Former NFL running back, who spent eight seasons in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, has passed away at the age of 45.
The Bengals, who selected top star in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, confirmed his death social media. TMZ was the first to report the news.
“Rudi was a terrific person and a highly effective running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement. “He was reliable, productive, and well-liked by his teammates. Everyone considered him a close friend. We are heartbroken by his loss.”
Johnson spent the bulk of his career in Cincinnati, where he turned in three straight 1,300-yard rushing seasons from 2004 to 2006. He earned his only Pro Bowl selection in 2004 after posting 1,454 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
His career slowed due to injuries, and the Bengals released him on Aug. 30, 2008, after he did not make the final roster. A day later, he signed a one-year contract with Detroit, joining the infamous 0-16 Lions team and playing alongside current head coach Dan Campbell. Johnson appeared in 14 games for Detroit, starting four, and totaled 237 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Before his NFL career, Johnson starred at Auburn University. In 2000, he rushed for 1,567 yards on 234 carries, added 70 receiving yards, and scored 13 total touchdowns, earning SEC Player of the Year, first-team All-SEC, and second-team All-America honors.