Report: Former Bengals RB Rudi Johnson dies at 45

Field Level Media|published: Tue 23rd September, 12:17 2025

NFL: San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 12, 2006; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back (32) Rudi Johnson runs against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Chargers beat the Bengals 49-41. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images © copyright Matthew Emmons

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at age 45, TMZ Sports reported on Tuesday.

Police told the media outlet that Johnson died by suicide in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday.

A fourth-round draft pick by Cincinnati in 2001, Johnson played seven seasons with the Bengals before finishing his career with the Detroit Lions in 2008. He set the Bengals' single-season record with 1,458 rushing yards in 2005.

The 2004 Pro Bowl selection rushed for more than 1,300 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in three straight seasons from 2004-06.

Johnson concluded his career with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 TDs plus 113 catches for 676 yards and two scores in 95 games (63 starts). He ranks fourth on Cincinnati's all-time rushing list behind Corey Dillon, James Brooks and Joe Mixon.

Johnson was named the 2000 SEC Player of the Year after rushing for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games in his lone season at Auburn.

--Field Level Media