COLORADO – Benjamin Gay, a former NFL running back and high school football star, tragically lost his life in a late July car accident in Colorado. The 44-year-old was born in Houston and made a name for himself in Texas football during his time at Spring High School. In 1997, he was recognized with USA Today All-American honors.
Gay initially committed to Baylor for college football, but later transferred to Garden City Community College in Kansas. In 1999, he had an impressive season, rushing for 1,442 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. After his time at Garden City, Gay took on a job as a bouncer before briefly joining the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos in 2000.
His stint in the Canadian Football League was short-lived, and he soon returned to the United States. In the summer of 2001, Gay signed with the Cleveland Browns. During his season with the Browns, he had 51 carries for 172 yards and scored one touchdown. His most notable game was a Week 9 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, led by Ray Lewis. In that game, Gay had 18 rushes for 51 yards, including his only NFL touchdown. He also made four receptions and three tackles that season. However, he was waived before the 2002 season and later signed with the Indianapolis Colts, only to be cut during the preseason.
After his football career, Gay transitioned into a new profession as a welder, a career he maintained until his untimely death. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Margarita, his son Damian Ortega, and his daughters Julie Ortega and Brianna Morales.