Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson has passed away. Johnson, who spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, was 45. The former Auburn University standout rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons for the Bengals. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004. Reports indicated Johnson died of an apparent suicide. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi Johnson,” the Bengals wrote. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi Johnson. pic.twitter.com/wXTd8jgEBl — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 23, 2025 NBC News shared additional details: The 45-year-old Johnson’s death is being investigated by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, though “no foul play suspected,” according to an agency statement. “All indications are leading to suicide,” Detective Joseph Peguero told NBC News. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to call in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida at about 11:13 EDT on Monday to treat and transport an “adult trauma alert patient,” the agency said. While Miami-Dade Fire Rescue declined to name the patient, citing HIPPA protections, the address for this call appears to correspond with Johnson’s home listed in public records. “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” according to a statement from Bengals president Mike Brown. “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.” “R.I.P Rudi Johnson,” Chad Johnson commented. R.I.P Rudi Johnson pic.twitter.com/CnGKR6YzQB — Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) September 23, 2025 “We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson. One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi’s family, friends & teammates are in our prayers,” Auburn Football wrote. We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson. One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi's family, friends & teammates are in our prayers.#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/XpUV6tiAiF — Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) September 23, 2025 ESPN highlighted Johnson’s career: The Bengals drafted Johnson in the fourth round in 2001 out of Auburn. He played the next seven seasons with Cincinnati, where he finished his tenure as one of the most productive running backs in franchise history. He started in 59 of his 81 appearances with the Bengals. He finished his time in Cincinnati with 5,742 career rushing yards, the fourth-highest total in franchise history. Johnson also scored 48 rushing touchdowns, good for third on the team’s all-time list. For three straight years, Johnson had exactly 12 touchdowns on the ground. His most notable season was in 2004, when he rushed for 1,454 yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod. Cincinnati released him in 2008. Johnson played one more season with the Detroit Lions, where he rushed for 237 yards in 14 games. Before entering the league, Johnson had a prolific college career. In 2000, he was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in his only season at Auburn, where he carried the ball 324 times that season for 1,567 yards, the fourth-best mark for a single season in school history. He also had 9 catches for 70 yards and scored a total of 13 touchdowns.