Content warning: This account incorporates allusions to self-inflicted death. If you or someone you are familiar with is considering ending their life and requires immediate assistance, please dial or send a text to 988 or connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline via online communication at 988lifeline.org.
Previous Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson passed away on the past Tuesday. His age was 45.
The Bengals publicly stated the demise of Johnson, however, abstained from offering explicit information.
In an announcement, team president Mike Brown described Johnson as a “pleasant individual” and a “cherished companion.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office communicated with NBC News that they are conducting an inquiry into Johnson’s passing, with detective Joseph Peguero expressing that “All indications point to self-inflicted death.” It is mentioned that no illicit activity is presumed.
Johnson’s representative, Peter Schaffer, seemingly communicated with NBC News his anticipation that Johnson’s demise will prompt heightened investigation into CTE, a progressive condition that has played a part in numerous prior NFL suicides:
“These regrettable situations should also operate as an encouragement for action,” Schaffer articulated in a statement. “The NFL and the scientific domain should accomplish more — enhanced inquiry into CTE, amplified innovation into methods of treatment, deterrence, and provision of assistance to individuals living with the condition. Participants from the past, present, and prospective individuals are deserving of nothing less.”
Because CTE can only be identified via post-mortem examination, verification of whether Johnson had the condition is not established.
Rudi Johnson possesses the Bengals single-season rushing documentation
Johnson, a fourth-round choice by the Bengals during the 2001 NFL Draft, primarily remained as a substitute during his initial pair of seasons within the league. Wounds to the commencing player Corey Dillon elevated Johnson into amplified involvement during his third season. He delivered effectively. Johnson dashed for 957 yards and achieved nine dashing touchdowns in barely 215 attempts during 2003.
Dillon was traded throughout the break between seasons, preparing for Johnson to commence during 2004. He proceeded to present three consecutive extraordinary seasons. Spanning from 2004 to 2006, Johnson averaged 1,407 dashing yards and 12 touchdowns. He achieved his inaugural — and solitary — Pro Bowl during 2004. During that season, Johnson dashed for 1,454 yards, a franchise precedent. He exceeded that precedent throughout the subsequent season, dashing for 1,458 yards. That precedent endures.
The Bengals attained the playoffs throughout that season, though fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the wild-card round. Johnson achieved a touchdown during the defeat.
Wounds inflicted their consequence on Johnson during 2007, restricting him to 11 games. He encountered difficulties when healthy, accumulating 497 yards across 170 attempts. Johnson was dismissed by the Bengals during training camp throughout the subsequent season. He was acquired by the Detroit Lions, where he obtained 76 dashing attempts during his concluding season within the NFL.
Johnson appeared at Paul Brown Stadium during 2016 as a constituent of the team’s Legends Weekend. He expressed that it was the initial instance of his return to the team following his 2008 release.
Johnson’s teammate, receiver Chad Johnson, conveyed appreciation to the running back on X on the past Tuesday.
The duo overlapped in Cincinnati throughout Rudi’s duration with the franchise. Both Rudy and Chad integrated with the Bengals as a portion of the identical draft, with the team selecting Chad during the second round during 2001.
