The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a tough spot heading into Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season. While they won their first two games, they have lost star quarterback Joe Burrow for what could be the rest of the regular season due to a toe injury, and in their first game without him, they suffered a blowout 48-10 defeat at the hands of a Minnesota Vikings team that was also playing without their starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Off the field, the Bengals have also received some terrible news regarding one of their former players, Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson. On Tuesday morning, it was revealed that Johnson had passed early just after midnight, with the cause of his death being ruled suicide by local authorities.
Rudi Johnson Dies at 45 Years Old
Johnson was selected by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career with the Auburn Tigers. In his first two seasons, Johnson didn’t play much, but he ended up earning Cincy’s starting running back job in 2003, and he quickly turned himself into one of the top players at his position.
From 2004 to 2006, Johnson was a madman, as he ran for at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in each of those campaigns. Johnson earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2004, when he racked up 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns on 361 carries, and it seemed like the Bengals had a long-term answer at running back.
Injuries began to take a toll on Johnson in 2007, and he ended up getting released ahead of the 2008 season. He would quickly latch on with the Detroit Lions, but after assuming a backup role, he opted to retire at the conclusion of the campaign. Since then, Johnson has worked hard on giving back to the community through The Rudi Johnson Foundation, and he remained very involved in his foundation up until his untimely death on Tuesday.
“Cops tell TMZ Sports Rudi Johnson died by suicide in Florida just after midnight on Tuesday,” TMZ reported. “We’re told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”
Bengals Looking to Get Back on Track in Week 4
GettyBengals head coach Zac Taylor on the sideline during a game.
During his prime, Johnson was one of the best running backs the Bengals have ever had in their franchise history, and there’s no doubt they will mourn his death over the coming days. On the field, the team also has to work on finding a way to get back on track after getting demolished the last time they suited up on Sunday.
Even in the wake of their recent loss, Cincinnati appears set to stick with Jake Browning under center. The problem is that things aren’t going to get any easier for the Bengals, as they have a very difficult stretch of games on their schedule. That starts with a meeting against the Denver Broncos in Week 4, and after falling to 1-2 in Week 3 with a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, they will surely be motivated to get back in the win column on Monday Night Football.
Former Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson Dies at 45