Expand / Collapse search
☰

Rudi Johnson, former Cincinnati Bengals running back, dies at 45

By
Published  September 24, 2025 8:06am CDT
NFL
FOX Local
article

FILE-Running back Rudi Johnson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals watches the action during the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-17 win over the Bengals at Heinz Field on October 3, 2004 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Rudi Johnson died at the age of 45 on Tuesday. His cause of death is unknown currently. 
    • Johnson was a college standout at Auburn University, and the Bengals drafted him in 2001.
    • He finished his career as one of the leading rushers in Bengals franchise history. 

Rudi Johnson, a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, has died. He was 45 years old. 

The former Pro Bowl player died Tuesday, which was confirmed by the Bengals organization. A cause of death has not been reported at this time. 

Johnson played for the Bengals from 2001-07 and is among the leading rushers in team history.

Cincinnati Bengals statement on Rudi Johnson

What they're saying:

The Cincinnati Bengals released a statement on the passing of Rudi Johnson writing, "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."

Who was Rudi Johnson?

The backstory:

Rudi Johnson played for the Auburn Tigers and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2000 his only season at the school, ESPN reported. Johnson was later drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round in 2001.

Johnson started 59 games for the Bengals and is fourth on the team’s all-time rushing leader list with 5,742 yards and holds the franchise record for most rushing yards in a season with 1,458 in 2005.

He also second on the Bengals single season rushing list 1454 yards in 2004, which earned him Pro Bowl honors. Johnson also ranks third in team history with 48 career rushing touchdowns, per the Bengals website. 

In 2008, Johnson played his final season in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

The Auburn Tigers posted on X writing, "We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson. One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi's family, friends & teammates are in our prayers."

The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Cincinnati Bengals and ESPN.  This story was reported from Washington, D.C.


 

NFLNews