Benjamin Gay, a former National Football League (NFL) player and high school football sensation, tragically passed away in a car accident in Colorado in late July. The 44-year-old Houston native made a significant impact on Texas football during his tenure at Spring High School. In 1997, his exceptional performance on the field earned him the prestigious USA Today All-American honors.
Gay initially pledged his college football career to Baylor, but later transferred to Garden City Community College in Kansas. His 1999 season was particularly noteworthy, as he rushed for 1,442 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. After his stint at Garden City, Gay worked as a bouncer before briefly joining the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos in 2000.
However, his time in the Canadian Football League was brief, and he soon returned to the United States. In the summer of 2001, Gay signed with the Cleveland Browns. During his season with the Browns, he had 51 carries for 172 yards and scored one touchdown. His most memorable game was a Week 9 face-off against the Baltimore Ravens, led by Ray Lewis. In that game, Gay had 18 rushes for 51 yards, including his only NFL touchdown. He also made four receptions and three tackles that season. Despite his efforts, he was released before the 2002 season and later signed with the Indianapolis Colts, only to be cut during the preseason.
After his football career, Gay transitioned into a new profession as a welder, a career he maintained until his untimely death. He leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Margarita, his son Damian Ortega, and his daughters Julie Ortega and Brianna Morales.