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On Saturday night, Longhorn legend Cedric Benson tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in West Austin.
He was 36 years old.
Benson was not only regarded as one of the greatest to ever wear the burnt orange, but widely loved and respected for the person he was off of the field. Since the news of Benson’s death, the burnt orange nation and college football community has taken to twitter to mourn the loss of a true Longhorn legend.
Very sad day with the passing of Longhorn Legend Cedric Benson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and our community of lettermen. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/7v7rJioFis
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 18, 2019
Thank you for the memories, Cedric. A true Longhorn Legend. pic.twitter.com/9gtoqo7ohi
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and NFL running back Ricky Williams:
Just learned that fellow Longhorn Cedric Benson has passed on to the other side. RIP to one of the greatest to have played for the University of Texas #cedricbenson #hookem #runningbacks #thisistexas #rip nufced https://t.co/tf4xSL1gU9
— Ricky Williams (@Rickthelaureate) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and NFL safety Michael Huff:
It still doesn’t seem real....I remember back in 01 coming into UT together, he told me he would leave Texas as one of the greatest to ever play at the University of Texas. Gone way to soon but will never be forgotten #RIPCedB
— Michael Huff (@Huffy247) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho:
I saw Ced B at Marble Slab in Austin 3 weeks ago. He was just chillin, enjoying ice cream with his fam on a hot summer day.
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) August 18, 2019
I was going to say wassup, but you don’t bother a legend when they’re with their family. So I simply drove off. I regret it now. #RIPCedricBenson https://t.co/fdLwk5dLGd
Former Texas and NFL quarterback Vince Young:
No comment!! Love u brother!! @Cedric_Benson HookEm
— Vince Young (@VinceYoung10) August 18, 2019
Legend!! @Cedric_Benson pic.twitter.com/Jc7M3v1alJ
— Vince Young (@VinceYoung10) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and current North Carolina coach Mack Brown:
Saddened by the reports on the passing of Cedric Benson. We’ve coached a lot of tough players but none were tougher than Cedric. He was a true spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family on this sad day. pic.twitter.com/6afR0AFiJW
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and NFL tight end Bo Scaife:
Damn Bro! We were just talking about our daughters and life. Love you bro! #RIPCedB #GoneTooSoon pic.twitter.com/VE4WbKKMBb
— Bo Scaife (@BoScaife80) August 18, 2019
Former Texas and current Bengals linebacker Malik Jefferson:
Man RIP to Ced, these bike accidents are crazy. God bless him and his family . https://t.co/bL4SzSQhOu
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) August 18, 2019
Former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Chad Johnson:
R.I.P Cedric Benson pic.twitter.com/dLoIIOd3zY
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 18, 2019
Current Texas guard Andrew Jones:
R.I.P Cedric Benson he was a midland and UT legend #432
— Andrew Jones (@DrewdotCash) August 18, 2019
Longhorn Republic Podcast:
RIP Cedric Benson. One of the greatest running backs in the storied history of backs at the University of Texas. Four 1,000-yard seasons. Most rushing attempts in school history. Second behind Ricky Williams in total yards and TDs. pic.twitter.com/p4f8C4q8sZ
— Longhorn Republic (@LonghornPod) August 18, 2019
Austin American-Statesman columnist Kirk Bohls:
Cedric Benson was one of my favorite players to ever cover at Texas. Direct. Honest. Straightforward. Gave the game everything he had. And always had that mischievous look in his eye.
— Kirk Bohls (@kbohls) August 18, 2019
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football:
Heartbreaking reports this morning that former Midland Lee, Texas and NFL running back Cedric Benson was killed in a car accident on Sunday morning. RIP to the former Dave Campbell’s Texas Football coverboy. #TXHSFB pic.twitter.com/9xslhsI8As
— Dave Campbell's Texas Football — TexasFootball.com (@dctf) August 18, 2019
Benson, who played at Texas from 2001-2004, was a four-year starter for the Longhorns. He rushed for more than 5,000 yards while in Austin — accounting for 67 total touchdowns. As a senior in 2004, he received the Doak Walker award as the nation’s best running back.
A Midland native, Benson attended Midland Lee High where he led his team to three consecutive state championships. He was the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2001, a two-time first-team Big 12 selection, and a consensus All-American in 2004 before going on to become the No. 4 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
5,540 rushing yards.
— Burnt Orange Nation (@BON_SBNation) August 18, 2019
67 touchdowns.
Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Two-time All-Big 12.
2004 Doak Walker Award winner.
2004 consensus All-American.
Rose Bowl champion.
NFL first-round draft pick.
West Texas kid. Longhorn legend unlike any other.
Rest easy, Cedric Benson. pic.twitter.com/KgNX4OvwWS