Former Bengals running back, Chesterfield native Rudi Johnson dies at 45

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Former Bengals running back and Thomas Dale High School graduate Rudi Johnson has died.

Johnson passed away at 45 years old on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

According to the Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame, Johnson began playing football at the young age of six with the Ettrick Trojans of the Chesterfield Quarterback League.

Johnson later attended Butler Community College and transferred to Auburn University, where he ran for over 1,500 rushing yards in one season.

After college, Johnson was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round in 2001 as a running back. He played seven out of his eight seasons with the Bengals.

Running back Rudi Johnson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals watches from the bench as they face the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 28, 2008 in Indianpolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals Rudi Johnson (32) runs against the St. Louis Rams during their NFL game at Paul Brown stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2007. (Photo: Getty Images)

Johnson was regarded as one of the most productive running backs in history by ESPN. He earned Pro-Bowl honors after he set the single-season rushing record for the Bengals.

The Bengals released a statement on X about Johnson's death, stating that the team is deeply saddened by Johnson's passing.

"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."

Cincinnati Bengals

There is no word yet on the cause of Johnson's death.