TIMES GFXFormer Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson was found dead at his Florida home early Tuesday, September 23, 2025, according to a family spokesperson. Johnson’s family revealed that he had been struggling with mental health challenges in recent years. Bengals president Mike Brown paid tribute, saying, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. A 2024 Boston University study revealed that 99% of examined former NFL players had signs of the condition. Johnson also dedicated time to philanthropy through the Rudi Johnson Foundation, established in 2005 to support underprivileged families.