Former NFL Player Kevin Johnson Killed In Los Angeles

On a chilly Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, the Willowbrook neighborhood awoke to tragic news: Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman who once thrilled fans with his athleticism and grit, was found dead at a homeless encampment beneath an overpass on the 1300 block of East 120th Street. He was 55 years old. Authorities from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call about an unconscious man just before 8 a.m., only to discover the body of a man whose journey had taken him from the heights of professional football to the struggles of life on the streets.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Johnson died from blunt head trauma and multiple stab wounds. His death was ruled a homicide, and the investigation remains ongoing. As of Friday, officials had released no information about suspects or possible motives, and detectives are urging anyone with knowledge of Johnson’s final days to come forward. "Unfortunately it appears he was homeless," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Steve De Jong told Newsweek. "It looks like he was probably living there."

Friends and acquaintances who gathered at the encampment in the aftermath of the tragedy described Johnson as a quiet, friendly presence whose health had declined in recent years. Bruce Todd, Johnson’s best friend and the best man at his wedding, told KABC, "He was my best friend. I was best man at his wedding... Great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him." Those who knew Johnson said he may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries and common among football players. As reported by ABC 7, Johnson’s health issues played a significant role in his homelessness.

Born on October 30, 1970, in Los Angeles, Johnson’s football journey began at Los Angeles Harbor College before he transferred to Texas Southern University. His standout collegiate play caught the attention of NFL scouts, and in 1993, he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. However, Johnson’s path through the professional ranks would prove anything but straightforward. After being released by the Patriots before the season began, he had brief stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders as a practice squad member and training camp participant. His fortunes changed in August 1995, when the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him off waivers.

Johnson quickly made an impact in Philadelphia. In his first season with the Eagles, he recorded 19 tackles, six sacks, and a touchdown on a fumble recovery in just 11 games, according to Pro Football Reference. He followed this with one sack and 24 tackles in 12 games during his second season. In total, Johnson appeared in 23 games over two seasons with the Eagles, starting six of them and even suiting up for two playoff games in 1995. He was suspended and then released by the team in 1996 after missing a practice, as reported by Pro Football Reference and the Philadelphia Inquirer.

After his time in Philadelphia, Johnson signed with the Oakland Raiders in April 1997. There, he played in 15 games and tallied seven tackles. His NFL career, spanning 38 games—including 15 with the Raiders—was marked by flashes of brilliance and the relentless physicality that defined his position. Yet, like many professional athletes, Johnson’s career in the league was relatively brief.

Not one to leave the gridiron behind, Johnson continued his professional football career in the Arena Football League. He joined the Orlando Predators, where he played a pivotal role in their 1998 championship run, earning an ArenaBowl title. He later suited up for the Los Angeles Avengers, extending his time in the sport he loved. Despite these achievements, the transition to life after football proved challenging for Johnson, as it does for so many who leave the game behind.

Friends and those who knew Johnson at the encampment noted that his health deteriorated in recent years. Several pointed to the possibility of CTE, a disease that has become a growing concern for former football players. CTE is caused by repeated blows to the head and can lead to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, depression, and erratic behavior. While only a post-mortem examination can confirm the diagnosis, the suspicion that Johnson suffered from the disease adds a poignant layer to his story. "Friends said Johnson had been living on the streets and may have suffered from CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma," reported ABC 7.

Johnson’s life and tragic death have sparked conversations about the challenges faced by former professional athletes, particularly those who struggle with health issues and housing instability after their playing days end. The transition from the bright lights of NFL stadiums to life outside the sport can be abrupt, and for some, devastating. The combination of physical injuries, mental health challenges, and the loss of structure and support can leave former players vulnerable.

Detectives continue to work the case, but as of now, no suspect information has been released. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has appealed to the public for help, hoping that witnesses or those who knew Johnson in his final days might provide leads. The lack of answers has left Johnson’s friends, family, and the broader football community searching for closure—and for ways to honor a man who, despite his struggles, left a lasting mark on those around him.

Johnson’s story is a stark reminder of the thin line that can separate triumph from tragedy. From his early days as a football standout in Los Angeles, to his years battling in the trenches of the NFL and Arena Football League, Johnson’s determination and spirit were never in doubt. Yet, like so many who sacrifice their bodies for the game, he faced battles off the field that proved even more daunting.

As investigators pursue justice for Kevin Johnson, his legacy lives on in the memories of teammates, friends, and fans. His journey—from the roar of the stadium to the silence of a Los Angeles encampment—underscores the urgent need for greater support for athletes transitioning out of professional sports, especially those grappling with health and housing challenges. The community, as Bruce Todd so simply put it, will indeed miss him.