Josh Allen Sends Condolences to Former NFL Player Who Died by Suicide Linked to CTE, Calls for End of Tush Push

Josh Allen Sends Condolences to Former NFL Player Who Died by Suicide Linked to CTE, Calls for End of Tush Push

The tragic death of former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson at age 45, reportedly linked to CTE, has shaken the NFL community. As Johnson’s family and former teammates continue to grieve, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has stepped forward to offer his condolences while also urging the league to take stronger measures to protect its players.

Allen, known for his physical style of play and willingness to fight for every yard, understands the risks that come with an NFL career. In his message, he extended heartfelt sympathy to Johnson’s loved ones while highlighting the devastating impact of CTE—a degenerative brain condition tied to repetitive head trauma that has stripped countless former players of their health and peace of mind.

In a powerful statement, Allen declared: “There’s nothing more painful than ending your own life in a state where you’re not even clear-minded. CTE is a cruel disease, and NFL players like us are at constant risk of suffering from it. If the NFL continues to allow the Tush Push, then CTE will become inevitable for many. Stop it now—our careers don’t last forever, and we shouldn’t have to carry both mental and physical pain long after retirement.”

Allen’s remarks quickly drew strong reactions across the league and among fans. Some agreed that the Tush Push—a play the Eagles have turned into a trademark—creates dangerous collisions, particularly for linemen and quarterbacks. Others argued that CTE cannot be pinned on a single play, as it develops from thousands of smaller impacts sustained throughout a player’s career.

Regardless of differing opinions, Allen’s voice adds renewed urgency to a debate that has long haunted the NFL: how to preserve the sport’s excitement and strategy while safeguarding the long-term health of its athletes.

With Rudi Johnson’s heartbreaking death and Allen’s outspoken plea, the conversation about player safety and the future of the NFL has become impossible to ignore.