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Previous Cincinnati Bengals Running back Rudi Johnson shared an inspiring message with young athletes in his home state of Virginia just days before he reportedly died of suicide.
Johnson, 45, was introduced to the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame on September 18 as a candidate from Thomas Dale High School and a product from Ettrick Trojans from Chesterfield Quarterback League.
Cincinnati Bengals runs back (32) Rudi Johnson runs against Carolina Panthers at Paul Brown Stadium on October 22, 2006. (Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports)
The former Nfl Star shared an inspiring message in a video played at the induction ceremony, thanking him past coaches and teammates and shared the advice and encouragement he received over the years.
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“I want to give a special cry for all the people who came in front of me, the alumni of Thomas Dale High School and Ettrick Trojans,” he said in the video according to New York Post.
“Also the same people who came after me. So, when it is said, I just want to say Dream Big, Shoot for the Stars, Hold Focused, Never Give Up. And one more thing: For all kids from Chesterfield County, I look for the next star to be born.”
Johnson was a prominent run back to Auburn Tigers Before the Bengals chose him in the fourth round of the NFL draft in 2001. He spent seven seasons with Bengals and one with Detroit Lions. He was a pro bowler with Cincinnati in 2004.
Cincinnati Bengals Fullback (32) Rudi Johnson wears the ball against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 18, 2005. (Tom Szczerbowski/USA Today Sports)
Ex-Bengals star Rudi Johnson Death of 45
“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent race back for us,” Bengals said Mike Brown in a statement. “He was reliable and productive as a player and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply sad of his passing.”
Johnson performed in 81 games for Bengals from 2001 to 2007. He started each game for Cincinnati in 2004 and rushed in 1,454 yards and 12 touchdowns on his way to his Lone Pro Bowl choice. It started a string of three consecutive years, where he rushed for at least 1,000 yards.
Cincinnati Bengals runs back (32) Rudi Johnson runs against San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 12, 2006. (Matthew Emmons/USA Today Sports)
TMZ SPORTS First reported Johnson’s death. Police told the sales that he died by suicide just after midnight on Tuesday.
