Former NFL running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide at the age of 45 just after midnight on Tuesday (September 23), police confirmed to TMZ Sports .

Johnson, who spent the majority of his eight-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals , which included being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2004, had reportedly been “struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome,” a source with knowledge of the situation told the website prior to an update with confirmation from police. A family source said that Johnson prioritized helping people on and off the field prior to his death.

Johnson spent two seasons at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University in 2000, having recorded 1,567 yards -- which was second only to He

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