Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson has been deeply affected by the sudden passing of his former Cincinnati Bengals teammate, Rudi Johnson. During a recent episode of the ‘Nightcap’ podcast, hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Johnson reflected on the ‘great memories’ he shared with his late friend. The former NFL wide receiver shared his feelings of loss and regret over not being able to say goodbye to Rudi Johnson, who died at the age of 45.
Both Johnson and Rudi Johnson were part of the 2001 NFL Draft class, with Ochocinco being selected in the second round and Johnson in the fourth. They played together in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007, forming a strong bond during their time with the team. Ochocinco expressed sadness over the missed opportunity to offer a final farewell to his friend, emphasizing the personal impact of the loss.
News outlets reported that Rudi Johnson had been experiencing undisclosed mental health issues prior to his death. TMZ Sports mentioned that his family indicated he may have struggled with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death was ruled as a suicide, with no early signs of foul play. Bengals president Mike Brown offered his condolences, highlighting Rudi Johnson’s positive impact on the team and his popularity among teammates and fans.
Johnson’s poignant remarks on the podcast underscore the emotional toll of losing a close friend and the lingering disappointment of not being able to bid farewell. His words reflect the deep connection and camaraderie that often forms within professional sports teams, emphasizing the personal bonds that can extend beyond the playing field.