Former Bengals Star Rudi Johnson Dead At 45

Former NFL star Rudi Johnson has died of a suspected suicide at the age of 45. He was a running back for the Cincinnati Bengals between 2001 and 2007.

What happened: According to a report by TMZ, Johnson died by suicide just after midnight on Tuesday. The outlet cites sources that reportedly say he was struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE.

• The Cincinnati Bengals posted a heartfelt tribute to their former Pro Bowler, calling him “among the top rushers in franchise history.”
• Bengals president Mike Brown said, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
• The Bengals also showed off a list of Johnson’s achievements on the field. He was fourth on the team’s all-time rushing list with 5742 yards. Johnson also holds the number one record for most rushing yards in a season, with 1458 in 2005.

Friends And Fans Mourn Rudi Johnson’s Passing

Tributes from friends and former teams: Many friends and fans took to social media to mourn the loss. Chad Johnson, a former Bengals wide receiver who played alongside Rudi for multiple seasons, posted, “Rest well Rudi J.” He also shared a picture standing alongside him on the field.

• Auburn Football also posted a tribute on X. “We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson. One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi’s family, friends & teammates are in our prayers,” they wrote. Johnson played for the team in 2000.
• Per the Daily Mail, Johnson was released by the Bengals in 2008 and played the final season of his career with the Detroit Lions. According to TMZ, his family said that Rudi was doing everything he could to help people on and off the field.

The Economic Times reports that the former NFL star established the Rudi Johnson Foundation. A nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income children and their families through community programs.