Only days before he reportedly died by suicide, Rudi Johnson, a former NFL powerhouse and beloved Auburn University legend, shared a haunting final message, reminding fans to “never give up.”
On September 23, authorities confirmed that 45-year-old Rudi Johnson, a retired Pro Bowl running back, was found dead in his Florida home. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office told CNN that although the investigation is ongoing, “all indications are leading to (death by) suicide,” with no foul play suspected.
Child football star
Johnson, who was born in Petersburg, Va., started playing football as a 6-year-old with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a standout at Thomas Dale High School before making a national name for himself as a college ball player.
Auburn Tigers
After two years at Butler Community College, Johnson transferred to Auburn University, where – in just one season – he left an unforgettable mark. In 2000, he carried the ball an incredible 324 times, racking up 1,567 rushing yards – the fourth-highest single-season total in Auburn football history, ESPN reports. He also had 13 total touchdowns and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Johnson’s impact was so great that, decades later, he remained one of the most revered players to ever wear Auburn’s orange and blue.
“We mourn the loss of 2000 SEC Player of the Year Rudi Johnson,” Auburn Football shared in a tweet. “One of the best to ever wear the orange and blue. Rudi’s family, friends & teammates are in our prayers.”
Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson’s dominance continued in the NFL after the Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. From 2004 to 2006, he became one of the league’s most reliable and bruising running backs, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.
His best year came in 2004, when he exploded for 1,454 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, landing a spot in the Pro Bowl. Johnson’s 48 career rushing touchdowns still rank third in Bengals franchise history.
He played his final NFL season with the Detroit Lions in 2008, retiring with 5,979 career rushing yards and 49 touchdowns.
“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement shared on X. “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.”
Head trauma
Despite his accomplishments, Johnson’s post-NFL years were reportedly filled with silent battles. According to TMZ – that first reported his death – Johnson had been privately struggling with mental health issues that “he could not overcome.”
Loved ones told the outlet that CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) – the degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma in football players – may have played a role in his decline.
In a statement shared with NBC, Johnson’s agent, Peter Schaffer, said he hopes Johnson’s death will trigger more research into CTE.
“These tragic circumstances must also serve as a call to action,” Schaffer said. “The NFL and the scientific community must do more – more research into CTE, more innovation into how we can treat it, prevent it, and provide support to those living with it. Players past, present, and future deserve nothing less.”
‘Never give up’
Just days before his death, Johnson was honored for his life’s achievements by the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame.
In a pre-recorded video message, the hometown hero accepted the Sept. 19 induction, while also acknowledging the impact those formative years had on shaping his journey to NFL stardom.
Speaking of his head coach at the Trojans, Johnson said: “He told me to keep my head on straight, stay focused, and that one day he would see me on Monday Night Football. Those words of encouragement stayed with me.”
“When it was all said and done, my teammates and I were able to win the first ever Super Bowl trophy back for my beloved team (Ettrick Trojans). That meant a great deal to me, to my family, my friends, and everyone.”
Next, addressing young athletes and fans, his voice was steady, but his message carried a powerful emotional weight: “I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up.”
He added, “And one more thing to all the kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born.”
Rest in peace, Rudi Johnson.
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