Rudi Johnson, the former NFL running back famous for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, died by suicide at the age of 45. He was found dead in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Johnson had been struggling with mental health issues and possibly the effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries common in football players. His family and sources suggest these mental health struggles contributed significantly to his tragic death. Prior to his passing, Johnson was known for his community service efforts and had recently delivered an emotional motivational message to children. The official cause of death was suicide, and there were no signs of foul play.
