FORMER Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died after committing suicide.

Reports from TMZ indicate that Johnson had been “struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson wearing a helmet and jersey #32.
Rudi Johnson died at the age of 45Credit: Getty

Headshot of Rudi Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008.
Reports indicate that Johnson died by suicideCredit: Getty
Johnson was 45 years old at the time of his death.

He would have turned 46 next week.

He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The star running back was drafted out of Auburn.

Johnson spent most of his NFL as a member of the Bengals.

He appeared in 81 games, starting 59 of them.

Johnson had three years in a row where he ran for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He was rewarded with a Pro Bowl selection for his work in 2004.

The Bengals appeared in just one playoff game during his tenure.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement.
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“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 final season came with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

He finished his career with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns.

Rudi Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals in uniform #32.
Johnson last played in the NFL in 2008Credit: Getty
Johnson also added 676 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

According to TMZ, Johnson was helping people on and off the football field in the days before his death.

He established the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005.

“Mr. Johnson wanted to share his blessings with family and children in order to enhance ans (sic) stabilize their lives and to support learning opportunities for children that may not have been possible otherwise,” an article from mmhmf.org about Johnson’s mother, Janice, said.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.