The running back died in Austin Sunday morning after a motorcycle accident, according to ESPN.
Social media posts expressing condolences began flowing in, notably from Tom Herman, the current coach at UT, and former Longhorn coach Mack Brown.
Head Coach Tom Herman issued this statement regarding the passing of Cedric Benson. pic.twitter.com/mwulGcnaNw
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 18, 2019
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
Benson made a name for himself during his college career with the Longhorns. He finished at UT with 5,540 rushing yards, which is second in Longhorns program history.
He was also given the Doak Walker award during his senior year at UT, which goes to the nation's top running back.
Sam Bassett was Benson's attorney and released a statement.
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
Benson was the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He also played for the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals.
After a deadly bombing in Austin last year, Benson helped restore the home of the victim's family.