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The retired receiver of the NFL, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, is in mourning of the loss of his former teammate of the Bengals of Cincinnati, Rudi Johnson.
Johnson died Tuesday in southern Florida at the age of 45.
During a recent episode of “Nightcap”, a podcast co-organized by the renowned temple of professional football Shannon Sharpe, Johnson thought about the “great memories” that he shared with the deceased ball carrier.
“I just lost my DAWG yesterday, Rudi Johnson,” revealed the former star of Bengals. “Obviously, the great memories we had played in Cincinnati and all these good things.”
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Large receiver Chad Johnson (85) of the Bengals of Cincinnati famous during the match against Houston’s Texans at the Paul Brown stadium on November 9, 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
Ochocinco and Johnson were both members of the 2001 NFL Restchage class. Ochocinco was selected in the second round, while Johnson landed in the fourth round after winning the offensive player of the year of the southeast conference for his 2000 out-of-competition season in Auburn.
They continued to play with each other in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007.
The star of ex-begals Rudi Johnson died at 45
Ochocinco said he was “upset” that he had not had the opportunity to wish his friend a last farewell.
“I am a little upset, I am a little injured, I could not say goodbye to a good friend to me,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. Young Rudi, my boy, you’re going to miss. I love you.”
Ball bearer Rudi Johnson (32) of the Bengals of Cincinnati runs with football against the Buffalo Bills in a match at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 5, 2003 in Orchard Park, New York. (George Gojkovich / Getty Images)
TMZ Sports reported that Johnson had experienced unpertified mental health problems before his death. The point of sale added that a family source said that the former Bengals may have distinguished himself a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Cincinnati Bengals Rund Back Rudi Johnson (32) is looking for a racing room against the 49ers in San Francisco in the fourth quarter in Monster Park in San Francisco, California, December 15, 2007. (Cary Edmondson / USA TODAY SPORTS)
A spokesman for the Miami-Dade sheriff’s office said that the investigation was treated as a suicide death and that there was no early evidence suggesting a disloyal game.
The president of Bengals, Mike Brown, paid tribute to Johnson, remembering him as someone who was very admired.
“Rudi was a good person and an excellent ball carrier for us,” said Brown in a statement. “He was reliable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone loved him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his death.”
Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson Heart Broken after missing the chance to wish the former teammate Rudi Johnson Final Farewell
