Nakia Benefield’s high school football journey was anything but ordinary. He began his career as a Waycross Bulldog for one year before transitioning to a Ware County Gator for the final three years after the schools merged.
Fortunately, one constant remained — his “Hall of Fame” Bulldog head coach, Dale Williams, continued to lead the team. That familiarity was a rare comfort during a time of great change.
A big, strong athlete, Benefield quickly established himself as one of the area’s toughest runners. In 1994, he proved his talent on the field by rushing for over 680 yards on 114 carries, averaging approximately six yards per touch.
Known for his versatility as a back, Benefield especially thrived in goal-line and short-yardage situations. When the Gators needed a first down or a touchdown, everyone knew he was getting the ball — but knowing didn’t make stopping him any easier. It often took multiple defenders to bring him down, and not before he secured the needed yards to attain a first down.
That season, Benefield’s hard work and tenacity earned him a fourth-place spot in Region 1-AAAA in both rushing and scoring, and he was named to the all-Region Second Team.
Although football was his primary passion, Benefield was also a talented track and field athlete. In 1994, he set the Ware County High School record in the discus and went on to place third at the state level in the event.
After high school, Benefield continued his football career at Middle Georgia College, where he excelled at fullback. He transferred to Fort Valley State University, once again earning recognition as a top fullback.
Benefield even spent a year playing professional football with the Miami Tropics, a team in the Spring Football League based in Miami, Fla., in 2000.
Today, Benefield lives in Warner Robins with his wife of 21 years, Debbie Jefferson Benefield. They are proud parents to three children, Nakia Jr., Naia and Dahvie. Benefield serves his community as a dedicated member of law enforcement and is the proud son of Isaac and Dorothy Benefield of Waycross.
His hard work and dedication on and off the field have earned him a well-deserved place in the Waycross-Ware County Sports Hall of Fame.
