Ex-NFL Star Rudi Johnson Dies at 45

The sudden loss of the former NFL star — a fan favorite remembered for both his grit on the field and generosity off it — has left teammates and admirers grieving while celebrating the lasting legacy he built in football and his community.

A wave of shock and sorrow has swept through the NFL community after former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson was confirmed dead at just 45 years old, his family revealed this week in a staggering and emotional announcement.

According to a family source who spoke exclusively to TMZ Sports, Johnson passed away this week. Police later clarified that he died on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This loss has sent a jolt through the hearts of teammates, friends, and fans alike, who are still reeling from the news.

From Gridiron Glory to a Life of Quiet Service

Johnson's football story began in Chesterfield County, Virginia, where he started playing at the age of six with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League. A graduate of Thomas Dale High School, he later starred at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University.

The deceased Ettrick Trojan alum's meteoric rise began at the university, where his explosive performance earned him SEC Player of the Year honors, paving the way for a promising NFL career.

Drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, the former league star quickly transformed from an under-the-radar pick to a household name in Cincinnati.

After two slower seasons, Johnson erupted in his third year, rushing for 957 yards and nine touchdowns. He concluded his NFL journey with a final season at the Detroit Lions in 2008, leaving behind a career marked by memorable plays and unrelenting tenacity.

'A Dear Friend' Gone Too Soon

The heartbreak didn't stop at the field. On the day Johnson died, Bengals President Mike Brown paid a moving tribute to him, remembering not just the player he was, but the man behind the jersey. 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."

A Life of Giving amid Hidden Pain

Though fans may remember his bulldozing runs and record-setting yardage, those closest to him say it was his devotion to helping others that truly defined his life.

Johnson launched a foundation aimed at supporting children and families, a mission he carried out quietly, even as he privately grappled with mental health challenges and the suspected effects of CTE, according to the family source.

At first, the cause of death was not confirmed. But in an update, police disclosed that the former football player died by suicide in Florida shortly after midnight the day he died.

His Last Public Words

Meanwhile, just four days before his death, the deceased football star appeared in a recorded video played at the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremony, held on September 19, 2025. During the event, he was honored for his contributions to the game and his community.

In the recorded message, the ex-NFL star shared an emotional reflection on his journey in football and a message to the next generation:

"I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born."

In the video, the ex-Cincinnati star also expressed gratitude to his teammates and coaches who guided him. Despite the hidden battles, his heart remained with the community. He kept giving, kept trying, until the very end.

As the NFL community mourns his loss, Johnson's story now stands as both a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and a testament to the power of resilience, generosity, and heart.

His runs electrified stadiums, his foundation lifted families, and his presence left teammates with memories of loyalty and friendship. Though gone too soon, Johnson's impact will live on — in records, in lives touched, and in the spirit of a player who gave everything he had, on and off the field.