Rudi Johnson dead at 45: Remembering the Bengals star’s life and career

Former NFL star Rudi Johnson has tragically passed away at the age of 45. The former Cincinnati Bengals running back died by suicide on Tuesday night in Florida after struggling with mental health issues and potential side effects of CTE.

Remembering Rudi Johnson’s legacy on and off the field

Following a fantastic college career at Auburn, Johnson was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played in Cincinnati for the next seven years, putting up 5,742 rushing yards and still holds the franchise record for yards in a season with 1,458 (2001). He had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2004-2006, with 1,454, 1,458, and 1,309, and had 12 rushing touchdowns each year.

Johnson played his last season with the Detroit Lions in 2008. He finished his career with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, adding 676 receiving yards and two receiving scores through 95 games.

Johnson didn’t just leave an impact on the field though. Despite his own struggles, he tried to improve the lives of those around him.

In 2005, Rudi Johnson and his mother, Janice Johnson, launched the Rudi Johnson Foundation in Ettrick, Virginia, with a mission to “give back” to the community that raised him. The foundation has supported children and families through a wide range of programs - from providing hot lunches at local elementary schools to recognizing and rewarding student achievement through the Rudi’s Kids Program.

It also helped expand cultural learning with a Spanish initiative for young students, funded scholarships for high school seniors, and offered assistance to both at-risk youth and the elderly.

At its heart, the foundation reflected Johnson’s desire to share his blessings and create opportunities for those in need - a legacy that continues to uplift the community he loved.

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