In Memoriam: Rudi Johnson, 1979-2025
- Jake C
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
A former Cincinnati Bengal star has passed away.
Running back Rudi Johnson, a fourth-round draft choice out of Auburn in 2001, died this week at the age of 45. Johnson played seven seasons in Cincinnati from 2001-07.
At 5 feet 10 inches tall and 228 pounds, Johnson was the Bengals’ engine in an era that still employed bell cow running backs. He formed a formidable trio with star quarterback Carson Palmer and star wideout Chad Johnson.
In 2004, Johnson made the Pro Bowl. This was a particularly impressive feat at a time when the AFC was loaded with running backs - LaDanian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers, the Indianapolis Colts’ Edgerrin James, Curtis Martin of the New York Jets, Corey Dillon of the New England Patriots, and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Priest Holmes. From 2004-06, Johnson tallied at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns per season.
Rudi Johnson’s Three-Year Stretch - 2004-06
2004: 361 carries, 1,454 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4.0 yards per carry, 90.9 yards per game, 16 games, Pro Bowl
2005: 337 carries, 1,458 yards, 12 touchdowns, 4.3 yards per carry, 91.1 yards per game, 16 games, 14 starts
2006: 341 carries, 1,309 yards, 12 touchdowns, 3.8 yards per carry, 81.8 yards per game, 16 games, 15 starts
Johnson played his final season in 2008 with the Detroit Lions. In eight seasons, he started 63 out of 95 games and ran for 5,979 yards on 1,517 carries (3.9 yards per carry) and scored 49 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 113 balls for 676 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 5,742 yards with the Bengals on 1,441 carries (48 touchdowns) in 59 starts out of 81 games.
In Bengals’ history, Johnson owns the top two rushing seasons - 1,458 yards in ‘05 and 1,454 yards in ‘04. Corey Dillon occupies the third to fifth spots, while Johnson’s 1,309-yard season in 2006 is the sixth-best rushing season in Bengal history. In Week 12 of the 2004 season against the Cleveland Browns, Johnson carried 26 times for a career-high 202 yards and two touchdowns.
Gone far too soon. RIP, Rudi Johnson.
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