Cedric Benson was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2005 as the fourth overall pick. At the University of Texas at Austin, he was a four-year starter at running back. In 2004, he received the Doak Walker Award, designating him as the top running back in the country. In four years, he rushed for 5,540 yards, ranking him sixth amongst all NCAA Division 1-A players.

After being drafted by the Bears, Benson and the organization were unable to come to terms, which led to his missing virtually all of his first training camp. Finally, after 36 days, he signed a five-year deal worth $35 million.

Although the Bears originally saw the running back as their primary rusher, Benson’s absence from training camp in the summer of 2005 led to his taking a back seat to Thomas Jones. In 2006, Benson injured his shoulder in a routine scrimmage, making him miss most of the preseason. Once again, Jones was chosen as the starter.

Benson was designed as the starting running back in 2007 and Jones was traded to the New York Jets. His first season as the Bears’ primary rusher was uneven. In 2007, he appeared in 11 games, carrying the ball 196 times and gaining 674 yards while averaging 3.4 YPC.

Benson is still finding himself as a running back and Chicago is not confident enough to endorse him as their primary rushing threat. Additionally, in 2008 Benson was arrested for operating a boat while intoxicated and resisting arrest. Chicago drafted running back Matt Forte’ in 2008 to provide Benson with competition.