Bengals Mourn Rudi Johnson : "You Could See the Twinkle in His Eye"

Geoff HobsonRudi Johnson, whose hard-charging runs closed Bengals' victories in the first years of the century to the Paycor Stadium chants of "Ruu-di, Ruu-di, Ruu-di," died Tuesday. Johnson, a low-slung 5-10, 228-pound running back, authored the two best rushing seasons in Bengals' history in 2004 and 2005 and is fourth on the club's all-time rushing list with 5,7423 yards. Like in 2005, when the Bengals ruled the AFC North in a year Johnson broke his team rushing record, Palmer set the team passing record and Chad Johnson broke his team receiving record. Combs announced Johnson was headed to the news conference room, Bengals Ring of Honor right tackle Willie Anderson smiled. "Let her know what everybody is doing besides me, J.J. (fullback Jeremi Johnson, Willie (Anderson) and (right guard) Bobbie (Williams) and (left guard Eric) Steinbach.