September 23, from now on, will be remembered as a dark day for Auburn football fans. Former NFL running back and Auburn star Rudi Johnson has passed away. The legend’s death was first reported by TMZ. Born on October 1, 1979, Johnson was eight days short of turning 46 years old. He was found dead at his Florida home. Police confirmed it as a suicide, with details withheld to respect the family’s privacy.

Johnson had picked up football at Thomas Dale Knights High School and played on both offense and defense under head coach Victor Williams. After graduation, he played for two years at Butler Community College and later joined Auburn University. Auburn Football tweeted, “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. #WarEagle🦅.” 

Known as the “Auburn Rambler” during his collegiate career, Johnson finished his final year on the Plains with 1,567 yards on the ground. Auburn will be forever indebted to Johnson, who led the Tigers to a berth in the conference championship game against Florida. 

Johnson set a school record with 324 rushes in a season, piling up the second-most rushing yards in school history under Coach Tommy Tuberville. The dynamic running back also had 9 catches for 70 yards and scored a total of 13 touchdowns with the Tigers. Johnson earned the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in his only season at Auburn. Wrapping up his college chapter, Johnson reached greater heights in the NFL. 

Over an eight-year NFL career, Johnson racked up 5,979 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns, with the bulk of his production coming during his first seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He surpassed 1,000 yards three times, highlighted by a career-best 1,458 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2005. Johnson later joined the Detroit Lions in 2008, rushing for 237 yards and scoring twice before retiring from the game.

Bengals president Mike Brown came up with a statement after Johnson’s demise, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back. 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.” While Johnson might be gone, his memories will forever live in the hearts of his fans.   

Rudi Johnson’s life beyond the gridiron 

Remembering one of Johnson’s heroic plays, a fan wrote, “I can’t handle this news today. Rudi. Rudi. Rudi! Rest in peace sir. Here is his 2nd longest TD, a 39 yarder against the Broncos on MNF in a win. One of my all time favorite players. I’m heartbroken.” No matter how successful Johnson had been in his profession of football, he had struggled in his personal life.

As per the reports, after retiring in 2009, Johnson struggled with mental health for years. It is possibly linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head trauma in football players, developed during his playing days. But that did not affect Johsnon’s financial legacy in any way. 

According to Over The Cap, his NFL career with the Bengals and Lions earned him a total of $21.3 million from his contracts. Johnson reportedly signed his largest deal, a four-year contract extension, in 2005, which was $25.9 million. Reports estimate his net worth at about $5 million. While attaining professional and financial success, he did not forget to contribute to society.

Rudi Johnson had been serious about his philanthropic endeavors. He established the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005 with the mission of supporting underprivileged families. “Rudi was a warrior on and off the field, but some battles are fought in silence. His light touched so many, and we ask for privacy as we grieve,” was the message from the foundation. Johnson’s life may have been cut short. But that life needs to be celebrated for the impact it was able to have on the gridiron and off of it as well.