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The retired NFL’s width receives Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson mourns the loss of his former Cincinnati Bengals teammate Rudi Johnson.
Johnson died Tuesday in South Florida at the age of 45.
In a recent episode of “Nightcap”, a podcast co-hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Johnson reflected over the “big memories” he shared with the late one back.
“I just lost my Dawg yesterday, Rudi Johnson,” the former Bengals star revealed. “Obviously, the big memories we had played in Cincinnati and all the good.”
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The wide receiver CHAD Johnson (85) from Cincinnati Bengals celebrates during the game against Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on November 9, 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Ochocinco and Johnson were both members of the 2001 NFL Draft class. Ochocinco was selected in the second round, while Johnson landed in the fourth round after serving Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year Honors for his prominent 2000 season in Auburn.
They continued to play with each other in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007.
Ex-Bengals star Rudi Johnson Death of 45
Ochocinco said he was “upset”, he did not have the opportunity to wish his friend one last goodbye.
“I’m a little upset, I was a little hurt that I couldn’t say goodbye to a good friend of me,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. Young Rudi, Boy, You’re Missed. I Love You.”
Running back Rudi Johnson (32) from Cincinnati Bengals runs with football against Buffalo Bills during a game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 5, 2003 in Orchard Park, New York. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
TMZ Sports reported that Johnson was experiencing unspecified mental health problems before his death. Outlet added that a family source claimed that the former Bengals standout possibly fought for chronically traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Cincinnati Bengals, who runs back Rudi Johnson (32), looks after running a seat against San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Monster Park in San Francisco, California on December 15, 2007. (Cary Edmondson/USA Today Sports)
A spokesman for Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is being treated as a death by suicide and that there was no early proof that suggested bad play.
Bengals -President Mike Brown paid tribute to Johnson and remembered him as someone who was much admired.
“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent race back for us,” Brown said 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.”
Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson Heartbroken after a lack of chance to wish former teammate Rudi Johnson Final Falewell
