Inducted: 2024

1998, 1999, 2000

Inducted in 2024

In 2000, Cedric Benson–regarded as one the most heralded running backs in the nation, became the first high school player ever to be featured on the cover of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine. During his time at Midland Lee, Benson rushed for 8,423 career yards which still ranks 8th on the all-time list, including 3,526 yards (8th on the all-time single season list) and 51 touchdowns as a junior. He followed that by rushing for 2,865 yards as a senior. Benson’s starring role in the backfield propelled Lee to a three-peat of state championships from 1998-2000. The Rebels won the 5A Division II title in 1998 and then back-to-back 5A Division I championships (the largest classification at the time) in 1999 and 2000. Benson signed with the University of Texas and made an immediate impact, earning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2001. As a freshman, he rushed for 1,053 yards and 12 TDs. He finished his career at Texas with 5,540 yards and 64 TDs, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2003 and 2004, and the Doak Walker Award in 2004. Benson was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft with the fourth overall pick by the Chicago Bears. He played eight seasons in the NFL for the Bears, Bengals, and Packers, rushing for 6,017 yards and 32 touchdowns.