f.The NFL community is in mourning. Rudi Johnson — the former Bengals quarterback who defined an era with his tenacity and greatness — has committed suicide at age 45. His sudden passing has left Florida officials, teammates and fans in shock.f
SAD NEWS: The NFL community is devastated. Rudi Johnson — the former Bengals quarterback who defined an era with his tenacity and greatness — has committed suicide at the age of 45. His sudden passing has left Florida officials, teammates, and fans in shock. IF YOU ARE AN NFL FAN AND KNOW HIM, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR HIM
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide Tuesday in Florida at the age of 45, police told TMZ Sports.
A source from the family confirmed news of the tragedy to TMZ Sports Sept. 23. The source noted Johnson was struggling with mental health issues and the potential effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by repeated head injuries.
Johnson did everything he could to help people both on and off the field, the family source told the outlet.
Rudi Johnson #32 walks off the field after the Bengals victory. The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tennessee Titans 31-23 on October 15, 2005. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NFLPhotoLibrary via Getty Images)
His exact cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
Johnson began to flourish at Auburn University, where he won SEC Player of the Year Honors.
The Bengals picked Johnson in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played sparingly during his first two seasons, but his career took off in season three. In his fourth year, in 2004, he started every game and made the Pro Bowl, the league’s all-star honor and game. In 2005, Johnson played a vital role in getting the Bengals to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. He played alongside fellow Pro Bowlers, quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson (later Ochocinco).
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 14: Rudi Johnson #33 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium October 14, 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Bengals 27-20. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Fans, friends, and loved ones are reeling with news of his untimely passing, and have taken to social media to grieve this sudden loss.
Final arrangements have not been publicly shared.
The world of football is in shock tonight. Rudi Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals star who once defined an era with his relentless tenacity and unforgettable greatness, has tragically passed away at the age of just 45. Reports confirm that his death was by suicide, a heartbreaking reality that has left Florida officials, former teammates, and fans across the nation struggling to comprehend the loss.
For many who grew up watching the NFL in the 2000s, Johnson was not just a player — he was a symbol of grit, determination, and the kind of heart that turned ordinary moments into legends. With his powerful running style and fearless approach to the game, he carried the Bengals through some of their most defining seasons. Week after week, fans at Paul Brown Stadium watched him fight for every yard, embodying a toughness that became his trademark.
