Former NFL running back Cedric Benson dies in motorcycle crash

A tragic motorcycle accident occurred on Saturday (August 17) which claimed the life of former NFL running back Cedric Benson. The former Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers player was just 36 at the time of his death.

A report arrived from TMZ Sports on Sunday with details about the tragic crash involving Cedric Benson’s motorcycle and a minivan. Based on what the cops on the scene said, Benson was traveling on his motorcycle with another passenger when it slammed into a minivan. That minivan reportedly caught on fire following the collision. Both Benson and his passenger were killed in the crash. That passenger that was riding with Benson is still unidentified in the recent reports.

The individuals in the minivan all survived although two adults were reportedly injured after the crash. All of them stayed on the scene to continue to assist with the investigators’ work. It’s unclear what the cause of the crash was but cops indicated that “speed and poor visibility” were factors involved in the accident. The driver of the minivan will reportedly not be charged for the incident.

Cedric Benson arrived into the NFL as the Bears’ No. 5 pick in 2005 after spending several years with the Texas Longhorns in college. During one of his four seasons with the Longhorns, he helped them achieve an 11-1 regular-season record and an appearance in the Rose Bowl.

He played for three seasons with Chicago including their 2006-07 NFL season which included winning the NFC Championship and the team’s second-ever Super Bowl appearance. Benson played four more seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, racking up the most yards and touchdowns of his rushing career there. He would retire in 2012 after spending one season with the Green Bay Packers.

Benson’s career included 91 total games played and 76 started. His numbers included 1600 carries for 6,017 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground. In addition, he had 120 receptions for 833 yards and a receiving touchdown.

A number of NFL teams and players along with fans and celebrities reacted to the news of Benson’s death. As part of a statement, the Bengals said “Our organization is deeply saddened by his sudden and tragic passing. The Bengals extend our deepest condolences to Cedric’s family.”

The Chicago Bears tweeted, “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.”

Amongst the players offering their condolences were Benson’s former Chicago Bears teammates. They included Thomas Jones, Charles Tillman, Lance Briggs, and Jason McKie, per the Chicago Bears website.