Christian Benford’s journey is the stuff of legends—rising from a turbulent life to becoming one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks is no small feat. Just inked to a four-year, $76 million contract extension with the Buffalo Bills, Benford is extending his tenure in Buffalo through 2029, and yet, he hasn’t allowed the moment to wash over him fully.

His approach? A meditative session with ambient sounds to soothe his soul.

“I’m mainly appreciative,” Benford shared at his press conference. “I haven’t really sat down and let everything soak in yet.

I’ll probably take a moment to myself, perhaps find a quiet room. Rain sounds, like the ones kids sleep to—they do the trick for me.

It’ll calm my mind and soul, and allow me to reflect and have a talk with God.”

Benford’s path, from Baltimore’s streets shadowed by drugs and violence to the bright lights of the NFL, reads like a movie script. Imagine facing hunger, losing friends to violence, narrowly escaping bullets, and yet emerging undeterred.

A pivotal shift came when his family relocated to a Baltimore suburb as he approached high school, eventually earning a football scholarship to Villanova University. There, Benford became a father shortly after starting college, stepping into big shoes at a young age.

Tragedy struck during his junior season opener when Benford’s mother passed away while he was on the field. This life-altering loss is symbolized by a half-filled heart tattoo on his right cheek—a poignant reminder of the void left behind.

If he could offer advice to his younger self, Benford would say, “All those tears at night, they’re going to pay off. Every heavy thought, every worry for family and loved ones, all that toil, even when you feel you can’t take another step—it’ll be worth it.

Keep your head high. Smile more.

Maybe even give yourself a hug.”

Benford has proven to be one of the 2022 NFL Draft’s most valuable finds. Snagged by the Bills in the sixth round at pick 185, he wasn’t just another cornerback—he was the 25th selected, yet he’s risen to outshine many, including beating out first-round pick Kaiir Elam for a starting spot.

In 2024, Benford logged 64 tackles, two interceptions, a couple of forced fumbles, one sack, and a fumble recovery over 15 games, earning an impressive 82.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among 222 cornerbacks. Notably, he even secured a fifth-place vote for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Sharing the Villanova bond in the NFL with just one other active player, Benford isn’t alone from his draft class to extend his stay with the Bills. He’s joined by linebacker Terrel Bernard and wide receiver Khalil Shakir, but Benford’s extension, sitting at $19 million per year, marks the largest, positioning him as the NFL’s 15th highest-paid cornerback by contract value.

“This is life-changing,” Benford declared. “Family, legacy, everything.

It only takes one person to believe, and that means the world to me… moments like this validate the grind. Outworking everyone—here and across the country—and pushing past limits is a challenge.

This contract represents that my effort has purpose.”

Yet, even with the glittering deal, Benford’s ambitions remain fiercely intact. “But my drive is still strong to be the best in the league.

It doesn’t change anything; I don’t feel different. My goal is steadfast—get to the Super Bowl and be the best in the league.”