An NFL star who used to play for the Cleveland Browns died in a terrible car accident at the age of 44.
Benjamin Gay died today. He was a running back for the Ohio team for one season in 2001.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Gay was a fan favorite while he played for the Cleveland Browns.
He joined the team three days before training camp and helped the Browns beat the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens 27–17.
During the game, Gay scored a touchdown early in the second quarter that put the Browns ahead.
During his time in the NFL, Gay scored just one touchdown.
A death notice says that Gay worked as a welder after leaving the NFL and until he died.
The ex-football star married Margarita in February 2012, and they had three children together: a son, two daughters, and a granddaughter.
People have called Gay a “stalwart Christian” who went to Fort Morgan, Colorado’s Platte Valley Baptist Church.
“He loved to spend time with his family, work on cars, and ensured that the yards of his family members were well cared for,” the notice says.
“Benjamin enjoyed staying busy, and was always happy when he had something to do.”
Ben Stevenson Gay Jr. was born Gay in Houston, Texas.
At the end of high school, USA Today named him a first-team All-American. He then went to Baylor University and Garden City Community College.
In the end, he got his degree and got a Master’s in Biology.
Gay used to play for the Edmonton Eskimos in Canada before he joined the NFL.
In the days since he died, there have been a lot of tributes on social media to the former football star.
“Very sad news: Former #Browns standout running back Ben Gay was killed in a car crash,” a user wrote.
“Rest in peace to a great person and coach. I’m grateful for the chance to be your fullback during our semi-professional days. “Take it easy, bro!” someone else said.
“I just learned that Benjamin Gay died. Sorry for the loss of everyone who knew him. “May he rest in peace,” said a third.
“If you knew high school football back in the late late 90’s in Texas, then you heard of Benjamin Gay,” someone said.
“My friend and classmate. This is one of the best running backs the state has ever seen. “RIH, big dog!”
The Associated Press confirmed that the car accident killed someone.
More information was not available right away.
The Rowanoak Mortuary & Crematory in Fort Morgan, Colorado is in charge of the funeral plans.
There will be news about a service for gay people in the next few days.