Rudi Johnson Dies at 45: Former Cincinnati Bengals Running Back and Pro Bowl Star

Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 â€“ Former Bengals Star

Published: September 23, 2025 | Location: Florida

Rudi Johnson

Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 â€“ Former Bengals Star: Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson has tragically passed away at the age of 45. The Cincinnati Bengals confirmed his death early Tuesday morning, shocking fans across the sports world.

According to reports, Johnson died shortly after midnight in Florida. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, family sources revealed he had been struggling with mental health issues and may have suffered from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries in football.

Bengals Pay Tribute to Rudi Johnson

Bengals President Mike Brown said, â€œRudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.â€

Rudi Johnson

Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 â€“ Former Bengals Star

Rudi Johnsonâ€™s Football Legacy

Rudi Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He quickly became a powerful and consistent running back for the team, known for his strength and determination.

In 2004, Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl after a career-best season. Over seven years with the Bengals, he rushed for 5,979 yards and scored 49 touchdowns. His final season was with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Teammates and Fans React

Former teammate and Bengals wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson shared his grief on social media:

â€œR.I.P Rudi Johnson ðŸ•Šï¸â€ â€“ Chad Johnson on X (formerly Twitter)

The Dangers of CTE in Football

The tragedy of Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 â€“ Former Bengals Star is a reminder of the serious risks related to football injuries. Many former NFL players struggle with symptoms of CTE, including depression, memory loss, and mood swings.

Legendary quarterback Steve Young has spoken about the importance of raising awareness and improving player safety, so athletes no longer suffer in silence.