CINCINNATI ( WXIX /Gray News) - Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died, the team confirmed in a post on X Tuesday.

He was 45.

TMZ was first to report Johnson’s death, citing a family source.

The former Pro-Bowl running back’s cause of death was not released, but TMZ said they were told “Johnson had been recently struggling with mental health issues and the possible effects of CTE that he could not overcome.”

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (32) during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, in Cincinnati. Ravens' Jarret Johnson (95) pursues. (AP Photo/David Kohl) (David Kohl | AP)

The Bengals drafted Johnson in the 4th Round of the 2001 NFL Draft out of Auburn.

He spent seven seasons in Cincinnati and was se

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