Cedric Benson Dies in Reported Motorcycle Accident

Sunday brings some awful news to the sports world.

Former star running back Cedric Benson, whom the Chicago Bears selected fourth overall in the 2005 NFL draft, has passed away at the age of 36.

Former #Bears 4th overall pick, RB Cedric Benson, has passed. RIP.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2019

Benson, an eight-year NFL veteran, reportedly died in a motorcycle accident in the morning on Sunday. The news comes just two days after he was found guilty of a lesser charge in a DWI incident dating back to February of 2017.

A standout star in college, Benson rushed for 5,540 yards in his four years as a Texas Longhorn, amassing 64 rushing touchdowns in the process. His efforts were enough to make him the top pick of the Bears in 2005.

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

Though his playing career never quite took off as expected in Chicago, he carved out a strong four seasons for himself while playing in Cincinnati. He topped 1,000 yards rushing three times for the Bengals, managing 4,176 yards for them from 2008 to 2011. He ultimately finished with 6,017 career rushing yards.

Benson's attorney and close friend Sam Bassett commented on the situation, issuing a heartfelt statement in which he described Benson as being "like a younger brother" to him.

Former #Texas, #Bears, and #Bengals star RB Cedric Benson was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday night in Austin, TX. He was 36. Sam Bassett, his attorney, issued this statement: pic.twitter.com/L5lF9cvVyH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2019

This is a developing story and we will update it with more information as it becomes available.