At a Glance
- Former defensive lineman Kevin Johnson, 55, died from blunt head trauma and stab wounds.
- His death was ruled a homicide and is under investigation.
- He was found unconscious at a homeless encampment in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles.
- Why it matters: The case highlights the vulnerability of former athletes and the ongoing investigation into his death.
Introduction
Former defensive lineman Kevin Johnson, 55, was found dead at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on January 23, 2026. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing blunt head trauma and stab wounds. Deputies responded after a report of an unconscious man in the 1300 block of East 120th Street.
Career Highlights
Kevin Johnson was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 1993. He went on to play for the Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles. During his tenure with the Eagles, he finished with 43 tackles, seven sacks, and returned a fumble for a touchdown over two seasons. In 1997, he appeared in 15 games for the Raiders. After his NFL career, Johnson played in the Arena Football League for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers. He played college football at Texas Southern University.
NFL Career Summary
| Team | Years | Games Played | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 1993 | 12 | 5 | 1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 1994 | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Oakland Raiders | 1997 | 15 | 4 | 2 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 1998-1999 | 20 | 33 | 6 |
Arena Football League
- Orlando Predators – 2000-2001
- Los Angeles Avengers – 2002
Circumstances of Death
Johnson was discovered unconscious at the Willowbrook encampment in southern Los Angeles County on Wednesday morning. Deputies responded to the 1300 block of East 120th Street after a call reporting an unconscious man. The medical examiner identified blunt head trauma and stab wounds as the cause of death. No arrests have been made as the case is still under investigation.
Investigation Status
- The death was ruled a homicide.
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation.
- Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment at the time of his death.
- Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Bureau.
Community Response
The news of Johnson’s death was broadcast on News Of Philadelphia News at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026. Former teammates and fans expressed shock and sadness over the tragic loss. The incident has sparked discussions about the support systems available to retired athletes and the risks faced by homeless populations.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1993 | Drafted by New England Patriots (4th round) |
| 1998-1999 | Played for Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1997 | Played 15 games for Oakland Raiders |
| 2000-2001 | Played for Orlando Predators (AFL) |
| 2002 | Played for Los Angeles Avengers (AFL) |
| January 23, 2026 | Death reported and investigated |
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Johnson, a former NFL defensive lineman, died from blunt head trauma and stab wounds at a Los Angeles encampment.
- The death is ruled a homicide and is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
- Johnson’s professional career spanned the NFL and Arena Football League, with notable achievements including seven sacks and a fumble-return touchdown.
- The case highlights the intersection of athlete retirement, homelessness, and violent crime.
How to Stay Informed
- Follow updates from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau.
- Watch News Of Philadelphia News for further coverage of the investigation.
- Reach out to the Homicide Bureau if you have information related to the case.
—
This article was reported by James O Connor Fields and published by News Of Philadelphia.
