India, Sept. 23 -- Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson died by suicide at the age of 45 "this week." A family source confirmed the news of his death to TMZ on Tuesday. The NFL community is mourning his tragic and untimely passing.

Born October 1, 1979, in Petersburg, Virginia, Rudi Ali Johnson carved his way into the national spotlight at Auburn University. His work rate earned him recognition as one of the country's best running backs.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the 2001 NFL Draft. For much of the decade that followed, Johnson became a fixed presence in the backfield.

2004 was Johnson's best season in the NFL, according to ESPN. He registered 1,450 rushing yards, helping the Bengals re-emerge as a contender...