With Great Sadness, We Share The News That He Has Passed Away Due To An Accident
A tragic car accident claimed the life of a 44-year-old former NFL player from the Cleveland Browns.
Today marks the funeral of Benjamin Gay, who played as a running back for the team during the 2001 season.
According to local reports from the Akron Beacon Journal, Gay was well-loved by fans during his time with the Browns.
He joined the team just three days before training camp and played a key role in helping the Browns secure a 27–17 victory over the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Gay scored a touchdown early in the second quarter, giving the Browns an early lead.
Following that game, Gay scored just one more touchdown in his NFL career.
After retiring from football, Gay worked as a welder until his passing. He married Margarita in February 2012, and the couple had three children together: a son, two daughters, and a granddaughter.
Gay was known for his strong Christian faith and attended Platte Valley Baptist Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado.
He was described as someone who loved spending time with family, working on cars, and maintaining the yards of his relatives. His obituary notes his enjoyment of staying busy and his positive demeanor.
Born Benjamin Stevenson Gay Jr. in Houston, Texas, he earned a USA Today first-team All-American title after graduating from Spring High School. He continued his education at Baylor University and Garden City Community College, eventually earning a degree and a Master’s in Biology.
Before his NFL career, Gay played for the Edmonton Eskimos in Canada.
Following his death, social media has been flooded with tributes from those who knew him. Many have expressed their sorrow and shared memories of his character and contributions.
The Associated Press has confirmed the details of the accident that led to Gay’s passing. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
The Rowanoak Mortuary & Crematory in Fort Morgan, Colorado, is handling the funeral arrangements, and additional details about the service will be announced soon.