(PatriotNews.net) – Ben Gay, a former NFL player who spent a season with the Cleveland Browns, tragically passed away in a car accident in Colorado last month. He was just 44 years old. The crash took place on July 29, as confirmed by multiple sources, including the Akron Beacon-Journal and the Houston Chronicle.
Ben Gay was well-known in his hometown, and many people remembered him fondly. One person who knew him from middle and high school shared on Facebook, “Rest easy, the original Spring legend… Ben Gay! He was a beast back in the ’90s. He left those boys behind!” This message captures the impact Gay had on those who knew him during his younger years.
Gay’s football journey began at Garden City Community College in Kansas, where he stood out as a running back. However, his college career was cut short when he was removed from the Baylor University football program due to team violations. Despite this setback, Gay’s talent on the field kept him in the game.
Before joining the NFL, Gay played in a preseason game for the Edmonton Eskimos, a Canadian Football League team. Eventually, the Cleveland Browns decided to give him a shot.
In 2001, Ben Gay played in all 16 games for the Browns. The team finished with a 7-9 record, placing third in the AFC North. Gay rushed for 172 yards on 51 carries and managed to score one touchdown. However, his time with the Browns was short-lived. After the season ended, Cleveland waived him. Gay later signed with the Indianapolis Colts but didn’t make it onto their final roster.
Throughout his career, Ben Gay showed glimpses of the talent that once made him a high school legend. Though his professional career was brief, those who knew him remember the impact he had both on and off the field.
Gay leaves behind his wife and three children, who are undoubtedly grieving this unexpected loss.
