An official cause of death has been announced for ex-NFL star Rudi Johnson.
Johnson, 45, was found dead this week. The former Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions running back, who played in the league from 2001-08, was found dead by authorities in Florida. Johnson, who starred collegiately at Auburn, had reportedly struggled with mental health issues and potential CTE symptoms, according to his family.
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The former NFL star, a fourth-round draft pick out of Auburn in 2001, made the Pro Bowl with the Bengals in 2004. He is No. 4 on the all-time Bengals rushing list. Johnson holds the team’s record for most rushing yards in a season with 1,458 in 2005 and he also has the No. 2 spot, with 1,454 yards in his 2004 Pro Bowl season.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2003 BENGALS SPORTS The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Fransisco 49ers 41-38 at Paul Brown Stadium. Rudi Johnson (32) rushed for 174 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns in leading the Bengals offense. Cincinnati Enquirer/Michael E. Keating.© Michael E. Keating, Cincinnati Enquirer via Imagn Content Services, LLC
TMZ Sports has confirmed Rudi Johnson’s cause of death. The former NFL star died by suicide.
“Cops tell TMZ Sports … Rudi Johnson died by suicide in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday,” the outlet reported.
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Johnson’s heartbreaking final message
The former NFL star had a heartbreaking final message, while giving a speech to kids at his Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 induction ceremony.
Johnson didn’t attend the ceremony in person, but a video speech was played. He told kids to “never give up” and “shoot for the stars.”
“I just want to say, dream big,” the former NFL star and Ettrick native said. “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.”
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Johnson’s mother, Janice, came on stage to accept her son’s honor on his behalf.
Less than a week later, the former NFL star was found dead.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.