Former Cincinnati Bengals Star Rudi Johnson Dies at 45

Former NFL star Rudi Johnson has died at the age of 45, the Cincinnati Bengals confirmed to PEOPLE.

Johnson, who was a star running back for the Bengals from 2001 to 2007, reportedly died just after midnight in Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 23, according to TMZ.

While the cause of death is currently unknown, the former running back had been struggling with mental health issues, a family source told the outlet, and was believed to have been suffering from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Over time, the condition gets worse as the brain’s nerve cells die. CTE can only be diagnosed via an autopsy after death.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the Bengals said they are “deeply saddened” by the news of Johnson’s death.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

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Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, according to ESPN.

He went on to play for the team for seven seasons and was picked to the Pro Bowl in 2004, per Fox 19.

He played his final NFL season with the Detroit Lions in 2008.

By the end of his career, Johnson had scored 5,979 rushing yards and 49 touchdowns, according to ESPN’s statistics.

Paying tribute, former Bengals wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson — who was drafted alongside Johnson and played with him for all seven seasons — shared a photo of Johnson on the field on X.

“R.I.P Rudi Johnson,” his caption read alongside a dove emoji.