Rudi Johnson Dies at 45; Hall of Fame remarks days earlier highlighted community ties and youth

Rudi Johnson, 45, died by suicide in Florida shortly after midnight Tuesday, police told TMZ. The former Cincinnati Bengals running back delivered an uplifting message to Virginia youth days earlier during his induction into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame’s 2025 class, urging students to “never give up” and thanking the communities that supported him, including the alumni of Thomas Dale High School and the Ettrick Trojans.

Johnson grew up in Virginia and starred at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, where coaches Vic Williams and Henry Jefferson helped shape his work ethic and discipline. He spent two years at Butler Community College in Kansas before earning SEC Player of the Year honors in 2000 after transferring to Auburn, where he shined for a season before launching an eight-year NFL career. In that span, he set the Bengals’ single-season rushing record and finished among the franchise’s leaders in rushing yards, establishing himself as a durable and productive back.

Johnson’s Hall of Fame remarks, recorded for the Chesterfield County ceremony, reflected the influence of the people who helped him reach the NFL. He recalled his days with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League, noting that a coach urged him to keep his head on straight, stay focused and believe he could reach the highest levels. He referenced the moment in his taped speech when he said the coach’s words helped him work toward a dream he would later pursue with the Bengals and in the community. “My journey and my time at Thomas Dale High School I cherished every moment of it,” Johnson said. “All four years was a different challenge.” He added that, despite heartbreak in crunch moments, the relationships and experiences from Little League to Ettrick to Thomas Dale made the journey worthwhile and defined his path.

The former running back’s accolades extended beyond his high school days. After Butler Community College, he moved on to Auburn, where he distinguished himself enough to land in the NFL for eight seasons. With Cincinnati, he became a cornerstone of the offense during his prime and remains among the franchise’s leaders for rushing, including the single-season record. Bengals owner Mike Brown paid tribute to Johnson, calling him “a fine person and an excellent running back” who was dependable, productive and popular among teammates. Brown’s statement reflected the sense of loss felt in Cincinnati, where Johnson’s leadership and character had left a lasting impact on players and fans alike.

Authorities have not released a cause of death publicly, and the investigation into Johnson’s passing continues. TMZ, citing police, reported that Johnson had been dealing with mental health issues and the possible effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The report underscores the broader concerns surrounding former athletes transitioning away from professional competition and the ongoing recognition of mental health as a critical issue in sports.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.