Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has sadly passed away at the age of 45.
A family source confirmed to TMZ Sports that Johnson died on Tuesday in Florida. According to the outlet, the cause of death was suicide.
The report stated that the late star had been recently struggling with mental health issues and feared he was suffering from CTE, the brain disease common in former NFL players.
The family source added that in the time leading up to his death, the late NFL star remained focused on helping others.
"[He] was doing everything he could to help people on and off the field ... and that's what mattered most to him," they said, per the outlet.
Johnson was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft after a standout career at Auburn University, where he once won SEC Player of the Year honors.
As a 24-year-old, he rushed for 957 yards and nine touchdowns in his first breakout season. Over the next three years, he ran for more than 4,000 yards and scored 36 times, establishing himself as one of the Bengals’ most reliable offensive weapons.
Johnson’s NFL career ultimately came to a close in 2008 following a brief stint with the Detroit Lions.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Johnson dedicated much of his time to giving back.
In 2005, he launched the Rudi Johnson Foundation, which focused on assisting families and communities in various areas.
Our thoughts are with Johnson's loved ones at this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.