about opioid abuse among former professional athletes.