Chad Johnson Devastated He Didn’t ‘Say Goodbye’ to Late Rudi Johnson

Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is mourning the loss of his former teammate, Rudi Johnson.

While on Nightcap, the podcast he co-hosts with Shannon Sharpe, the retired wide receiver shared his disbelief after hearing about Johnson’s death at age 45 on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

“I just lost my dog yesterday, Rudi Johnson,” Ochocinco, 47, said. “Obviously, the great memories we had playing in Cincinnati and all that good stuff.”

Ochocinco and Johnson, a running back, played together on the Bengals from 2001-2007 after both were selected in the 2001 NFL Draft. Johnson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2000 while he played at Auburn University.

“I’m kind of upset, I’m kind of hurt I wasn’t able to say goodbye to a good friend of mine,” Ochocinco said. “It’s unfortunate. Young Rudi, boy, you’re gonna be missed. I love you.”

Johnson died just after midnight in South Florida on Tuesday, Sept. 23 after experiencing mental health issues, according to TMZ Sports.

A family source told the outlet that Johnson was believed to have been suffering from CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office detective Joseph R. Peguero Rivera told CNN that “all indications are leading to [death by] suicide” and no foul play is suspected.

Johnson’s former team remembered the standout player in a statement earlier this week.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said. “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.”