Bengals owner Mike Brown said the organization is “deeply saddened” after former star running back Rudi Johnson’s reported death by suicide on Tuesday at the age of 45 .

Johnson played for the Bengals from 2001-07 and is the team’s single-season rushing yards leader.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Brown said in a statement . “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.” 6

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi Johnson. pic.twitter.com/wXTd8jgEBl — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 23, 2025

Johnson died in Florida shortly after midnight Tuesday, cops told TMZ .

The former Auburn standout had been “rece

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