FOX 2 - A former Detroit Lions running back has died by suicide, according to published reports.

Rudi Johnson would have turned 46 next week. TMZ is reporting that Johnson died by his own hand in Florida just after midnight Tuesday.

Johnson, a star at Auburn, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2001 NFL Draft.

Although he played most of his career for the Bengals, in 2008 he was signed as a free agent by the Lions which would be final year of his career.

In 2008 Johnson was limited by injuries, playing 14 games and starting only four. He finished with 237 rushing yards and 88 receiving with two touchdowns.

Published reports cited mental health issues caused by CTE from concussions sustained during his career.

In his career he finished with 5,979 yards with 49 rushing touch

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