Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide in Florida on September 23, 2025, at the age of 45, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Detective Joseph Peguero told investigators that preliminary findings indicated suicide with no foul play suspected.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday at Johnson’s residence in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to a call at approximately 11:13 p.m. ET on Monday to treat and transport an adult trauma alert patient, though the agency declined to name the individual, citing HIPAA protections.
Johnson spent eight seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2001 to 2007, after being selected in the fourth round with the 100th overall pick. He finished his career with the Detroit Lions in 2008, retiring with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns.
The running back achieved his greatest success during a three-year stretch from 2004 to 2006, when he rushed for over 1,000 yards each season. In 2004, he earned a Pro Bowl selection after accumulating 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 1,458-yard performance in 2005 remains the franchise record for most rushing yards in a single season, while his 48 rushing touchdowns rank third in team history.
Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, indicated that the player’s death should serve as a catalyst for increased research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Schaffer emphasized that the NFL and scientific community must increase efforts in CTE research, innovation in treatment and prevention, and support for those affected by the condition.
Sources close to Johnson revealed he had been struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome. The degenerative brain disease, linked to repeated head injuries, can only be diagnosed posthumously through brain autopsy and causes progressive deterioration of nerve cells.
Before his professional career, Johnson starred at Auburn University in 2000, where he earned Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors after rushing for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns. He finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting that season and helped the Tigers achieve a 9-4 record.
Johnson began playing football at age six and graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia, where he broke the school’s rushing record. He initially attended Butler Community College for two years before transferring to Auburn.
Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown released a statement honoring Johnson’s memory. “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Brown said. He described Johnson as dependable, productive, and popular among teammates, noting that everyone considered him a dear friend.
Auburn University also paid tribute to Johnson, mourning the loss of their 2000 SEC Player of the Year and describing him as one of the best players to wear the orange and blue uniform.
Following his retirement from professional football, Johnson established The Rudi Johnson Foundation, headquartered in Petersburg, Virginia, and operated by his mother, Janice. The charitable organization focused on improving children’s lives through various programs, including funding school lunches, youth camps, and scholarships.
Johnson maintained a low public profile in recent years and had been living primarily in Florida. Public records show he purchased a three-bedroom condominium in Sunny Isles Beach for approximately $1.5 million in August 2019, after previously owning property in Coral Gables.
Just days before his death, Johnson recorded a message for his induction into the Chesterfield County, Virginia, Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class. In the taped message, he encouraged young people to dream big and never give up while expressing his hope to see the next star emerge from his home county.
Johnson would have turned 46 next week. His agent described him as a man who lived in the service of others, avoided social media spotlight, and touched countless lives through his positivity and generosity. Former teammates, including Chad Johnson, have begun paying tribute to the deceased player on social media.
