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Rudi Johnson
1979 - 2025
Rudi Johnson
1979 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1979
DIED
2025
Rudi Johnson Obituary
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)
20 Entries
Tony
November 11, 2025
To the family, many, many friends, and fans of this great person who played and loved the game of football. Rudi Johnson was a powerful Pro Bowl running back who became one of the Cincinnati Bengals' most productive rushers and a beloved figure in his Virginia hometown. Rudi Johnson had a great career in football and in his community. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Rudi Johnson. May the love and many, many special memories you have shared with your devoted loved one show how much your life was touched by him. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Rudi Johnson. He had tremendous goals and accomplishments in his career. May family, friends and extended family cherish his memories.
Diane Harrison
October 31, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Debbie Speigner
October 29, 2025
Rudi was an AWESOME player at Auburn and admired by so many. God bless his family during their time of sorrow.
Tom Berbas
October 12, 2025
Rudi Johnson´s talent, perseverance, and kindness made a lasting impact both on and off the field. He will be fondly remembered by teammates, fans, and his community. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who admired him. Respectfully, Tom Berbas
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Karen L Williams
October 9, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family in the passing of Rudi! A dynamic player and kind soul. I pray you strengthen his mother in the days ahead and the memories are a source of peace. Blessings K.L. Williams
Gloria Charity
October 8, 2025
Quite the football player and character among his teammates on their way to play game.
Condolences Family!
Ms. Charity
Bus Driver
Thomas Dale
RA
October 5, 2025
Prayers for the Johnson family, in your time of loss May God give you strength and comfort. Truly sorry for your loss.
RB
October 1, 2025
An incredible player and part of the Bengals team, so very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for the Johnson family, may God be with you in your time of loss.
Adrian Frankie Avila
September 29, 2025
As a cowboys fan, This is hard to believe, only 45! RIP RJ. 1979 ~ 2025. Never saw you play on TV but you may RIP.
Reta Lloyd
September 29, 2025
I am so sorry for the family members and friends of Rudi's passing. Youns are in my thoughts and prayers. I am a huge Rudi's Johnson football fan. I have several of his football cards and a bengals football jerseys with his name and number on it. I will cherish it for ever. He will be missed and he is loved by many. Reta Lloyd
Joseph A. Simmons, II
September 28, 2025
On behalf of the Simmons family, I offer my sincere condolences to the Johnson family for the loss of my lifelong friend, Rudi Johnson. We are praying for you at this time. We love you!
Mak
September 27, 2025
I´m so sorry for the loss of Rudi. He seemed to touch many lives. May God comfort you in this time of distress.
Stephanie (Carruth) Forbes
September 26, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Rudi´s family and loved ones. At Butler, Rudi was so kind and respectful. On the field, if we were down, we always knew we were ok because we had Rudi. He was a great teammate and friend. Please enjoy a few of the memories made at Butler County with Rudi. He was loved!
James Evans
September 26, 2025
Sorry for his Passing
Dustin Avery
September 26, 2025
Rudi was a great teammate and friend at Butler CC. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. One of the most humble guys I ever played this sport with.
Dianna and James Shibest
September 26, 2025
We love you! Coach Shibest was hc at Butler with him. Rudi like a son to us. Wonderful
memories of a great young man. We later met up at a bowl game. Sending our love thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jason Martin
September 26, 2025
Rudi will be missed, he would give me a ride home after wrestling practice when my parents was out of town working. He was always someone I could count on. I will keep is family in my prays.
Jody Brachman
September 25, 2025
I'm good u I was writing to you to give my condolences to you and your family etc rip I loved his football playing etc. He seemed like a nice guy I will miss him so. No rush take
Matt C
September 25, 2025
Rudi, you were the model of consistency when you were with the Bengals. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Chris VanDam
September 25, 2025
My sincerest condolences. God bless you and your family. May you find the same strength Rudi had on and off the field to weather the your storm.
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