Rudi Johnson dies at 45: Cause of death revealed

Rudi Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals running back, has died at the age of 45. Police confirmed he was found dead in Florida on Tuesday, and sources close to his family have stated that he died by suicide.

Rudi was a star NFL running back, best known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2001 to 2007. He was a very productive player, known for his powerful running style and was a fan favourite.

While the official autopsy report is not yet public, police reports and family sources indicate that he died by suicide.

A source told TMZ that Rudi Johnson was battling mental health challenges and possibly dealing with effects from CTE that he “could not overcome.”

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease often found in people with a history of repeated head injuries, common in football players. The family suspects his mental struggle, possibly linked to CTE, played a significant role in his death.

After his football career, Johnson dedicated himself to helping others. He founded a foundation to support children and families. His family says he always prioritised helping people, both “on and off the field… and that’s what mattered most to him.”

Mike Brown, the Bengal President, stated:

“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.”

Why did Rudy Johnson retire?

Rudy Johnson’s NFL career ended after he was released by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008 and played his final season with the Detroit Lions.