Cedric Benson chose Green Bay Packers over Lions, Raiders

Cedric Benson knows there's an expiration date stamped on any NFL player and that it seems to come sooner for running backs than anyone else.

Benson insists he has a lot left to give the Green Bay Packers despite carrying the ball more than 1,500 times over the past seven NFL seasons.

"I think I've got plenty," Benson said Monday. "I still feel good. I'm still loose, I diet well and I train well and do the best I can to contribute to the longevity of my career as best I know how. And I think I've got plenty of years left. I feel great."

The Packers signed the free-agent running back Sunday, hoping to add depth and productivity at a position that is being stretched thin by injuries just a few weeks into training camp.

Benson told FOXSportsWisconsin.com the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders both attempted to sign him before the Packers.

"Both teams that needed backs," Benson said. "They talk about a Super Bowl around here, not about winning their first playoff game."

Already missing James Starks because of a turf toe injury -- and not wanting to overtax second-year player Alex Green in his return from a season-ending knee injury -- the Packers' problems were compounded when they lost John Kuhn to an ankle sprain during Monday's practice.

Coach Mike McCarthy had to cut practice short by 20 minutes because the team simply didn't have enough running backs to get through all their drills.

Benson isn't likely to play in Thursday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, potentially leaving the Packers shorthanded.

"Year to year in this business, guys always have something to prove, you know?" Benson said. "There's a tendency of, 'What have you shown me lately? What have you done for me lately?' You're always out to leave your stamp on the game every season."

By signing Benson, the Packers apparently passed on the chance to re-sign veteran Ryan Grant, who is without a job after five solid seasons with the Packers.

"We have an idea of what kind of player we're bringing in because he's a veteran, an accomplished player," McCarthy said. "His pass protection and ball-carries and the things he's done in the past, it's always a transition. Some people believe in certain things are done certain ways. We'll teach him like we teach the rest of the guys. And I'm confident he'll be able to pass protect in our system."

"Both teams that needed backs," Benson said. "They talk about a Super Bowl around here, not about winning their first playoff game."

"I want to work for something already built...not be part of the building myself".......douchebag

"I want to work for something already built...not be part of the building myself".......douchebag

Oh geez... would you rather go work for an experimental start up company, or Ford/GM? I think we all know the answer. I don't blame the guy one bit, and I'd hardly call him a "douche bag" for going to the Pack. The guy is in the twilight of his career. Why fault him for going to a contender when players do it all the time?