As a youngster growing up in Southern California, he surfed at Newport and Zuma north of Los Angeles.

He attended California State University, Northridge, where was an All-WFC linebacker, and distinguished himself as the star of the Sigma Alpha Mu intramural national championship team.

The Eskimos released him in July 1991, and he signed with the Los Angeles Wings of the Arena Football League in April 1992.

He was signed as a free agent by the Canadian Football League's Ottawa Rough Riders in June 1992.

In April 1996, Benefield signed with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.