How did Rudi Johnson die? Cause of death explored as former Bengals star dies at 45

American football star Burudi Ali Johnson, commonly known as Rudi Johnson, passed away on September 23, 2025. Police informed TMZ that the Cincinnati Bengals' running back, Rudi Johnson, apparently committed suicide. The NFL star joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001 and also led the team in rushing. He was reportedly suffering from mental health issues. According to TMZ:

Rudi had been “struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome."

Rudi Johnson, who held numerous Cincinnati Bengals records and was a three-time 1,000-yard rusher, was also selected to a Pro Bowl. Following his unfortunate death, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the case. While the authorities made it clear in a statement that "no foul play (is) suspected", Detective Joseph Peguero told NBC News:

"All indications are leading to suicide."

Rudi Johnson played in the National Football League for eight years as a successful and celebrated player, appearing in 81 games. The President of the Bengal Cincinnati, Mike Brown, in a statement following Rudi's death, said:

"Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing."

The NFL star player, who founded the Rudi Johnson Foundation in 2005, according to a family source told TMZ, has spent the last few days helping others around him. Cited by the New York Post, Rudi's mother, Janice, said:

"Mr. Johnson wanted to share his blessings with family and children in order to enhance ans (sic) stabilize their lives and to support learning opportunities for children that may not have been possible otherwise."

Rudi Jonshon's agent, Peter Schaffer, opens up about the NFL star's death

Peter Schaffer, who has been Rudi's agent for several years, stated after opening up about the unfortunate incident that Johnson's death will prompt extensive research into CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), which is a degenerative brain disease primarily caused by repeated head injuries. In a statement regarding the matter, Peter Schaffer said:

"These tragic circumstances must also serve as a call to action. The NFL and the scientific community must do more — more research into CTE, more innovation into how we can treat it, prevent it, and provide support to those living with it. Players past, present, and future deserve nothing less."

Schaffer went ahead and said:

"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of our friend and client, Rudi Johnson. Rudi lived his life in the service of others. He was a man who disdained self-promotion and avoided the spotlight of social media, yet his presence was always felt through his positivity, energy, and generosity."

Trending

He further added:

"It has been one of the greatest honors of my career and my life to call him both a client and a friend. His legacy will not be measured by statistics or accolades, but by the countless lives he touched and the love he gave so freely."

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback