From tragedy to triumph: The Christian Benford story

Christian Benford is one of the most important pieces on the Buffalo Bills defense. Starting at cornerback across from Rasul Douglas, Benford is consistently putting up undeniable stat lines and coverage grades, game in and game out.

According to PFF, Benford is currently the 18th-highest graded corner in the NFL. It’s a feat that seems impressive now, but the path taken to get here makes it truly unbelievable.

Benford prefers to maintain a low profile both online and in person, yet his presence on the Bills continues to grow. Bills head coach Sean McDermott had this to say about Benford’s work ethic:

“I think, more than anything, he just continues to work hard every day to try to be the best that he can be. He just does a really good job at staying on task and honing in on what his job is every week and how he wants to improve. You’re seeing the results of that.”

His work ethic and undeniable ability are what earned the sixth round pick out of Villanova a starting spot in his rookie season in 2022.

While Benford seems to be on the top of the world now, it was not always this way.

On September 21, 2000, Benford was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up on one of the most dangerous avenues of Baltimore, living in the Bruce Manor apartments. These apartments were a short distance from an apartment complex that was known as “Murder Mall” by its inhabitants.

Benford had his goal set in stone by the time he was a teenager. He had gone hungry and seen more death than any child should. Benford had attended many funerals, seen his friends go to jail, and seen far too many open caskets at a young age. The area that surrounded him beat him down day after day. He would face shootouts and violence as a regular part of his life. People close to Benford would die year after year, but this is what gave Benford the strength to go all in on his dream and leave that life behind.

Benford’s mission became football. His mother would not let him stop playing football either, because she knew what became of Baltimore boys who became distracted with other things. He eventually was able to enroll at a high-class catholic school in Maryland because of his parents effort. Benford was a jack of all trades, playing quarterback, corner and everything in between. He was drawing looks from college coaches left and right, but he also caught the eye of Ola Adams, Villanova’s defensive backs coach. Villanova had found their next star corner.

When Benford showed up for college, he faced a very unique challenge. An unplanned pregnancy was a challenge given to him immediately. Benford would use his new son as another reason to keep on the rails of his mission, propelling him further to his goals.

He started eight games as a freshman for Villanova and led the team in interceptions with five. He was named the CAA rookie of the year. Benford was also strong in the classroom, making the academic honor roll three times in his college career.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Benford stayed hungry. He would gather teammates to workout outdoors in any spot they could find. Benford went on to play in the COVID season and played an outstanding season opener on March 6th. His mother had been in the hospital that day but assured Benford that there was nothing to worry about. 

Tragedy had struck Benford once again.

Benford’s mother had died in the middle of the game. This broke Benford down to his core. However, Benford stayed the course and insisted on being there for his teammates at Villanova. He went back to campus to play in the next game seven days later with a broken heart inked onto his cheek.

Benford was an FCS All-American and was drafted in the sixth round by the Bills. He faced a large challenge to make the roster, but Benford never cared about the odds. He had a son, siblings to support, and a mother to honor. 

Benford made a few mistakes at training camp but he earned a starting spot with the Bills. He started the season opener in 2022 and played well. He dealt with injuries throughout his first season, but he refused to waver. He returned to a starting spot every time he got healthy. He eventually got over the injury hump and played 16 games in 2023, posting 10 passes defended along with two interceptions.

Now Benford completes an extraordinary defensive back duo with fellow corner Rasul Douglas. Head coach Sean Mcdermott had this to say about the relationship between his starting corners:

“They do a good job, and those two have formed a really good relationship, which has been fun to watch with Rasul not even really being here a full year yet,” McDermott remarked. “I think they learn off of one another and the experiences that they’ve had both on and off the field, so that’s been fun to watch.” 

Benford in 2024 has emerged as one of the best corners in the league, which is the result of his incredible work ethic and relentless mentality. Benfords’ story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and strength. All encapsulated in the heart etched on his cheek, a symbol of his incredible journey and a testament to those he has lost.