Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (No. 32) rushes against the Buffalo Bills during a game in 2003. George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Rudi Johnson, an eight-year NFL player and star running back at Auburn University in 2000, has died, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) in Florida. He was 45 years old.
The exact circumstances of Johnson’s death were not disclosed. MDSO detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera told CNN that after a preliminary investigation, “all indications are leading to (death by) suicide” with no foul play suspected. The investigation is ongoing.
Johnson spent seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2001 to 2007 and was a key part of the team’s offense, particularly in 2004, 2005, and 2006, rushing for well over 1,000 yards in each of