The Texas Longhorns community is in mourning following the tragic death of former star running back Cedric Benson in a motorcycle accident. Benson, 36, was involved in a crash in Austin, Texas, when his motorcycle collided with a minivan attempting to make a left turn. Both Benson and his female passenger, identified as Aamna Najam, lost their lives at the scene. Authorities report that speed may have been a factor in the accident, and it took place on a road known for limited visibility.
Benson, celebrated as one of the greatest running backs in Texas Longhorns history, was remembered for his toughness and stellar college career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons, making him the ninth-leading rusher in NCAA history. His achievements also included winning the prestigious Doak Walker Award in 2004, given to the nation’s top running back. His legacy continued in the NFL, where he played for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers, amassing over 6,000 rushing yards.
The Texas football community, including his former coach Mack Brown, paid heartfelt tributes, calling him a “true spirit” and a “tough competitor.” The Bengals organization and his former teammates also expressed their sadness, highlighting the impact he made both on and off the field. The tragic news has left a void among fans, teammates, and friends, who are honoring his legacy and contributions to Texas football.