CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died, according to TMZ .

Johnson, 45, died “this week,” TMZ reported Tuesday, citing a family source.

The cause of death is unknown, but TMZ said they were told that Johnson “had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

The Bengals drafted Johnson in the 4th Round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

He spent seven seasons in Cincinnati and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004.

Johnson’s final season in the NFL was in 2008 with the Detroit Lions.

He finished his professional career with 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns.

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