Report: Rudi Johnson Dead at 45

[HoosierCat]

Sourcing a bit shaky and I haven’t seen it anywhere but tmz, but here’s the report:

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

Sucks if confirmed.

[volcom69]

Oh my I hope not that is terrible news 

[HoosierCat]

TMZ now reporting it was suicide. 

[ArmyBengal]

Just saw that from the New York News as well.
Terrible.

[HoosierCat]

Mike:

"Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us," said Bengals president Mike Brown. "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."

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-statement-on-the-passing-of-rudi-johnson

[volcom69]

Ugh I hate this, RIP man I enjoyed watching him for years. This is what a true run game looked like, and Rudi did it awesome. That 2005 season was amazing with him and really thought this team was going all the way till the injury. Damn hate this was suicide, wish there was help for him. RIP buddy!!

[Prophecy]

R.I.P Rudi

[Coltsguy451]

Whenever guys want to reach out for help, we feel lonely and alienated... but that's not true

It takes some big strength within a person to admit that they need some help

You arent weak, you are strong

[Stripes]

Rudi was one of the first players to truly usher in my fanhood. I didn't really care about football until after Ohio State won it all in 2002 (go figure, I don't give a crap about them now), and I decided to watch the Bengals in 2003. The unique character of that season was perfect to pull me in permanently, with Kitna playing way over his head, beating the 9-0 Chiefs, and having Carson Palmer sitting on the bench waiting to elevate the team in the following seasons.

But there was also Rudi, playing in Corey Dillon's place most of the season, blowing up the stat box and earning his signature RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDI chants at Paul Brown Stadium. It's deeply unfortunate to lose him, especially in that way. Given the means and the age, it's difficult to look past the specter of CTE. Who knows.

[HoosierCat]

In hindsight, Rudi's emergence in 2003 marked the end of the Lost Decade. It allowed the team to part ways with the perennially disgruntled Dillon, and the combination of new QB Carson Palmer and Rudi in 2024 finished burying the 90s. Sadly, all that promise would be wrecked forever along with Palmer's knee the following year. But it was a glorious if brief time.

[ArmyBengal]

When I deployed to Afghanistan, I took three Bengals jerseys with me.
I guess I thought I might be able to hang them up somewhere, but that didn't really materialize.

Anyway, I had my Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and Rudi Johnson jerseys.
All three of those guys meant a lot to me at the time and I don't think I will ever forget them.

Be at peace Rudi.