Before his death by suicide at 45 years old, former NFL star Rudi Johnson shared a heartbreaking message as his career was honored.
The ex-Bengals running back and Virginia native was inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame just last week, and left some touching advice for aspiring athletes in the area.
‘I just want to say: dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up,’ he said. ‘And one more thing: For the all kids from Chesterfield County, I’ll be watching for the next star to be born.’
Johnson, who starred at Chesterfield County’s Thomas Dale High School before playing at Auburn and ultimately in the NFL, also thanked his former coaches and teammates as he accepted the induction in a pre-recorded video.
His mother, Janice, was on hand at the ceremony to accept the induction on his behalf, while other family members were also there wearing his Bengals jersey.
Cops told TMZ that Johnson died by suicide just after midnight on Tuesday.
Rudi Johnson provided some advice for aspiring athletes before his death by suicide
Rudi Johnson, a former running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, has died at the age of 45
Johnson’s mother, Janice, accepted his Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame induction on his behalf
The report added that he had been struggling with mental health issues and feared he had CTE, the brain disease common in former NFL players that can only be diagnosed after someone has died.
Johnson played eight years in the NFL, and spent seven of those in Cincinnati after the Bengals drafted him in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
After a slow first two years, he exploded in his third by rushing for 957 yards and scoring nine touchdowns.
In the following three years, he became a dominant force and rushed for over 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2004.
He was later released by the Bengals 2008 and signed with the Detroit Lions, where he played the final season of his career.
Following his death, the Bengals paid an emotional tribute to Johnson, who would have turned 46 next week.
Bengals owner Mike Brown said: ‘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.’
For support call Samaritans on 116123 in the UK or visit www.samaritans.org or www.thecalmzone.net/get-support, or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988 in the US.
