The violent death of former NFL lineman Kevin Johnson has been revealed — and the details are grim.
Los Angeles officials confirmed Thursday that the 55-year-old ex-Philadelphia Eagles defender was killed by blunt head trauma and stab wounds. His death has officially been ruled a homicide after his body was found Wednesday inside a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, according to the county medical examiner.
An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been announced.
Johnson — once a powerful presence on NFL sidelines — had turned 55 just months earlier, in October. His shocking death marks a devastating end for a player who once competed on football’s biggest stage.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Johnson spent several years bouncing between teams before carving out a notable role with the Philadelphia Eagles.
During the 1995 season, Johnson appeared in 11 games for Philadelphia, starting one and posting six sacks, 19 tackles, and a rare defensive touchdown on a fumble return. He followed up with 12 more games in 1996, adding another sack and 24 tackles.
His NFL career came to an end in 1997 after 15 games with the Oakland Raiders.
But Johnson didn’t walk away from football. He later joined the Arena Football League, playing for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers, where he won an Arena Bowl and continued competing at a high level.
A Los Angeles native, Johnson played college football at Texas Southern University before reaching the pros.
News of his brutal killing sparked an outpouring of grief online, with Johnson’s son, friends, and loved ones sharing emotional tributes on social media — mourning a former NFL warrior whose life ended in violence far from the stadium lights.
What led the former football star to a deadly encampment — and who is responsible — remains unanswered as authorities continue their investigation.
I started at McDonald’s when I was 16 and fully retired as an accountant at 66. I’m not “rich,” but I’m not worried about the 45 degrees below zero wind chill today and what my next gas and electric bill will total. Why not? BECAUSE I SAVED MY MONEY and worked long enough for a middle-of-the-road Social Security benefit. There is no way that a former pro football player of 5 years (1993 through 1997, inclusive) should be homeless – and DEAD because of it – except STUPIDITY.
Well aren’t you a hoot
RIP Kevin Johnson. Fly Eagle Fly!!
I can agree with everything that Anonymous mentioned in their post. Because I am in my 90’s and started working (@12 yrs.) full time after school and never missed a day of school. “Yes”, back then (1930-1940’s) you could work full time jobs at an early age. And just like Anonymous, “I am not rich”, I do have a nice home, a wonderful wife & family & everything I own is paid for. Because I worked long hours (before retiring) and used that $$$$$ to pay off my bills. I did not want to worry about my family after I retired. And I also, realize that this type of life does not work for ever one. Especially the ones that want a very, very, very above average life style. That is their own choice. Some save for after retirement, while others do not, because some live for today and only worry about tomorrow when it gets here and that is their choice. The only part of the post that I do disagree with Anonymous on, is I would not call the person stupid. because NO ONE knows why the person was homeless or why he was in a homeless encampment. From what I gather from the article, only the family may or may not know the answer to that question and it seems that no one is saying anything for what ever reason. I can only say that “I” do not call any one dumb or stupid, without knowing the circumstances of their life. It is not my place to call anyone names, even if I do or do not know them. I do wish Johnson & his family my condolence’s and may Johnson RIP. These are just my opinions. Wishing everyone a nice day.