The NFL community is mourning the sudden and tragic passing of former star running back Rudi Johnson, who died on Tuesday at the age of 45.
Rudi’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, fans, and the wider sporting community.
A family source for the ex-NFL star tells TMZ Sports … he passed away this week.
We’re told he had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.
The family source says prior to his death, Johnson was doing everything he could to help people on and off the field … and that’s what mattered most to him.
Bengals president Mike Brown addressed Johnson’s passing on Tuesday … saying, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us.”
“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.”
Rudi Johnson’s death serves as a stark reminder of the often-unseen struggles athletes endure after their playing days conclude.
RIP!!!
