FORMER NFL star Cedric Benson has reportedly died after a motorcycle crash last night.
The 36-year-old, a running back the Chicago Bears drafted fourth overall in 2005, was one of two people to lose their lives in the incident.
Benson is believed to be one of the victims that were described as “a man and a woman in their 30’s” in the West Austin, Texas crash.
Emergency officials told the American-Statesman they are investigating the crash, which occurred around 10pm local time.
Two other adults were also hurt in the accident but suffered non-fatal injuries.
Benson achieved legendary status in his college football days at the University of Texas before signing a $35m deal with the Bears to join the NFL.
But he was axed after just three seasons following two alcohol-related incidents.
He kept his job following a first boating DUI charge, but he was cut in 2008 after a second one while driving in Austin.
Jerry Angelo, the Bears general manager at the time, said: “Cedric displayed a pattern of behaviour we will not tolerate.
“When individual priorities overshadow team goals, we suffer the consequences as a team.
“Those who fail to understand the importance of ‘team’ will not play for the Chicago Bears.”
Benson found himself in hot water again recently.
Last week he was found guilty of a misdemeanour charge in Travis County, Texas, after prosecutors dismissed a drunk driving charge.
His last season in the NFL came in 2012 when he played five game for the Green Bay Packers.
He produced his best form inbetween his stints at the Bears and Packers during three years with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Benson was awarded the Doak Walker Award, handed the NFL’s best running back, in 2004.
The late star revealed he had coeliac disease and adopted a gluten-free diet in order to give him more energy.
Following his career in the NFL he became a loan originator.
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