Rudi Johnson Passes Away, NFL World Celebrates His Records and Legacy

Journey Tribune – The Cincinnati Bengals and the wider NFL community are grieving the loss of one of the team’s most productive and beloved running backs. Rudi Johnson, who powered his way into franchise history books during the mid-2000s, has died at the age of 45.

Authorities in Florida confirmed the news on Tuesday. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said its initial investigation indicates suicide as the likely cause of death, though an autopsy will provide final confirmation. No foul play is suspected.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi Johnson. pic.twitter.com/wXTd8jgEBl

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 23, 2025

The Bengals organization, where Johnson spent the majority of his professional career, released a statement remembering him as both a player and a person. Team president Mike Brown described Johnson as “a fine person and a dear friend,” noting that his impact on the franchise reached beyond the rushing yards and touchdowns.

From Patience to Stardom

Johnson’s path to becoming a star wasn’t immediate. Drafted in the fourth round by Cincinnati in 2001 after a standout career at Auburn, he spent much of his first two seasons watching from the sidelines. Veteran Corey Dillon dominated the carries, and Johnson had to wait for his chance.

That opportunity came in 2003 when injuries sidelined Dillon. Johnson seized the moment. In just 215 carries, he amassed 957 rushing yards and scored nine touchdowns. His bruising, downhill style instantly won over coaches, teammates, and fans alike.

When the Bengals traded Dillon the following offseason, the starting job belonged to Johnson. He didn’t disappoint. From 2004 through 2006, Johnson became one of the most reliable backs in the NFL, rushing for more than 1,400 yards in each season.

His 2004 campaign was capped by a Pro Bowl selection after he set a new Bengals single-season rushing record with 1,454 yards. Incredibly, he broke his own record the very next year with 1,458 yards — a mark that still stands today.

Those years also coincided with Cincinnati’s return to playoff contention. Johnson’s hard-nosed running was the perfect complement to a talented passing attack led by quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson. In the 2005 postseason, Rudi scored a touchdown in the Bengals’ Wild Card matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, though the team fell short of advancing further.

Injuries and the Final Years

The workload eventually caught up with Johnson. By 2007, injuries slowed him down, limiting him to just 11 games and under 500 rushing yards. The following summer, the Bengals released him during training camp.

Johnson’s career closed with a brief stint in Detroit, where he split carries on a struggling Lions team in 2008. After that season, he stepped away from professional football.

In 2016, nearly a decade after his final NFL snap, Johnson returned to Paul Brown Stadium for the team’s Legends Weekend. It was the first time he had been back since leaving the Bengals, and fans welcomed him as one of their own — a reminder of the bond he had built during his prime years.

The Shadow of CTE

Johnson’s passing has once again raised questions about player health and the long-term toll of football. His agent, Peter Schaffer, said in a statement that he hopes the tragedy becomes a catalyst for more research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), the brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.

“These tragic circumstances must also serve as a call to action,” Schaffer said. “The NFL and the scientific community must do more — more research into CTE, more innovation into how we can treat it, prevent it, and provide support to those living with it. Players past, present, and future deserve nothing less.”

It is not yet known if Johnson suffered from CTE, which can only be diagnosed after death. Still, the suspicion looms large, as several former NFL players who died by suicide were later found to have the disease.

Tributes From Teammates and Fans

R.I.P Rudi Johnson 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/CnGKR6YzQB

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 23, 2025

As news spread, tributes poured in from former teammates and fans. Chad Johnson, the flamboyant wide receiver who was drafted in the same 2001 class, shared his heartbreak online, remembering Rudi as more than just a colleague — but as family. The two formed a bond during their overlapping years in Cincinnati, one that carried through even after their playing days were over.

For many fans, Rudi Johnson embodied the gritty, no-nonsense style of football they cherished. He wasn’t flashy, but he was dependable. His legs churned through defenders, and he rarely went down on first contact. He carried the ball like a workhorse, game after game, season after season.

A Lasting Legacy

Johnson’s numbers still speak volumes. His franchise rushing record remains intact. His three-year stretch of dominance gave Cincinnati balance on offense and helped lead the team out of years of mediocrity.

But more than the stats, Johnson leaves behind a reputation as a player who maximized his talent and opportunity. He was a mid-round pick who worked his way from the bench to the spotlight, then delivered at the highest level.

For Bengals fans, his runs in orange and black remain etched in memory — the lowered shoulders, the broken tackles, the steady march forward.

A Reminder of the Struggles After Football

Johnson’s death is also a sobering reminder of the mental health challenges athletes may face once their careers are over. The transition from the structure and identity of professional sports to life after football can be difficult. When combined with lingering injuries, chronic pain, or possible brain trauma, the struggles can become overwhelming.

His story highlights the importance of providing not just medical support, but also mental health resources for retired players. Conversations around player safety and post-career well-being have grown louder in recent years, but Johnson’s passing underscores how much work remains to be done.

Saying Goodbye

Rudi Johnson’s life ended far too soon, but his time in the NFL left an enduring mark. He will be remembered as one of the best running backs in Bengals history, a man who broke records with sheer determination, and a teammate who gave everything he had on the field.

As Cincinnati fans mourn, they also celebrate the memories he created. For every roaring crowd at Paul Brown Stadium, for every touchdown that turned momentum, for every season he carried the team on his back — Rudi Johnson’s legacy endures.