Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson dies by suicide at 45

Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News on Sep 23, 2025

Published in Football

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Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson is dead at 45.

The Cincinnati Bengals star died by suicide Tuesday morning, according to TMZ. A family source reportedly said Johnson was struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) before his death.

The Bengals confirmed his death on social media, remembering Johnson as “a fine person and an excellent running back for us.”

Johnson entered the NFL in 2001 after making a name for himself at Auburn University. He spent all but the last year of his NFL career in Cincinnati before playing one season with the Detroit Lions.

His best season as professional came in 2004 when he rushed for 1,454 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl.

The Virginia native helped establish the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005 to “give back to the community that nurtured him,” according to the organization’s website.

He was remembered Tuesday by six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, who posted a photo of his former teammate on X.

“R.I.P Rudi Johnson,” Johnson wrote.