Cincinnati Bengals (Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)
Rudi Johnson had a lot more life to live, but unfortunately, he will not be able to live out his days.

On Tuesday, TMZ Sports reported that the former Cincinnati Bengals star running back tragically passed away at the age of 45. A family source informed them of the news.

A cause of death has not been mentioned, but the publication was told that Johnson had been struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.

The family source further added that prior to the standout running back’s death, Rudi Johnson was trying to do everything he could to help others.

Johnson’s death comes a year after former Bengals RB Jimmie L. Browner Jr. passed away. 

Rudi Johnson Made His Name on The Field


SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2003 BENGALS SPORTS The Cincinnati Bengals defeated theSan Fransisco 49ers 41-38 at Paul Brown Stadium. Rudi Johnson (32) rushed for 174 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns in leading the Bengals offense. Cincinnati Enquirer/Michael E. Keating mek

Rudi Johnson rushed for over 1,000 yards three straight seasons between the years of 2004 to 206.

He may not be as well known to the average FL fan, but he did produce the two most prolific single-season rushing totals in franchise history: 1,458 yards in 2005 and 1,454 yards in 2004.

In 2004, he earned a Pro Bowl nod.

Even to this day, Johnson’s 1,309 yards that he rushed for in 2006 still stand as the sixth most in a season in franchise history. He currently ranks fourth in team history in total rushing yards with 5,742 and is third in rushing touchdowns with 48.

He was always destined for greatness after being selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Bengals. Before his selection, he starred at Auburn University, where he won SEC Player of the Year Honors once.

As a freshman, Rudi Johnson rushed for 1,697 yards and 15 touchdowns. The following year, he amassed a school-record 2,310 yards rushing along with 31 touchdowns.

Johnson’s NFL career came to an end following a run with the Detroit Lions in 2008.