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Retired NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson is grieving the loss of his former Cincinnati Bengals teammate, Rudi Johnson.
Johnson died Tuesday in South Florida at age 45.
During a recent episode of “Nightcap,” a podcast co-hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Johnson reflected on the “great memories” he shared with the late running back.
“I just lost my dawg yesterday, Rudi Johnson,” the former Bengals star revealed. “Obviously, the great memories we had playing in Cincinnati and all that good stuff.”
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Wide receiver Chad Johnson (85) of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates during the game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 9, 2003 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Ochocinco and Johnson were both members of the 2001 NFL Draft class. Ochocinco was selected in the second round, while Johnson landed in the fourth round after earning Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors for his standout 2000 season at Auburn.
They went on to play alongside one another in Cincinnati from 2001 to 2007.
EX-BENGALS STAR RUDI JOHNSON DEAD AT 45
Ochocinco said he was “upset” he did not have the opportunity to wish his friend a final farewell.
“I’m kind of upset, I’m kind of hurt I wasn’t able to say goodbye to a good friend of mine,” he said. “It’s unfortunate. Young Rudi, boy, you’re gonna be missed. I love you.”
Running back Rudi Johnson (32) of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the football against the Buffalo Bills during a game at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Oct. 5, 2003 in Orchard Park, New York. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
TMZ Sports reported that Johnson experienced unspecified mental health problems prior to his death. The outlet added that a family source claimed that the former Bengals standout possibly battled Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson (32) looks for running room against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at Monster Park in San Francisco, California on Dec. 15, 2007. (Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports)
A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said the investigation is being treated as a death by suicide and that there was no early evidence suggesting foul play.
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Bengals president Mike Brown paid tribute to Johnson, remembering him as someone who was greatly admired.
“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Brown said in a statement. “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.”
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Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson heartbroken after missing chance to wish former teammate Rudi Johnson final farewell