Rudi Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals running back, has died at the age of 45. The news of Rudi Johnson's demise was confirmed by his family to TMZ Sports on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Johnson reportedly died by suicide earlier this week.
Though the cause of death has not yet been released, a family source said he had been struggling with mental health issues and possible effects of CTE. The source revealed that Rudi Johnson was battling mental health challenges and possibly dealing with effects from CTE that he "could not overcome."
He was found dead early Tuesday in Florida and the news of his death has shocked fans, teammates, and the football world, leaving many remembering his life, career, and family.
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His struggles are not detailed in public medical records, and there has been no confirmation of whether he was diagnosed with CTE.
Police confirmed that he was discovered dead in Florida shortly after midnight on Tuesday, but the official autopsy report has yet to be released. His family suspects that ongoing mental health struggles may have played a significant role in his death.
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Born on October 1, 1979 in Ettrick, Virginia, Rudi Johnson first played at Butler Community College before joining Auburn University. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and was named SEC Player of the Year in the year 2000. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him in 2001. After two years as a backup, he became the lead running back. In his NFL career, Johnson rushed for nearly 6,000 yards and scored 49 touchdowns.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson had a slow start. In his first two seasons with the Bengals, he saw limited action.
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In his third year, he finally broke through. At 24, he rushed for 957 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Over the following three seasons, he amassed more than 4,000 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the league’s most productive running backs.
Before turning professional, Johnson had made a name for himself at Auburn University, earning the prestigious SEC Player of the Year award. After concluding his NFL career—finishing with the Detroit Lions in 2008—he turned his focus to giving back to the community. He founded a foundation focused on helping children and families through community programs. According to his family, he had always placed importance on service both on and off the field.
Johnson’s family shared that he had been struggling in recent years. He is survived by his children and close relatives, who described him as a loving father and a dedicated family man. He stayed connected to his hometown in Virginia, where his family still lives.
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Though the cause of death has not yet been released, a family source said he had been struggling with mental health issues and possible effects of CTE. The source revealed that Rudi Johnson was battling mental health challenges and possibly dealing with effects from CTE that he "could not overcome."
He was found dead early Tuesday in Florida and the news of his death has shocked fans, teammates, and the football world, leaving many remembering his life, career, and family.
ALSO READ: Social security big update: New bill promises tax-free benefits for retirees in US. Are you eligible?
Rudi Johnson cause of death revealed
Reports say Johnson had battled mental health problems, possibly connected to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a brain disease found in many former football players due to repeated head injuries. The family adds that prior to his death, he was doing everything he could to help people, "on and off the field ... and that's what mattered most to him."His struggles are not detailed in public medical records, and there has been no confirmation of whether he was diagnosed with CTE.
Police confirmed that he was discovered dead in Florida shortly after midnight on Tuesday, but the official autopsy report has yet to be released. His family suspects that ongoing mental health struggles may have played a significant role in his death.
ALSO READ: 'Everything is frozen for you': Macron dials Trump as he is stranded on New York street. Watch video
Born on October 1, 1979 in Ettrick, Virginia, Rudi Johnson first played at Butler Community College before joining Auburn University. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards and was named SEC Player of the Year in the year 2000. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted him in 2001. After two years as a backup, he became the lead running back. In his NFL career, Johnson rushed for nearly 6,000 yards and scored 49 touchdowns.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson had a slow start. In his first two seasons with the Bengals, he saw limited action.
ALSO READ: Tyler Robinson’s ‘sickening’ online searches exposed; Charlie Kirk shooter played bizarre ‘Furry Shades of Gay’ game
In his third year, he finally broke through. At 24, he rushed for 957 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Over the following three seasons, he amassed more than 4,000 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the league’s most productive running backs.
Before turning professional, Johnson had made a name for himself at Auburn University, earning the prestigious SEC Player of the Year award. After concluding his NFL career—finishing with the Detroit Lions in 2008—he turned his focus to giving back to the community. He founded a foundation focused on helping children and families through community programs. According to his family, he had always placed importance on service both on and off the field.
Johnson’s family shared that he had been struggling in recent years. He is survived by his children and close relatives, who described him as a loving father and a dedicated family man. He stayed connected to his hometown in Virginia, where his family still lives.
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