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Former Ballon de Bengals of Cincinnati, Rudi Johnson, died, the team announced on Tuesday. He was 45 years old.
Johnson was a ball carrier for Auburn Tigers before the Bengals chose him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. He spent seven seasons with the Bengals and one with the Detroit lions. He was a bowling player with Cincinnati in 2004.
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Cincinnati Bengals Fullback (32) Rudi Johnson carries the ball against the Lions of Detroit to Ford Field on December 18, 2005. (Tom Szczerbowski / USA TODAY SPORTS)
“Rudi was a good person and an excellent ball carrier for us,” said Bengal President Mike 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.”
TMZ Sports first pointed out the death of Johnson, citing the family of the former NFL player. Police told the point of sale that Johnson had died by suicide.
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Cincinnati Bengals Running Back (32) Rudi Johnson presents himself against the Chargers de San Diego at the Paul Brown stadium on November 12, 2006. (Matthew Emmons / USA TODAY SPORTS)
The former star of Bengals, Chad Ochocinco, was one of those who paid tribute to Johnson on social networks.
Johnson appeared in 81 games for Bengals from 2001 to 2007. He started each match for Cincinnati in 2004 and rushed to 1454 yards and 12 touched on the way to his selection Lone Pro Bowl. It started a series of three consecutive years in which he rushed over at least 1,000 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals Running Back (32) Rudi Johnson runs against the Carolina Panthers at the Paul Brown Stadium on October 22, 2006. (Matthew Emmons / USA TODAY SPORTS)
He played in 14 games for the Lions in 2008 before his retirement.
