Report: Former Cincinnati Bengals Star Rudi Johnson Has Died

CINCINNATI — Former Bengals star running back Rudi Johnson has died according to a report from TMZ.

Johnson was 45 years old. The cause of the death is unknown.

"We're told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome," TMZ reports. "The family source says prior to his death, Johnson was doing everything he could to help people on and off the field ... and that's what mattered most to him."

The Bengals selected Johnson in the fourth round (100th overall) in the 2001 NFL Draft. He went on to run for 5,742 yards over seven seasons with Cincinnati. Johnson helped the Bengals finish 11-5 and win the AFC North in 2005. He ran for a career-high 1,458 yards and 12 touchdowns. Johnson's 1,458 rushing yards is still a club record.

He scored 36 rushing touchdowns from 2004-06 and was a huge part of the Bengals' offense from 2003-06. He was a Pro Bowler in 2004.

Johnson was named SEC Player of the Year in 2000 when he ran for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards-per-carry and was drafted by the Bengals a few months after winning SEC Player of the Year honors.

This is awful news. He's a Bengals and Auburn football legend. May he rest in peace.

UPDATE: TMZ has updated their report to indicate Johnson died by suicide in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday morning.

RIP Rudi Johnson! Here’s six minutes of Rudi highlights, including a feature on his 2004 season when he made the Pro Bowl. The Bengals legend ran for a franchise record 1,458 yards in 2005 and helped Cincinnati win the AFC North for the first time.

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— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) September 23, 2025

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