Thirty-five days separated the arrests that ended his career

A former fourth-overall NFL pick lost his spot with the Bears after two Austin arrests-how did those incidents expose him? Thirty-five days separated the arrests that ended his career In this episode, we follow Cedric Benson from high school star in Midland to an NFL career that oscillated between promise and controversy. We trace the incidents, locker-room tensions, and organizational decisions that shaped his path and ask how those moments defined him. Person: Cedric Benson Date: August 17, 2019 Location: Austin, Texas Event: Two arrests in 2008 separated by 35 days Topic: NFL career impacted by off-field incidents - Midland, Texas native ran for 8,423 high school rushing yards and later 5,540 at the University of Texas. - Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in April 2005 on a five-year, $35 million contract with a $16 million signing bonus. - Early career marred by two college arrests-one marijuana charge dropped, one trespassing sentence not served-and no convictions. - Reports of teammates allegedly trying to injure him in Chicago and a series of injuries, including a fractured forearm and torn ankle, during his tenure. - In May-June 2008 he was arrested twice in Austin (boating while intoxicated/resisting arrest; DWI) and was waived by the Bears days after the second arrest. To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com. © 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: [email protected].