Rudi Johnson Remembered as ‘Excellent Running Back’ After Unexpectedly Passing at 45
Bengals football fans were devastated to learn of the news that one of the team’s greatest running backs, Rudi Johnson, unexpectedly died in his home state of Florida in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 23. Realtor.com says police concluded Johnson’s cause of death was suicide.
The athlete played in the NFL for eight seasons after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. He was a fourth-round pick. Prior to his NFL career, Johnson was a star running back at Auburn University.
Bengals Release Statement After Rudi Johnson’s Death
The Bengals released a statement on their official website saying the team is mourning Johnson’s loss, calling the Pro Bowler one of “the top rushers in franchise history.”
The statement looked back on some of Johnson’s top achievements, saying he “stands fourth on the Bengals’ all-time rushing list with 5742 yards and holds the team’s record for most rushing yards in a season with 1458 in 2005. He also holds the No. 2 spot on the single-season rushing list with 1454 yards in his 2004 Pro Bowl season, and he ranks third in team history with 48 career rushing touchdowns.”
The team’s president, Mike Brown, called the player “a fine person and an excellent running back.” He went on, “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
GettyRudi Johnson during a pre-season game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2005.
Former Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 Sports The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a tough spot heading into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. While they won their first two games, they have lost star quarterback Joe Burrow for what could be the rest of the regular season due to a toe injury, and in their…
Rudi Johnson Cause of Death: Former NFL Star Passes Away at 45 Entertainment Reading Time: 2 minutes We have tragic news to report from the world of sports today: Multiple outlets have now confirmed that former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has passed away. The 2004 Pro Bowl selection was just 45 years old. Rudi Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals poses for…
Former Thunder Center Passed Away Unexpectedly Aged 38 Sports Back in July, a former member of the Oklahoma City Thunder passed away unexpectedly. Ryan Reid, a member of the 2011-12 Thunder team that made it all the way to the 2012 NBA Finals, reportedly died as a result of a medical emergency. The news first appeared in a social…
Beloved College Football Coach Unexpectedly Passes Away – He Will Be Missed Entertainment Shawn Clark, who was serving as an assistant coach at the University of Central Florida, has tragically passed away at 50. UCF head coach Scott Frost told reporters last week that Clark had been hospitalized due to a medical emergency on Sept. 9, but he was “doing OK, he’s in…
Former Gov. Jim Edgar remembered as the 'gold standard' of public service at Springfield funeral News SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds celebrated the life and mourned the death of former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar in services Saturday at Central Baptist Church. Political leaders, friends and relatives remembered the Republican as a “steadfast leader,” with a love for horses, reading and chocolate cake. Edgar, 79, died Sept. 14 due…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
Getty