Ex-Bears RB Cedric Benson dies at 36 in motorcycle accident
Former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson died over the weekend at age 36.
Benson was involved in a motorcycle accident on Saturday night. His brother and former coach at the University of Texas, Mack Brown, were among those who confirmed the sad news on social media.
Cedric Benson's brother posted to confirm the news about his brother. It was reportedly a motorcycle accident in Austin, Texas. pic.twitter.com/EL3saAn77D
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2019
Former @TexasLonghorns coach Mack Brown, who coached Cedric Benson, posted the following. pic.twitter.com/JqwjH1RRy0
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2019
Emergency officials in Austin, Texas, told the American-Statesman that they are investigating a crash that killed Benson and a passenger. Two other people were injured in the accident and suffered non-fatal injuries.
Benson shared a photo on his Instagram earlier in the evening that showed a BMW motorcycle and said “my Saturday evening.
Former Longhorn great Cedric Benson has died after a crash last night. His final Instagram post indicated he was going for a motorcycle ride. Condolences are pouring in, including from his former coach, Mack Brown. pic.twitter.com/X4DhXg1ekU
— Wes Wilson (@weswilson4) August 18, 2019
The Bears selected Benson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. The former Longhorns star went on to play eight seasons in the NFL in Chicago, Cincinnati and Green Bay. He finished his NFL career with 6,017 rushing yards and 33 total touchdowns.
Benson was in trouble with the law numerous times during and after his playing career, with many of the incidents involving alcohol.