Another blow to the NFL world! The former Cleveland Browns running back, Benjamin Gay passed away on July 29 in a tragic car accident. He was only 44 when he met with an untimely demise that left fans with an irreplaceable void. The Texas high school phenom also had a short stint with the Indianapolis Colts and will continue to live in the hearts of the fans in years to come. 

Gay will be remembered for gifting football enthusiasts one of the best games on November 18, 2001. As the fandom is in a state of shock, they have poured in the tributes for their favorite.

Gay’s journey and his lasting influence

An obituary was released by Rowanoak Mortuary & Crematory for Gay on July 3, Saturday that said, “Benjamin passed into the care of our Lord.” The RB’s journey started with Cleveland in 2001. Starting as the third-running back, Gay was signed by the team three days before his training camp. And he soon became an absolute fan favorite. 

The RB carried 18 times for 56 yards and gifted the Browns a 27-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens who were known for their strength coming off as the Super Bowl winner the previous season. That touchdown would be the only one the RB would score in his NFL career. In 2002, Gay signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, he also played in the Canadian Football League where he represented the Edmonton Eskimos. Like his impact on the field, his take on life would continue to live in the hearts of his fans. 

Back in 2001, Gay shared a secret code of living, “I took some time off from football to learn about the game of life. When I was away from football, I learned how to be a better person. Now I’m energized because I’m playing football again, and football keeps me pure.” His demise is definitely a monumental blow for football fans.  

A tragic farewell for the football world

A fan conveyed respect wishing that Gay may find peace in the afterlife, “rest in peace.” From his rookie season in which the RB amassed 51 carries for 172 yards along with 22.3 yards average on 22 kickoff returns to the NFL, the graph has been rather consistent which left a fan comment, “Was fun to watch during his stretch.”

While Gay rather had a slow growth in the NFL and had recorded only one touchdown while playing for the league, he never gave up. His hard work is what will stay with the fan who commented,  “RIP…….us in the Dawg Pound thank you for being a Brown, and for playing hard! God bless your wife, kids and family!”

It’s a devastatingly early farewell at 44 as another fan shared his thoughts,  “Oh no that’s terrible… RIP sir.. dang, he was so young..” But no matter what, the RB’s memory will be eternal as a fan assured, “I hate this. Too many people leaving this world way too soon. Memory Eternal Mr. Gay.” Gay is survived by his wife, Margarita, and their three children, daughters Julie Ortega and Brianna Morales and son Damian Ortega.