The football world is mourning the tragic loss of former NFL defensive tackle Kevin Johnson, whose death is now being investigated as a homicide. Johnson, 55, was found earlier this week near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the case turned criminal after the medical examiner ruled the cause of death to be a combination of blunt force trauma and stab wounds.
Lt. Steve De Jong of the LA County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Johnson appeared to be living in the area where his body was discovered, adding a heartbreaking layer to the story of a man who once battled in the trenches of the NFL.
Johnson’s journey through football was one marked by resilience and grit. A Southern California native, he cut his teeth at Westchester High School in Los Angeles before showcasing his talent at Los Angeles Harbor College. From there, he transferred to Texas Southern University, where he continued to develop into the kind of force that would eventually earn him a shot at the pros.
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1993, Johnson never suited up for them in a regular-season game. Instead, his NFL debut came with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for two seasons, anchoring the defensive line with size and power. He later spent a season with the Oakland Raiders, continuing to carve out a role in one of the league’s most physically demanding positions.
When his time in the NFL came to an end, Johnson wasn’t done with football. He transitioned to the Arena Football League, where he played for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers. His time with the Predators was especially notable - he helped the team win a championship in 1998, a testament to his continued impact on the field even after leaving the NFL spotlight.
Johnson’s story is a sobering reminder of the challenges many former athletes face after their playing days are over. While his professional football career had its moments of triumph, his later years appear to have been marked by hardship.
As the investigation into his death continues, the football community reflects on the life of a player who once stood tall in the trenches and now leaves behind a legacy that deserves to be remembered - not just for what he did on the field, but for the journey he took to get there.