Rudi Johnson

Rudi Johnson, the powerful Pro Bowl running back who became one of the Cincinnati Bengals' most productive rushers and a beloved figure in his Virginia hometown, died September 23, 2025, in Florida. He was 45.

Born Burudi Ali Johnson on October 1, 1979, in Virginia, he starred at Thomas Dale High School before a meteoric rise through Butler Community College and Auburn University. At Auburn, he rushed for 1,567 yards in the 2000 season and was named SEC Player of the Year, laying the groundwork for his professional career.

The Bengals selected Johnson in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. After two seasons backing up Corey Dillon, he seized the starting job in 2003 and became the bruising engine of Cincinnati's offense. From 2004 to 2006, he delivered three straight seasons with at least 1,300 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2004. In 2005, he set the Bengals' single-season record with 1,458 rushing yards, ultimately finishing his career fourth on the franchise's all-time rushing list. He totaled 5,979 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns across eight NFL seasons, the last with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Johnson's connection to home never faded. Days before his death, he was honored as part of the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, an induction recognizing his deep roots in the county's sports community and the inspiration he offered to local athletes.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: Getty Images)