Former Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson Has Died At 45

He was selected in the fourth round with the 100th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He went on to become one of the most successful running backs in the history of the franchise. But sadly it has been reported that former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at 45. His real name was Burudi Ali Johnson; Burudi is a Swahili word meaning “cool” and and his middle name “Ali” represents his family’s respect and admiration for former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

According to TMZ, “a family source for the ex-NFL star told them that Johnson passed away this week. A cause of death is not yet known … but we’re told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.” CTE is chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma in football players. As a running back, Johnson sustained many hits throughout his football career. However, Johnson was never formally diagnosed with CTE.

Prior turning professional, Johnson spent the 2000 season at Auburn college. He carried the ball 324 times that season for 1,567 yards, the fourth-best mark for a single season in school history. That was his only season with the school but during that time he was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Before that he played at Butler Community College for two years. He helped to lead Butler to two national championships in 1998 and 1999. Defeating Ricks College and Dixie College respectively. Regarding Johnson, Auburn stated:

“We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson. One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi’s family, friends & teammates are in our prayers.”

Former Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson Has Died At 45

When he got to the Bengals he definitely left his mark on the team. He finished his seven years in Cincinnati with 5,742 career rushing yards, the fourth-highest total in franchise history. Johnson also scored 48 rushing touchdowns, good for third on the team’s all-time list. His best year came in 2004 when he rushed for 1,454 yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod. He spent one year with the Detroit Lions before leaving the game permanently. Bengals president Mike Brown said:

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. “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.”

Johnson also started his own foundation, the Rudi Johnson Foundation, established in 2005 to support underprivileged families. The foundation continuously donates items and support various programs throughout Jamaica. This includes, but is not limited to, starting computer laboratories, donating books for a library, starting a school lunch program, and giving scholarships.

Rudi Johnson Gone Too Soon Will Be Missed

Former Bengals wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, who played with Rudi for seven years posted a message on social media. He wrote: “R.I.P Rudi Johnson” along with a picture of Rudi. The two Johnsons together with TJ Houshmandzadeh and quarterback Carson Palmer formed the high-powered offense of the Bengals in the 2,000’s.

Clearly Johnson will be missed by many. We offer our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Thoughts on Former Cincinnati Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson Has Died At 45? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.