Midland Dedicated Statue to Honor Cedric Benson
A 500-pound bronze statue now commemorates the late NFL running back's athletic legacy at Astound Broadband Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Football
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Officials unveiled a 6-foot-tall bronze statue of Cedric Benson during a public ceremony at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland. The monument honors the late NFL running back who led Midland Lee to three state football championships.
Why it matters
The project serves to immortalize the local icon's contributions to the sport while aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. It commemorates his high school dominance and successful professional transition after his 2005 draft selection.
The bronze monument stands 6 feet tall and weighs 500 pounds, memorializing a career that included 127 high school touchdowns and a 4th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.
The players
Cedric Benson
He was a standout running back who played for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers after a storied high school career.
J. Payne Lara
He is the sculptor responsible for creating the 500-pound bronze monument dedicated to the former NFL athlete.
The details
Sculpted by J. Payne Lara, the statue was placed at the westside entrance of the stadium following a three-year project supported by the city Parks and Recreation department. The installation follows Benson's death in 2019 and serves as a permanent tribute to his triple-championship run between 1998 and 2000.
Timeline
1998-2000: Cedric Benson guided Midland Lee to three state titles.
2019: Cedric Benson died in a motorcycle accident.
Fall 2023: The statue project was initiated.
September 26, 2026: The public statue dedication ceremony occurred.
Season Trajectory
This story follows the legacy established by winning the 2004 Doak Walker Award, marking a career trajectory that defined his professional success. The memorial solidifies his historical standing in the city's sports record books long after his final collegiate and professional snaps.
The installation at the stadium entrance provides a permanent landmark for visitors during future high school games and local events. The associated mentoring program continues to support 23 students at the Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy as part of the project's ongoing legacy.
The takeaway
The statue acts as a focal point for the community to reflect on Benson's athletic achievements and his role as a hometown inspiration. Visitors to the stadium can now see the physical embodiment of his three championship seasons and historic high school career.
Further reading
For more on local sports history and community tributes, visit the Midland Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Midland Reporter-Telegram.
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