Ex‑NFL RB Rudi Johnson dies; Hall of Fame message revealed
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson, 45, who was inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 18, 2025, reportedly died by suicide just after midnight on Tuesday, according to TMZ. Video of a message he recorded for the induction — in which he thanked coaches and urged Chesterfield youth to 'dream big' and said 'I'll be watching' — was played at the ceremony. The Bengals issued a statement from president Mike Brown expressing sadness and recalling Johnson's on-field contributions.
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Ex-NFL star Rudi Johnson's inspiring message to Virginia youth days before death revealed: 'I'll be watching'
New information:
- Rudi Johnson, 45, former Auburn standout and longtime Cincinnati Bengals running back, was inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 18, 2025.
- A video message Johnson recorded for the induction included the line: 'dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up... For the all kids from Chesterfield County, I'll be watching.'
- TMZ first reported Johnson's death and police told the outlet he died by suicide 'just after midnight on Tuesday'; Bengals president Mike Brown issued a statement mourning his passing.