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Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide at the age of 45 just after midnight on Tuesday (September 23), police confirmed to TMZ Sports.
Johnson, who spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, which included being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004, had reportedly been “struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome,” a source with knowledge of the situation told the website prior to an update with confirmation from police. A family source said that Johnson prioritized helping people on and off the field prior to his death.
Bengals president Mike Brown shared a statement on behalf of the franchise following news of Johnson's death Tuesday morning.
"Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us," Brown said. "He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing."
Johnson spent two seasons at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University in 2000, having recorded 1,567 yards -- which was second only to Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson at the time and is now fourth in program history for a single season -- and 13 touchdowns -- tied for ninth -- on a program-record 324 rushing attempts, winning the SEC Player of the Year award, as well as being selected as First-team All-SEC and Second-team All-American in 2000. The Virginia native was selected by the Bengals in the fourth-round of the 2001 NFL Draft at No. 100 overall and initially backed up four-time Pro Bowler Corey Dillon.
Johnson started five games in 2003 as Dillon battled various injuries and took over as Cincinnati's full-time starter after Dillon was traded to the New England Patriots the following offseason, recording 1,454 yards on a career-best 361 rushing attempts in 2004. The former Auburn standout recorded more than 1,000 yards on 300-plus rushing attempts, as well a career-best 12 touchdowns while playing in all 16 games in three consecutive seasons between 2004 and 2006.
Johnson spent his final NFL season with the Detroit Lions in 2008.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.