Rudy Johnson, a former Bengals player and Auburn star, sadly took his own life at 45 late Tuesday night. According to reports from police shared with TMZ, he struggled with mental health issues, including potential impacts from CTE.
Johnson was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, being the No. 100 overall pick.
He played most of his eight-year NFL career with the Bengals, appearing in 81 games, with 59 of those being for the franchise.
Between 2004 and 2006, he rushed for at least 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns each year, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2004.
In that 2004 season, he amassed 1,454 yards, which was just shy of his career-high the following year.
During his tenure, the Bengals participated in only one playoff game.
Johnson finished his career with the 0-16 Lions in 2008, where he played in 14 games, rushing for 237 yards.
Across his career, he totaled 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns, along with 676 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in 95 games.
A Virginia native, he made his way to the NFL following an impressive junior season at Butler Community College. Two years later, he excelled at Auburn, running for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns—ranking just behind the legendary Bo Jackson for single-season rushing yards.
This impressive performance secured him recognition as the SEC Player of the Year and placed him sixth in rushing totals for college football.
A family source mentioned to TMZ that Johnson often helped those around him, including on the day prior to his death. He founded the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005.
The foundation aimed to provide support for families and educational opportunities for children in need, which is something Johnson, according to a statement from his mother Janice, felt passionately about.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or facing a mental health crisis, you can reach out for support by calling, texting, or chatting with 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
