Longhorns Country

Texas football: Past and present Longhorns mourn the passing of Cedric Benson

The legendary former Texas running back touched lives on and off the field
Chris Dukes|
Texas football: Past and present Longhorns mourn the passing of Cedric Benson
Texas football: Past and present Longhorns mourn the passing of Cedric Benson

Tragedy struck the Longhorn community Saturday night when Cedric Benson unexpectedly passed away in a motorcycle accident. 

Benson rushed for over 1,000 yards all four years he was on the 40 Acres and is widely considered to be one of the best running backs in school history. 

"“It’s an unbelievably sad day with the news of the passing of Cedric Benson," Texas head coach Tom Herman said. "We lost a true Longhorn Legend, one of the best running backs in college football history and a really special man. He was far too young, and my heart aches for his family, friends and the entire Longhorn community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

Former Texas coach Mack Brown also mourned Benson's untimely passing. 

“Sally and I are just grief stricken with Cedric’s passing," Brown said. "He was as good as you’ll ever see as a football player and as tough as they come. But what I’ll remember most is what a special, special person he was. We always enjoyed talking with him because he was such a bright and unique guy. There will never be another one like him, and he will be dearly missed by so many. It’s just heartbreaking, but we feel very fortunate to have had him in our lives.”

Derrick Johnson, a former teammate, reflected on his friendship with Benson both on and off the field. 

“Being two of the biggest names in our recruiting class in 2001, Cedric and I roomed together our freshman year. We became really great friends," Johnson said. "For that freshman class, he was head of the offense and I was head of the defense. That was our mindset always. We really had a special bond that started as soon as we roomed together and carried on long after college. His favorite thing to call me was cuddy. I loved it because it reminded me of my hometown. On the field, Cedric was a workhorse and one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around. He will always be remembered as a Texas legend and best of all a really good friend that I can tell my kids about. It’s a very sad day, but I’m so lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship and so many great memories.”

Even more players, coaches and media personalities took to Twitter to share their thoughts on Benson as a player, a person and a friend. 

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Chris Dukes
CHRIS DUKES

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