The NFL community is in mourning. A close source informed TMZ that the former Cincinnati Bengals star Rudi Johnson is no more with us at the young age of 45.  

The cause of his demise hasn’t been revealed yet, but sources say he “had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome,” TMZ reported. 

While there are lingering questions about whether cognitive decline may have impacted his later years, since his diagnosis with CTE isn’t confirmed, it leaves room open to interpretation. CTE is a concern tied to the growing awareness of CTE among former NFL players. His journey in the NFL began in 2001 after being drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round. And he finally hung up his cleats after a run with the Lions in 2008. 

He built a solid NFL career as one of Cincinnati’s most dependable running backs of the 2000s. He played eight seasons in the league, spending seven of them with the Bengals. His best season came in 2004 when he earned a Pro Bowl spot for logging 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns. But that wasn’t his only shining season. He topped 1,000 rushing yards in both 2005 and 2006, while nearly hitting the mark with 957 yards in 2003.

By the time he wrapped up his career, Johnson had collected 5,979 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns, leaving behind the reputation of being a tough, workhorse runner. “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Browns president Mike Brown said in the released statement. “Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”Johnson was particularly famous among his teammates for being productive and dependable. Even in his final days, he spent most of his time helping others. In 2005, he also established the Rudi Johnson Foundation. Whether it was on the field or off the field, what “mattered most to him” was helping those around him. 

NFL mourns Bengals legend Rudi Johnson

As the saddening news made headlines, the NFL world remembered the Pro Bowler and sent condolences to his family. “Another talented athlete gone too soon,” wrote one fan.  Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer also sent his condolences, writing, “Horribly sad. Was a really good player,” in an X post. Johnson was the epitome of a good player. Every team, there was a game, his coaches and teammates could see the “twinkle in his eyes.” 

Another fan expressed his emotions in a rather philosophical way, writing, “Life is so short, especially for these extreme sports athletes.” Besides his personal accolades and stats, Johnson was the kind of player who made the whole team better. “He lit up the locker room. A joyful presence,” former Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said, remembering a legend in his own ways. 

Empathizing with his family and loved ones, a fan wrote, “RIP Rudi Johnson,” sending his condolences. Not only did he touch the hearts of his teammates, but he also built a special relationship with the fans. In the spring of 2005, he took a special moment off the field to connect with a Bengals fan named Katherine Heavner, who worked nationally with the blind and visually impaired. On the practice field, Johnson spent an hour helping her experience the game in a new way, bringing football closer to someone who couldn’t see it in the traditional sense.

Remembering those Ru-u-di chants from his glory days, a fan wrote, “NO! THATS horrible. So so sad. I’m so sorry for his family & friends & our fans. We loved RU DEEEEEEE.” You know, one of the prime reasons he got into his sport was his family. He wanted to “stabilize their lives and to support learning opportunities for children that may not have been possible otherwise,” as an article by mmhmf.org read, featuring a story about Johnson’s mother, Janice.

Though his career didn’t exactly take off right from the start, he became a legend once he was given the field. “Last true bruiser the Bengals had to carry the ball. Legend,” wrote one fan. Whenever he was called upon, he was always ready to go. “Reliable. That’s for sure. He didn’t catch well when he came out, but he worked on that and became good at it,” said former head coach Marvin Lewis. 

We didn’t just lose a legend, we lost a gem. His former teammate, Rock Oliver, described it best: “I will smile when I think about that guy.” That was Rudi Johnson.