Former Bengals running back Rudi Johnson dies at 45. His family cites mental health and suspected CTE; Bengals mourn, fans pay tribute. Full obituary & legacy.
Rudi Johnson Death — what’s confirmed
- Who: Rudi Johnson, running back best known for his years with the Cincinnati Bengals.
- What: Johnson has died at age 45.
- Where / When: He passed just after midnight Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Florida.
- Cause: Suicide, according to reports from TMZ and local authorities.
- Mental health & CTE: Family sources say he had been struggling with mental health issues and there is mention of suspected Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative condition linked to repeated head injuries.
Background context — Rudi Johnson’s career & life
Early life, college & rise
- Born October 1, 1979, in Ettrick, Virginia.
- Played high school football at Thomas Dale High School. Later attended Butler Community College for two years before transferring to Auburn University.
- At Auburn, he had a standout season (2000), rushing for ~1,567 yards, 13 touchdowns in ~12 games. He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
NFL career highlights
- Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 4th round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Auburn.
- Played seven seasons with the Bengals (2001-2007), then one season with the Detroit Lions in 2008.
- Pro Bowl selection in 2004.
- Set the Bengals’ single-season rushing record in 2005 with 1,458 yards. That mark remains the franchise record.
- Career totals: ~5,979 rushing yards, 49 rushing touchdowns, plus some receiving yards.
Post-football life
- Founded the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005, which worked with families, children, and community initiatives.
- Remained a respected figure among Bengals alumni and Auburn community. Locally, in his hometown, he had recently been inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame. (CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR)
Latest news & confirmed details
- The Bengals organization confirmed the death publicly and issued a statement expressing their deep sadness, remembering him as dependable, productive, and well-liked among teammates.
- TMZ Sports was first to report, citing family sources. (Reuters)
- The cause of death is suicide, per law enforcement sources.
- Mental health struggles and possible CTE were mentioned by those close to him; however, formal medical confirmation (e.g. autopsy, neuropathology results) has not yet been released.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Reaction & tributes
- The Bengals president Mike Brown, former teammates, coaches, Auburn University and local community groups expressed grief. (ESPN.com)
- Fans have been paying tribute on social media — remembering his signature moments (especially his 2004-2006 seasons), his jersey (#32), and his off-field kindness. (The Sun)
- Local community in Virginia, where Johnson grew up and played high school football, have shared condolences and stories. (CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR)
Legacy & impact
- Johnson holds a place among the most productive running backs in Bengals history: his 1,458-yard season is still the benchmark, and he ranks fourth all-time in franchise rushing yards.
- His early years (Auburn, junior college) showcased durability, work ethic, and community leadership. The foundation work suggests he cared about giving back. (Wikipedia)
- The reports of mental health issues, combined with mention of suspected CTE, feed into larger conversations in NFL and football more broadly about player safety, post-career care, brain injury, and support systems. His death adds to the urgency around how former players are supported. (People.com)
What’s unknown & what to expect
- Cause of death details: While suicide is reported, the specific circumstances have not been fully disclosed.; any medical reports are still pending.
- CTE confirmation: CTE is a pathology diagnosis, possible only post mortem; while family noted possible effects, scientific confirmation will take time.
- Legal / official statements: The family, NFLPA or medical examiners may release more later.
- Community and league response: How NFL, Bengals, and related player safety organizations respond — memorials, support for mental health, etc.
Broader issues and context
- CTE & football: Rudi Johnson’s case is now one among many former NFL players whose late-career or post-career lives involve health struggles attributed to repeated hits, trauma and neurological decline.
- Mental health in professional athletes: Brings into relief the need for robust mental health services for current and former players. Whether retired or active, support systems are often under-resourced.
- Legacy of former Bengals running backs: Johnson’s era, mid-2000s, is often less remembered in recent Bengals success (like reaching Super Bowls), but his rushing records and consistency are part of franchise heritage.