Bengal fans echoed “Ru-di, Ru-di, Ru-di” every time Rudi Johnson carried the ball. He was the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s offense in the mid-2000s, a workhorse back who never shied away from contact. But earlier this week, cheers turned into heartbreak as Johnson reportedly died by suicide at the age of 45.

Naturally, the devastating news hit close to home for Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. On his Nightcap show, Ocho couldn’t hide his emotions. “I just lost my dawg, I just lost my dawg yesterday, Rudi Johnson. And I’m upset. I’m upset, I’m hurt,” Ocho said. “Obviously, the great memories we had playing in Cincinnati and all that good stuff.” Those memories stretched from locker room laughs to shared battles against AFC rivals. Now, those moments feel heavier.

Meanwhile, Saints wideout Ja’Lynn Polk decided to stand with Ocho in spreading awareness. He sent a clear message to his teammates and the rest of the league. “To my brothers out there, stay strong and check on each other🙏🏾🤞🏾” Polk posted on Instagram. That call lined up perfectly with what Ocho preaches daily.

“One thing I always did with my teammates is I always had a chance to tell them ‘I love you.’ The same way I do with strangers I see in the airports, the malls, wherever I’m at. I always share that message.” Both men are reminding the league that mental health isn’t something to hide.

And yes, Johnson’s death forces a hard look at the game itself. He was a bruising runner, the type of back who welcomed collisions and wore down defenses. Yet the toughness fans admired on Sundays might have masked private struggles. The cheers faded, but the battles didn’t.

Family sources say Johnson fought mental health issues and may have suffered from the effects of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy)—a neurodegenerative condition common in military personnel and athletes who suffer repeated trauma to the head. The Boston University CTE Center reported the disease in 345 of 376 deceased former NFL players. That number is staggering. So now the message is clear—players must take care of themselves, not just physically but mentally.

And as the NFL world joins hands in raising awareness for the same, let’s take a look back on what made Rudi Johnson the legend that he was.

Remembering Rudi Johnson’s legacy

Rudi Johnson’s story in the NFL was never about shortcuts. It was about grit. Drafted in the fourth round by the Bengals in 2001, he earned every carry. He carved out seven seasons in Cincinnati before finishing his career with the Lions. And along the way, he became a symbol of hard work and resilience for the Who Dey Nation.

Johnson set the Bengals’ single-season rushing record in 2005 with 1,458 yards. He wasn’t just a one-hit wonder either. From 2004 through 2006, he ripped off three straight seasons with over 1,300 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns each year. That dominance earned him a Pro Bowl nod in 2004, cementing his place as one of the most dependable backs in team history.

Of course, the numbers tell only part of the story. Johnson finished with 5,979 rushing yards, 49 rushing touchdowns, plus 113 catches for 676 yards and two receiving scores. But what people remember most is his character.

Bengals owner Mike Brown put it plainly: “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. 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.” That reflection matches exactly how teammates and fans saw him.

Even Who Dey Nation know the impact. Alex Sedam, a Dayton resident, said it best: “I want Rudi to be remembered as a Cincinnati Bengal in the truest sense. He was a diamond in the rough when things seemed most dire. But he laced up and put the work in. The legacy he left in Cincinnati will last forever, both in the players and in the hearts of fans everywhere.” Rest in peace, Rudi.