Death Pool Update: Rudi Johnson at 45...

[posty 2,789]

https://www.tmz.com/2025/09/23/ex-nfl-star-rudi-johnson-dead-at-45/

Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died.

A family source for the ex-NFL star tells TMZ Sports ... he passed away this week.

A cause of death is not yet known ... but we're told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.

The family source says prior to his death, Johnson was doing everything he could to help people on and off the field ... and that's what mattered most to him.

He was 45 years old.

Johnson was picked in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Bengals ... and after playing sparingly in his first two seasons in Cincy, he took off in Year 3.

As a 24-year-old, he rushed for 957 yards and nine TDs ... and in his ensuing three seasons on the gridiron, he ran for over 4,000 yards and 36 scores.

Johnson's NFL career ultimately came to an end following a run with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Prior to his pro career, he starred at Auburn University -- where he won SEC Player of the Year Honors one time.

RIP.

[TimHauck 3,170]

In b4 @lickin_starfish blames it on the Covid vax

[Hardcore troubadour 15,778]

RIP. Enjoyed watching him play. Very sad. 

[thegeneral 3,414]

TD machine! RIP

[Herbivore 1,158]

Dang, too young. RIP Rudi.

[edjr 6,756]

 

[edjr 6,756]

4 minutes ago, thegeneral said:

TD machine! RIP

good call. Averaged more than 1/2 a TD per game

[thegeneral 3,414]

2 minutes ago, edjr said:

good call. Averaged more than 1/2 a TD per game

He had a three or four year run there IIRC. Was fantasy stud.

[supermike80 2,036]

CTE man.....Awful

[edjr 6,756]

5 minutes ago, supermike80 said:

CTE man.....Awful

Right? He played in the NFL. Anyone can say it. Means nothing.

Let them donate his brain, Go from there. 

[Tree of Knowledge 2,045]

Good ball player and good man.  It’s a shame the lifetime sacrifices that get made for short term glory and riches for some of these players.  I hope friends and families that benefit recognize it.