Ochocinco heartbroken after missing chance to wish Rudi Johnson final farewell

Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson said he is heartbroken after missing a chance to wish former Cincinnati Bengals teammate Rudi Johnson a final farewell, as Johnson died Tuesday in South Florida at age 45. The two players were part of the Bengals' 2001 draft class and played together in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007.

Johnson and Ochocinco were part of the Bengals' 2001 draft class; Ochocinco was selected in the second round and Johnson in the fourth after Johnson earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors for his standout 2000 season at Auburn. They went on to play together in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007.

Johnson said he was "upset" he did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to a good friend of mine. "I'm kind of upset, I'm kind of hurt I wasn't able to say goodbye to a good friend of mine," he said. "It's unfortunate. Young Rudi, boy, you're gonna be missed. I love you."

TMZ Sports reported that Johnson experienced unspecified mental health problems prior to his death. The outlet added that a family source claimed that the former Bengals standout possibly battled Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the investigation is being treated as a death by suicide and that there was no early evidence suggesting foul play.

Bengals president Mike Brown paid tribute to Johnson, remembering him as someone who was greatly admired. "Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us," Brown said in a statement. "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's passing adds to the history of former Bengals players who left a lasting mark on teammates and fans alike, at a time when the league and teams are increasingly attentive to the well-being of players during and after careers.