FORMER NFL running back Rudi Johnson has died at age 45. Johnson played in the NFL from 2001 to 2008 after being a fourth-round Draft pick. Johnson played for the Bengals from 2001 to 2007 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2004. "Everybody loves to talk about that passing game for the Bengals, but Rudi Johnson was at the heart of that offense," one said. "Rudi played 7 seasons for the Bengals and still owns the single-season rushing record of 1,458 yards and is fourth in career yards (5,742).