Cedric Benson talks to the media after he was chosen by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Photograph: Adam Rountree/AP.
The death of a man in his young prime, and of his passenger on the motorcycle, is an unmixed tragedy. I have nothing but respect and condolence for all who mourn the cruel loss of these two lives.
What strikes me about this tribute to Cedric Benson published in The Guardian is the focus on his athletic record.
More than 1,000 yards in four seasons, 1,834 as a senior.
5,540 yards and 64 rushing touchdowns.
621 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Doak Walker Award in 2004.
Drafted No. 4 by the Chicago Bears.
No. 6 on the NCAA rushing list, still No. 10 on the all-time list.
Cincinnati Bengals, 1,000-plus yards rushing in 3 seasons.
In his NFL career, 6,017 yards and 32 touchdowns.
(“Cedric Benson, NFL and Texas running back, dies in motorcycle crash aged 36,” The Guardian, 8-18-19)
And it ends. Certainly his achievement on the playing field is to be celebrated. However, given that he had retired from football some years ago, as a eulogy this recital of statistics seems somewhat algorithmic and impersonal — not, one hopes, the full measure of a life cut tragically short.
(“Cedric Benson, NFL and Texas running back, dies in motorcycle crash aged 36,” The Guardian, 8-18-19)
(c) 2019 JMN
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About JMN
I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.
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Cedric Benson (1982-2019)
Cedric Benson talks to the media after he was chosen by the Chicago Bears with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Photograph: Adam Rountree/AP.
The death of a man in his young prime, and of his passenger on the motorcycle, is an unmixed tragedy. I have nothing but respect and condolence for all who mourn the cruel loss of these two lives.
What strikes me about this tribute to Cedric Benson published in The Guardian is the focus on his athletic record.
And it ends. Certainly his achievement on the playing field is to be celebrated. However, given that he had retired from football some years ago, as a eulogy this recital of statistics seems somewhat algorithmic and impersonal — not, one hopes, the full measure of a life cut tragically short.
(“Cedric Benson, NFL and Texas running back, dies in motorcycle crash aged 36,” The Guardian, 8-18-19)
(c) 2019 JMN
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Like this:
About JMN
I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.