Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide Tuesday in Florida at the age of 45, police told TMZ Sports.
A source from the family confirmed news of the tragedy to TMZ Sports Sept. 23. The source noted Johnson was struggling with mental health issues and the potential effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by repeated head injuries.
Johnson did everything he could to help people both on and off the field, the family source told the outlet.
Rudi Johnson #32 walks off the field after the Bengals victory. The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tennessee Titans 31-23 on October 15, 2005. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NFLPhotoLibrary via Getty Images)
His exact cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
Johnson began to flourish at Auburn University, where he won SEC Player of the Year Honors.
The Bengals picked Johnson in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played sparingly during his first two seasons, but his career took off in season three. In his fourth year, in 2004, he started every game and made the Pro Bowl, the league’s all-star honor and game. In 2005, Johnson played a vital role in getting the Bengals to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. He played alongside fellow Pro Bowlers, quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson (later Ochocinco).
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 14: Rudi Johnson #33 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium October 14, 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs beat the Bengals 27-20. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Johnson’s professional NFL career ultimately came to an end following his run with the Detroit Lions in 2008. Shortly after turning pro, he created a foundation focused on helping children and families through community programs. (RELATED: Royal Family Relative Rosie Roche Reportedly Found Dead At Age 20)
Fans, friends, and loved ones are reeling with news of his untimely passing, and have taken to social media to grieve this sudden loss.
