Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has passed away.

Johnson, who was 45, died “this week”, a family source told TMZ in a report on Tuesday.

The cause of death is unknown. However, TMZ said their source claimed that Johnson “had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

He would have turned 46 on October 1.

The Bengals Drafted Rudi Johnson in 2001

The Bengals drafted Johnson in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. Over seven seasons with Cincinnati, he amassed 5,742 rushing yards, per Sports Illustrated.

In 2005, Johnson played a key role in helping the Bengals finish 11-5 and secure the AFC North title. That year, he set a career-high with 1,458 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. H

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