Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at the age of 45, authorities confirmed Tuesday. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi Johnson. pic.twitter.com/wXTd8jgEBl — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 23, 2025The family noted that Johnson had been working to help others both during and after his playing career. Prior to his professional career, Johnson was a standout at Auburn University, where he earned SEC Player of the Year honors. Tubs was anxious to show off his prized RB signee out of Butler Community College in the JUCO ranks named Rudi Johnson.