Kurtrell “Trey” Benson, born on July 23, 2002, in Greenville, Mississippi, is an American professional football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). A dynamic athlete known for his combination of speed, strength, and ball control, Benson has emerged as a promising talent in professional football. His journey began at O’Bannon High School before transferring to St. Joseph Catholic High School, where he amassed an impressive 3,616 yards and 48 touchdowns in his final two high school seasons. Benson initially committed to the University of Oregon, but after a challenging start marked by a torn ACL, he transferred to Florida State University, where he solidified his reputation as a standout running back. Selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Cardinals, Benson has quickly made his mark in the professional league, showcasing the resilience and determination that define his career.
Siblings
Trey grew up in a close-knit family, with his parents, Kurtrell Benson and Christina Wright, playing significant roles in his life. He has two siblings: a younger brother, Eric Rancifer, and a sister, Khaila Benson. Eric, in particular, has been a profound source of inspiration for Trey.
Despite battling serious health challenges, including Lupus and Guillain-Barre syndrome, which affected his ability to walk and led to significant weight loss during his teenage years, Eric showed remarkable resilience. Through dedicated effort, he regained strength and now weighs around 190 pounds, serving as a testament to perseverance that deeply motivates Trey.
Career
Benson’s football career is a story of overcoming adversity and seizing opportunities. At Oregon, his freshman year in 2020 was derailed by a torn ACL, sidelining him for the entire season. Returning in 2021, he had a limited role, recording six carries for 22 yards and a touchdown. Seeking a fresh start, Benson transferred to Florida State University in 2022. Initially sharing carries with Lawrance Toafili and Treshaun Ward, he quickly rose to become the lead running back. In his first season with the Seminoles, he rushed for 990 yards and nine touchdowns, earning second-team All-ACC honors. His 2023 season was equally impressive, highlighted by a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech and a pivotal three-touchdown game in a comeback victory over Florida.
Over two seasons at Florida State, Benson accumulated over 2,100 all-purpose yards and 24 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of college football’s top running backs. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine further elevated his draft stock, leading to his selection by the Arizona Cardinals with the 66th overall pick. In his rookie NFL season, Benson debuted in Week 1 of 2024, rushing for 13 yards on three attempts and adding a five-yard reception. A standout performance came in Week 10 against the New York Jets, where he rushed for 62 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for 25 yards. Despite an ankle injury that placed him on injured reserve in late December, Benson finished his rookie year with 291 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries, along with 59 yards on six receptions.
Accolades
Benson’s career is marked by notable achievements that reflect his talent and work ethic. During his high school years, he was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 259 overall prospect and No. 6 player in Mississippi. At Florida State, he earned second-team All-ACC honors in both 2022 and 2023, a testament to his consistent performance in a competitive conference.
In 2022, he was named Florida State’s Newcomer of the Year after breaking a PFF College single-season record by forcing 0.51 missed tackles per rush. His standout performances, including three-touchdown games against Southern Miss and Florida, further solidified his reputation as a clutch performer. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Benson’s 4.39-second 40-yard dash ranked in the 98th percentile for speed, highlighting his elite athleticism.