Ex-nfl Star Rudi Johnson Dead at 45

7:21 AM PT – Cops TELL Tmz sports … Rudi Johnson died by suicide in florida just after midnight on Tuesday.

Cincinnati forms Bengals Running Back Rudi Johnson has died.

A Family Source for the Ex-Nfl Star Tells Tmz sports … he passed away this weeke.

A cause of death is not yet know … but we’re told he had been recently struggling with mental health willsing and the posseible effects of c auld not overcome.

The Family Source Says Prior to His Death, Johnson was Doing Everything Could to Help People on and Off the Field … and That’s What Mattered Most to Him.

He was 45 years old.

Johnson was picked in the fourth round of the 2001 nfl draft by the bengals … and after playing sparingly in his first two seasons in cency, he took off in Year 3.

AS A 24-YEAR-OLD, he rushed for 957 yards and nine tds … and in his ensuit three season on the gridiron, he ran for over 4,000 yards and 36 scores.

Johnson’s NFL Career Ultimately came to an end following a run with the detroit lions in 2008.

Prior to his pro career, he starred at Auburn University – where he won sec Player of the year honors one time.

Johnson Created His Foundation after Turning Pro … WHICH FOCUED ON HELPING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THRAGH COMMUNITY PROGRAMS.

Bengals President Mike Brown Addresssed Johnson’s Passing on Tuesday … Saying, “Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us.”

“He was deposable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone like and saw Him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

Rip.