UPDATE7:21 AM PT -- Cops tell TMZ Sports ... Rudi Johnson died by suicide in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday. Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died. A family source for the ex-NFL star tells TMZ Sports ... he passed away this week. Johnson created his foundation after turning pro ... which focused on helping children and families through community programs. Bengals president Mike Brown addressed Johnson's passing on Tuesday ... saying, "Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us."