AUSTIN, Texas — Former University of Texas running back Cedric Benson will be laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery Monday.
- Benson will rest at Texas State Cemetery
- He will be buried next to James Street and Wally Pryor
- Benson will be buried Monday
The UT great will be nestled between The voice of the Longhorns, Wally Pryor and legendary UT Quarterback James Street. His grave will also be near UT Coaching legend Darrell Royal and baseball legend Don Baylor.
For decades, the Texas State Cemetery was reserved for prominent Texas political figures. Lawmakers and Texas pioneers were all automatically allowed entry into an exclusive club of Texas icons. Texas State Cemetery administrator Nathan Stephens said a rule was added in the 1990s that created a committee that chose worthy Texans to honor in the cemetery.
“We’re able to capture many different people because they made a significant contribution historically, culturally to the state of Texas and their field,” Stephens said.
Civil rights leaders, writers, professors and sports figures have all been honored with a spot in the Texas State Cemetery since that rule. Recently, Austin legend Richard Overton was buried near his cousin, civil rights leader Volma Overton. U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle’s burial plot is one of the most visited in the cemetery.
Cedric Benson will be laid to rest in his spot Monday during a private burial service. A public funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church.