NFL mourns Rudi Johnson’s death at 45 years oldFormer Bengals Pro Bowl RB Rudi Johnson dies at 45, remembered as a powerhouse with a lasting legacy on and off the fieldRudi Johnson, former Bengals star, dies at 45Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson, best known for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, has died at age 45. His death was confirmed by the Bengals organization and has sparked widespread mourning across the football world. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, a Florida report says he died by suicide shortly after midnight on Tuesday. 100 overall, by the Bengals in 2001, Johnson’s early years were spent as a backup—most notably behind Pro Bowl running back Corey Dillon. He also created the Rudi Johnson Foundation, which worked to support youth and families, especially in underserved communities.