Former Auburn running back Rudi Johnson has died at the age of 45. While unconfirmed, police have reportedly ruled his death a suicide per TMZ. He was 45.
In just one season on the Plains, Johnson became an instant fan favorite with his bruising style of running, punishing any defender who dared get in his way. The 2000 SEC Player of the Year rushed for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns, helping lead the Tigers to an SEC West title and 9-4 record.
Johnson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played for seven years, eventually becoming the starting running back in the 2003 season due to an injury to Corey Dillon. After Dillon was traded following the 2003 season, Johnson became the leading man in the backfield for the Bengals, helping the AFC North team reach the playoffs in 2005 for the first time in 15 years.
Known for his bulky build, Johnson immediately got attention in his first game at Auburn as he bulldozed himself for a 70-yard touchdown, shedding and carrying defenders for yards at a time into the end zone.