The National Football League (NFL) is mourning the passing of Rudi Johnson, and social media is flooded with tributes. The former Cincinnati Bengals player died at the age of 45 which has shocked the world and left fans wondering the reason behind his cause of death this early.
What is Rudi Johnson’s cause of death?
The American footballer took his last breath in Florida, and an investigation has been launched by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, as per a report by NBC News. According to the detective, "All indications are leading to suicide."
Speculations around Johnson having CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a progressive brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, which is common in American football, are going on. In fact, Peter Schaffer, his agent said in a statement: “These tragic circumstances must also serve as a call to action.” However, he didn't exactly connect it to Johnson's death.
Schaffer further said:
"The NFL and the scientific community must do more — more research into CTE, more innovation into how we can treat it, prevent it, and provide support to those living with it. Players past, present, and future deserve nothing less."
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Unfortunately, the only way to know if the player is suffering from CTE is after death. The reason behind this is because the diagnosis requires a post-mortem brain autopsy. However, Schaffer believes that following Johnson’s death, the scientists and NFL community will spur more research into CTE.
Rudi played for eight seasons in the league and was selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Bengals. With the same team, he was included in the 2024 Pro Bowl after the player led his side in rushing. Rudi had an impressive career which also includes his three straight 1,300-yard seasons and double-digit touchdowns. As part of the team's Legends Weekend, He appeared at Paul Brown Stadium in 2016 which, as per him, was the first time he returned to the team after his release in 2008.