Ryan Benjamin (running back) facts for kids

Ryan Lamont Benjamin (born April 23, 1970) is a former American football player. He was a running back, which is a player who primarily runs with the ball. Ryan played for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL) for one season. He also played college football for the Pacific Tigers. During his college career, he was named a first-team All-American in 1991. Ryan also played in other leagues, including the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL).

Early Life and High School Football

Ryan Lamont Benjamin was born on April 23, 1970. His birthplace was Santa Clara County, California. He grew up and attended Tulare Union High School in Tulare, California.

College Football Career

Ryan Benjamin started his college football journey at the College of the Sequoias Giants. Later, he played for the Pacific Tigers team. This team represents the University of the Pacific. He played for them from 1990 to 1992.

Top College Achievements

Ryan was a star player in college. He earned the Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year award. He won this award two years in a row, in both 1991 and 1992. Ryan led the NCAA Division I-A in "all-purpose yardage." This means he gained the most yards from running, catching, and returning the ball. He was the first player in his conference to run for at least 1,500 yards and also catch 50 passes.

His 2,996 all-purpose yards were almost a record. Only Barry Sanders had more in 1988. Ryan became the first Pacific player to be named a first-team Associated Press All-American. He was also only the second player in Big West Conference history to receive this honor. In 1992, his senior year, he was named a second-team All-American. He ran for 1,441 yards and gained 2,597 all-purpose yards that year.

Hall of Fame Recognition

Because of his amazing college career, Ryan Benjamin was honored. He was inducted into the Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame. This special event happened as part of the 2004-05 class.

Professional Football Career

After college, Ryan Benjamin continued his football career. He played in several professional leagues.

Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)

Ryan was not chosen in the 1993 NFL draft. However, the Cincinnati Bengals signed him on April 28, 1993. He played in one game for the Bengals during the 1993 season. The Bengals released him from the team on August 10, 1994.

Shreveport Pirates (CFL)

In August 1994, Ryan signed with the Shreveport Pirates. This team played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played for the Pirates during the 1994 season.

Arena Football League (AFL)

Ryan Benjamin then joined the Memphis Pharaohs/Portland Forest Dragons. He played for this team from 1995 to 1999. During his time there, he was named team captain. He also earned the team's MVP (Most Valuable Player) award. He left the team after the 1998 season.