Days before his tragic passing, former Bengals star Rudi Johnson shared one last message of encouragement to the next generation in his Virginia hometown.
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Johnson, who was inducted into the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame last week, recorded a speech where he urged local kids to chase their dreams with focus and determination.
"I want to give a special shoutout to all the people who came before me, the alumni from Thomas Dale High School and Ettrick Trojans," Johnson said. "Also, the same people that came after me. So, with that being said, I just want to say dream big, shoot for the stars, stay focused, never give up. And one more thing: For all the kids from Chesterfield County, I'll be watching for the next star to be born."
Johnson reflected on his roots in Virginia, recalling the advice he received from early coaches and how that foundation helped fuel his rise. From the Ettrick Trojans youth program to Thomas Dale High School, to Butler Community College, Auburn, and eventually the NFL, Johnson said every step along the way carried lessons about hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
The running back went on to set the Bengals' single-season rushing record, posting 1,458 yards in 2005, and still ranks fourth on the team's all-time rushing list.
Johnson died on Tuesday at the age of 45 after what TMZ reported was a suicide following a struggle with mental health issues and possible effects of CTE. The Bengals issued a statement calling Johnson "dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend."
