Rudi Johnson, a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals and Auburn University, tragically took his own life at the age of 45, according to police reports. Johnson had reportedly been battling mental health issues and potential complications from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma.
Johnson was a fourth-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, selected 100th overall by the Bengals. He quickly rose to prominence, setting a franchise record for single-season rushing yards. Johnson spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career with the Bengals, playing in 81 games and starting in 59 of them.
From 2004 to 2006, Johnson had three consecutive seasons where he rushed for at least 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection in 2004. That year, he rushed for 1,454 yards, just four yards shy of his career-high set the following season. His 1,458-yard season remains the highest single-season rushing total in Bengals history, with his 1,454-yard season ranking second.
Despite his individual success, the Bengals only made one playoff appearance during Johnson’s tenure. Bengals president Mike Brown expressed his condolences, praising Johnson’s dependability, productivity, and popularity among his teammates.
Johnson ended his NFL career with the Detroit Lions in 2008, a season in which the team did not win a single game. He played in 14 games and accumulated 237 rushing yards. Over his career, Johnson amassed 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, along with 676 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns over 95 games.
Before his NFL career, Johnson had a standout junior season at Auburn University after two years at Butler Community College in Kansas. He rushed for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns, second only to Auburn legend Bo Jackson for single-season rushing yards. His performance earned him SEC Player of the Year honors.
In his final days, Johnson was reportedly focused on helping those around him. In 2005, he established the Rudi Johnson Foundation, aimed at supporting children’s learning opportunities and stabilizing their lives.