Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson dies at 45, Bengals confirms

CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) - Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died, the team confirmed in a post on X Tuesday.

He was 45.

TMZ was first to report Johnson’s death, citing a family source.

The former Pro-Bowl running back’s cause of death was not released, but TMZ said they were told “Johnson had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

The Bengals drafted Johnson in the 4th Round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Auburn.

He spent seven seasons in Cincinnati and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004.

Johnson rushed for 1,458 yards in 2005. That number still stands as the Bengals’ single-season rushing record to this day.

Bengals president Mike Brown issued a statement Tuesday, expressing his sadness about Johnson’s passing.

“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,” Brown said. “Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

Johnson’s final season in the NFL was in 2008 with the Detroit Lions.

He finished his professional career with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns.

Johnson graduated from Thomas Dale High School and began playing football at age 6, according to Chesterfield County‘s website.

He was recently inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame. He did not attend, but his mother Janice Johnson accepted the award on his behalf just last week, WWBT reported.

“This new class of athletes to be inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame continues to exemplify the high-level of athleticism that is rooted in our community,” said J.C. Poma, executive director of the county’s Sports, Visitation and Entertainment Department.