The NFL world was shocked by the news of Rudi Johnson’s death. However, before he passed away, he left an inspiring message for future generations in Virginia. The former Cincinnati Bengals player struggled with severe depression, which apparently led to his suicide.
According to police reports, Johnson took his own life in Florida, shortly after midnight on Tuesday. His death moved his fans, as he was only 45 years old, but he could not overcome certain mental health issues and the effects of CTE.
A positive message for future generations
The New York Post reported that Rudi Johnson encouraged young people to “never give up,” even though it now feels paradoxical. “I want to give a special shout-out to everyone who came before me, the alumni of Thomas Dale High School and Ettrick Trojans,” he said in a recorded message, right after entering the 2025 class of the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame.
“Also, to the same people who come after me. So, with that said, I just want to say dream big, aim for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing: for all the kids in Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born,” he added.
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Johnson played eight years in the NFL, where he set the Bengals’ single-season career record. He also played for the Ettrick Trojans in the Chesterfield Quarterback League. There, he thanked his coach for always pushing him to keep going. “He told me to keep my head straight, stay focused, and that someday we would meet on Monday Night Football… I took those words to heart,” Johnson said.
“At the next stop, before everything was said and done, my coach, my teammates, and I won the first Super Bowl championship trophy for my beloved Ettrick Trojans. That meant a lot to me, my community, my friends, everyone, and my family,” he added.
Without a doubt, Rudi Johnson left a significant mark on the NFL. His story also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health for high-performance athletes.
