Former Cleveland Browns running back Benjamin Gay died in a car crash in Colorado at age 44.
On Saturday, Nirfino reported that the Houston resident tragically passed away on July 29.
A obituary The former NFL player also went live on Saturday, writing, “Benjamin has passed away and has been entrusted to the care of our Lord.”
“Benjamin was a faithful Christian and a proud attendee of Platte Valley Baptist Church,” Rowanoak Mortuary & Crematory wrote of Gay. “He enjoyed spending time with his family, working on cars, and making sure his family’s yards were well maintained. Benjamin loved to keep busy and was always happy when he had something to do.
Benjamin is survived by his wife, Margarita Gay, his son, Damian Ortega, his daughters, Julie Ortega and Brianna Morales, his brother, Rodley Johnson, his sisters, Kathy Gay, Benika Gay, Stacey Butler, Lola Smith and many nieces and nephews.
Former Cleveland Browns running back Benjamin Gay dies in car crash at age 44
Gay signed with the Browns in 2001 and made his mark in a win over the Baltimore Ravens
Gay was a high school legend in Houston after playing at Spring High School. After initially signing to play at Baylor, Gay transferred to Garden City Community College in Kansas.
Nevertheless, he found his way to the NFL, signing with the Browns just before training camp in 2001. Although his time in the league was short-lived, Gay wrote a story that would remain in the Browns’ history books.
Gay was the third-string running back and was primarily a special teams player through the first eight games of the season, but he made himself a fan favorite in Game 9 against a Baltimore Ravens team fresh off a Super Bowl victory.
In a 27-17 win over the Ravens, Gay carried the ball 18 times for 56 yards and a seven-yard touchdown to give Cleveland the lead in the second quarter.
Gay scored a seven-yard touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in his Browns debut
The Houston, Texas native was cut by the Browns after just one season with the team
His statistics for that game ended up being career highs, and he finished the season with 51 carries, 172 yards and a touchdown. Gay also averaged 22.3 yards on 22 kickoff returns.
The Browns released Gay in April 2002 before he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. However, Indiana would release him before training camp.
In addition to his brief NFL stint, Gay played for Edmonton in the Canadian Football League. Gay worked as a welder after hanging up his boots.
Gay’s funeral will be handled by Rowanoak Mortuary and Crematory in Fort Morgan, Colorado.