Rudi Johnson, longtime Cincinnati Bengals running back and former Detroit Lions running back, passed away at the age of 45 on Monday by way of suicide. TMZ first reported the news.
Johnson played in the NFL from 2001-2008, spending the first seven seasons of his career in Cincinnati before spending his final season with the Lions. In eight total NFL seasons, Johnson rushed for 5,979 yards and 49 touchdowns, including three seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2008 with the Lions, Johnson rushed 76 times for 237 yards and a touchdown, playing in 14 games and starting four.
Johnson was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bengals in 2001 out of Auburn and is fourth on the team’s all-time rushing list, behind only Corey Dillon, James Brooks and Joe Mixon. His 48 touchdowns with the Bengals are third-most in franchise history, behind Pete Johnson (64) and Mixon (49).
The Bengals put out a statement on Johnson’s passing: “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.”
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Former Bengals, Lions running back Rudi Johnson passes away at 45
Reporting by Billy Riccette, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
