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Ancient Bengals of Cincinnati Ball carrier Rudi Johnson shared an inspiring message with young athletes in his original state, Virginie a few days before his death by suicide.
Johnson, 45, was inducted at the Temple of Fame of Sport Chesterfield on September 18 as a graduate of Thomas Dale secondary school and a product of the Trojans ettrick of the Chesterfield Quarterback League.
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)
The first Nfl Star shared an inspiring message in a video played during the enthronement ceremony, where he thanked the former coaches and teammates and shared the advice and encouragement he has received over the years.
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“I want to give a special cry to all the people who preceded me, the alumni of Thomas Dale High School and Ettrick Trojans,” he said in the video, according to the New York Post.
“Also, the same people who came after me. So, that being said, I just want to say Dream Big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And again one thing: for the children of all the children of Chesterfield, I will watch the next star.”
Johnson was an out of return for the Auburn Tigers Before the Bengals chose him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL recovery. He spent seven seasons with the Bengals and one with the Detroit lions. He was a bowling player with Cincinnati in 2004.
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)
The star of ex-begals Rudi Johnson died at 45
“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.”
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 presents himself against the Chargers de San Diego at the Paul Brown stadium on November 12, 2006. (Matthew Emmons / USA TODAY SPORTS)
TMZ SPORTS First pointed out Johnson’s death. Police told the point of sale that he died by suicide just after midnight on Tuesday.
