The football world has been shaken by the tragic death of former NFL star Rudi Johnson, whose life came to a devastating end last week in Sunny Isles, Florida. Newly released 911 audio provides chilling insight into the moments leading up to the former Cincinnati Bengals running back’s death, highlighting the urgency and despair that surrounded the incident.
Chilling 911 calls reveal final moments
According to audio obtained by TMZ Sports, multiple witnesses reported hearing “somebody screaming” and cries for help prior to Johnson’s fall. One caller described the horrifying scene:
“It’s building in front of me, I just saw someone jump off the building … They jumped off the balcony into the pool. There was multiple people on the balcony … Somebody was screaming, saying, ‘Help me.’”
The caller continued to recount the desperate pleas:
“I heard somebody screaming, saying, ‘Help! Help! Don’t do this. Don’t do this. Somebody help me. Somebody help me.’ It was a woman.”
Authorities later confirmed that Rudi Johnson, 45, died by suicide. Sources close to the situation revealed that the former running back had been battling mental health issues, possibly compounded by the long-term effects of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from repeated head injuries sustained during his football career.
Remembering Rudi Johnson’s career
Rudi Johnson enjoyed an eight-year NFL career, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2004. He began his collegiate career at Butler Community College before transferring to Auburn University in 2000. At Auburn, he recorded 1,567 rushing yards in a single season—second only to Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson at the time—and 13 touchdowns, earning SEC Player of the Year honors, First-team All-SEC, and Second-team All-American accolades.
Selected 100th overall by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Rudi Johnson initially served as backup to four-time Pro Bowler Corey Dillon. After taking over as Cincinnati’s starting running back in 2004, he recorded over 1,000 yards rushing in three consecutive seasons and notched a career-high 12 touchdowns in 2006. He spent his final NFL season with the Detroit Lions in 2008.
Tributes and legacy
Bengals president Mike Brown expressed deep sorrow at Johnson’s passing, praising both his character and his contributions on the field:
“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us. He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”
Rudi Johnson’s family also emphasized his commitment to helping others, both on and off the field, highlighting the positive impact he made during his life.