Rudi Johnson, the hard-hitting running back who powered the Cincinnati Bengals to playoff glory in the mid-2000s, has died at 45. Authorities in Florida confirmed his death on 23 September 2025, with reports citing suicide.
Family sources told TMZ the former Pro Bowler had long struggled with mental health issues and may have been battling symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) — the degenerative brain disease tied to repeated head trauma.
